Category: Blogs

World Mental Health Day: Enhancing Support for Our Aging Population

Posted on by Risa Margulies

As we observe World Mental Health Day on October 10, it is crucial to highlight the increasing need for mental health awareness and support among older adults. With the global population aging rapidly, an estimated 1.4 billion people – or one in six – will be 60 years old or older by 2030. This demographic shift brings both opportunities and challenges, especially as it relates to mental health.

Many older adults remain in good health, but as they age, they face heightened risks for mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. These issues are often compounded by physical health challenges, including reduced mobility, chronic pain, frailty, and dementia. Addressing these mental health issues is critically important when it comes to helping seniors lead fulfilling and dignified lives.

World Mental Health Day serves as a vital opportunity to raise awareness about these issues and promote actions that can improve the mental well-being of older adults. Just as June’s Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month emphasized the need for greater understanding and resources for cognitive diseases, October’s focus on mental health highlights the broader spectrum of emotional support required for our aging population.

“On World Mental Health Day, it’s crucial to recognize that mental well-being is as essential as physical health for older adults, though often overlooked,” says Kelly Salb, Vice President of Client Services for Family & Nursing Care. “At Family & Nursing Care, we are committed to providing older adults and their families access to high-quality care, companionship, and daily living assistance, ensuring that seniors not only have their physical needs met but also their emotional and psychological needs.”

The Family & Nursing Care Difference

Family & Nursing Care is a longtime leader in providing access to best-in-class care for older adults. We understand the unique mental health challenges of seniors and offer specialized home care services to address them as best as possible. Our network of professionally certified Caregivers has extensive experience supporting clients’ overall well-being, including:

  • Companionship Services: Social isolation and loneliness can significantly affect mental health. Companionship services – which range from assistance with normal routines and taking a walk to providing company at mealtime and accompanying on appointments – provide meaningful interaction and emotional support, helping seniors stay engaged and connected. By fostering relationships and offering regular social contact, professional caregivers can help reduce feelings of loneliness and improve mental well-being.
  • Mobility Assistance: Physical limitations can exacerbate mental health issues. Mobility assistance services – including help getting up, walking, transferring into or out of bed, and range of motion exercises – help seniors maintain their independence and participate in activities that enhance their quality of life. This support not only aids in physical mobility but also contributes to mental health by encouraging a more active and connected lifestyle.

World Mental Health Day is an important occasion to reflect on the mental health needs of older adults and consider how we can make a difference. Whether through home care services or by offering support to loved ones, every effort contributes to a more supportive environment for seniors. To learn more about Family & Nursing Care’s leading home care services, visit our Mobility Assistance and Companionship webpages.

 

 

What Older Adults Can Expect from Home Care Services

Posted on by dcadmin

With 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 each day in the U.S. and approximately 62 million people total over 65 – or 18% of the population – the need for extra support among older adults has never been greater. At the same time, close to 80% of adults prefer to age in place. Enter home care.

The Benefits of In-Home Care Services

Home care is personalized, daily living support that helps older adults maintain their independence at home. Home care services may include assistance like bathing, dressing, mobility assistance, errands, meal prep, light housekeeping, medication reminders, companionship, disease-specific support, and more. While the appeal of extra help around the home is undeniable, home care services provide many practical benefits as well, including:

  • Comfort: Clients can receive personalized care and attention in familiar surroundings, which can improve both their physical and emotional well-being as well as improve recovery.
  • Independence: Home care can help older adults improve their function and live with greater independence without having to relocate from their homes.
  • Quality of Life: Home care can help people experience an increased quality of life, including faster recovery from illness or injury, better symptom management, and improved functioning. Research shows that when people are able to recover at home after a hospitalization, they recover faster. For this reason, home care services can be especially helpful for older adults transitioning home after a hospital stay, as caregivers can help with daily activities like picking up prescriptions and preparing meals that allow seniors to get the rest and recovery they need.
  • Safety and Peace of Mind: Home care can help keep people safe at home and facilitate compliance with medical recommendations. At the same time, home care can give your family peace of mind. The average family caregiver spends more than 20 hours per week caring for their loved one at home, oftentimes on top of their other responsibilities associated with raising children and working a full-time job, which research shows can have an adverse impact on family’s emotional, physical and financial well-being. In-home care services are an ideal solution for older adults who may want help with daily living activities at home, but don’t want to rely on family members to maintain their independence.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Long-term care is an incremental cost that can catch many elderly adults and their families off-guard as they age, and while home care services are paid for privately by seniors, either out of pocket or from a long-term care insurance policy, home care can actually be more affordable than older adults assume. For example, the annual cost of a private room at a nursing home – a cost Medicare won’t cover – in the U.S. is more than $108,000. In contrast, home care services are often billed at an hourly rate, with most seniors only needing a few hours of extra support at a time.

A Leading Home Care Resource

As one of the oldest and most well-respected home care resources in the Mid-Atlantic region, Family & Nursing Care’s mission is to help older adults maintain their quality of life as they age. For more than 55 years, we have helped tens of thousands of families by providing access to a network of over 1,500 experienced Caregivers who can assist with a range of home care services, including:

  • Activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, meal preparation, feeding, and toileting.
  • Mobility assistance, including helping someone get up, walking, transferring into or out of bed or a chair, turning and positioning in bed, range of motion exercises, and more.
  • Companionship, which includes taking walks, providing company at mealtime, social activities, family events and other functions, errands, accompanying on appointments, and transportation.
  • Support services, such as doing laundry, washing dishes, taking out the trash, and light housekeeping.
  • Nutrition and paying close attention to dietary needs, preferences, and restrictions by preparing meals and snacks, assisting with feeding, and encouraging fluids.
  • Disease specific care, which can include specialized support for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, Parkinson’s disease, hospice and palliative care, pneumonia, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and depression.

Whether it’s arranging home care services when a sudden need arises or assisting families following a hospital discharge, our team stands ready to help 24/7, 365 days a year. It’s why 98% of clients would recommend Family & Nursing Care to a friend or family.

To learn more about Family & Nursing Care’s leading home care services, call us at 800-588-0517 or visit the Home Care Services page on our website.

Vote for Family & Nursing Care in the Best of Bethesda Reader’s Poll!

Posted on by Risa Margulies

 

Family & Nursing Care has moved on to the Elimination Round in Bethesda Magazine’s Best of Bethesda Readers’ Poll, and voting is now live! Please vote for us as the best In-Home Health Care Service in the Health & Wellness category by casting your vote at the link below.

We are proud and honored to have been voted as the area’s best in-home care provider nine times. Please help us make it a perfect 10! Voting ends September 30 – so please vote today!

Earning recognition such as this is important in helping spread the word about our services so we can reach even more clients and families in times of need. Thank you in advance for your support!

The Impact of Home Care on Stroke Patients

Posted on by dcadmin

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in the United States. Tragically, it’s also the fifth-leading cause of death, with about 160,000 people in the U.S. dying from stroke-related issues each year. It’s clear that the effects of a stroke can be devastating for individuals and their families, robbing them of time together and independence.

Specialized Home Care Services to Help Prevent or Manage a Stroke

However, some more encouraging news is that there are ways to either prevent or manage a stroke – and that’s where home care support can play an important role. To help decrease the chances of suffering a stroke, caregivers can provide the following home care services to assist older adults:

  • Manage risk factors, like monitoring high blood pressure or scheduling doctor’s appointments to check cholesterol, in addition to picking up prescriptions and providing transportation.
  • Improve one’s diet by preparing meals in accordance with a plan set by a doctor, home health nurse, or nutritionist, such as low sodium, low cholesterol, low fat, vegetarian, or vegan.
  • Encourage physical activity and healthy habits by promoting regular exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep.
  • Provide emotional support and help manage stress by asking clients about what kind of aid they need and then providing that support.

At the same time, when an unfortunate event does occur and someone suffers a stroke, a care plan can be developed to help the stroke patient regain the highest possible degree of independence and quality of life at home.

Caregivers can assist stroke patients in many ways, including:

  • Providing practical, emotional and recovery support, such as helping with tasks like shopping, cooking, medication reminders, and personal care.
  • Encouraging stroke patients to work toward recovery, including assistance with at-home exercises.
  • Monitoring the behavior of stroke patients to help ensure safety and prevent falls.
  • Coordinating medical appointments
  • Helping with memory issues and anxiety.

Unsurprisingly, there is a level of uncertainty for how long the effects will last, or whether abilities will improve with time, which makes determining whether a stroke patient remains at home very difficult. Fortunately, caregivers have experience and are familiar with the many situations where a stroke survivor might require support, ultimately providing the stroke patient and their family with some respite and peace of mind.

A Leading Home Care Resource

As one of the oldest and most well-respected home care resources in Maryland and Washington, D.C., Family & Nursing Care’s mission is to help older adults, including stroke patients, maintain their quality of life as they age. For more than 55 years, we have helped tens of thousands of families by providing access to a network of over 1,500 experienced Caregivers who assist with activities of daily living, mobility, errands, meal prep, and companionship, in addition to more specialized support, such as stroke, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, Parkinson’s disease, hospice and palliative care, pneumonia, heart disease, and depression. With only the top 8% of Caregivers who apply meeting the organization’s rigorous screening process, Family & Nursing Care’s specially trained Caregivers can provide home care support and assistance to stroke patients and their families.

To learn more about Family & Nursing Care’s leading home care services and support for stroke patients, call us at 800-588-0517 or visit the Home Care and Stroke page on our website.

What is Home Care and Why is it so Important for Older Adults?

Posted on by dcadmin

For many older adults, they often face the difficult decision of where to live and enjoy their golden years to the fullest. Fortunately, several options exist, from moving into nursing homes and senior living communities to downsizing their space, but the most popular choice remains staying right at home. In fact, according to an AARP study, 77% of people over the age of 50 prefer to age in place. While this is a great idea for many people, successfully aging in place requires careful planning, including decisions about additional help in the home with safety, mobility and daily activities at the forefront.

So how do you choose what type of senior care you need to maintain your quality of life at home? The two most common options available are home care and home health care. While one might think this is the same thing, there actually are some key differences and important considerations when deciding how to manage your in-home care needs. Read more below to see these distinctions and help you determine the support that fits you best.

Home Care vs. Home Health Care Services

Home care, also known as private duty home care, provides non-clinical assistance to help older adults maintain their independence at home. This includes personalized, daily living support, including home care services like running errands, transportation to appointments, grocery shopping, meal preparations, grooming and dressing. Home care may also include companion care, mobility assistance and managing chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or Alzheimer’s disease.

Home health care, on the other hand, involves medical services being provided to older adults in the comfort of their own home. This type of support is similar to the care received at a hospital or a skilled nursing facility. Home health care services include physical, occupational or speech therapy, post-surgery health monitoring, wound care, catheter care, IV administration, pain management, and nutrition services.

Eligibility

Home care can continue for as long as someone wants based on their budget and individual needs. Home health care, however, may require a doctor’s order and is often recommended for people with chronic conditions, those recovering from surgery, or older adults with serious diseases and conditions.

Providers

Home care services can be performed by people who are not licensed medical professionals, like certified nursing assistants, but home health care services must be performed by licensed healthcare professionals, such as a registered nurse.

Costs

Since home health care is prescribed by a physician, many expenses for these clinical services and medical equipment are Medicare-eligible. However, to qualify for home health care Medicare coverage, older adults must be deemed “home bound” by their doctor. Home health care is also only rendered on a short-term, intermittent basis. Additionally, Medicaid is another federally funded program that can be used to pay for some home care services that Medicare does not cover. Ordinarily, there is a long application and qualification process to begin Medicaid services since it’s based on financial need.

Conversely, private duty home care is paid for privately by older adults and their families, either out of pocket or from a long-term care insurance policy. Because of this, there are no eligibility requirements, and anyone is free to use the service on a short-term or long-term basis. In addition, there is the flexibility to match clients with caregivers based on skills, preferences and overall compatibility.

What Type of At-Home Care is Best for You?

As mentioned above, the type of at-home care needed varies from person to person. While home health care is better suited for older adults who need in-home nursing services for medical assistance, private duty home care is more flexible and can be a great way to support everyday activities on a short or long-term basis. Private duty home care may also be an ideal option for older adults following:

  • Discharge from a hospital or rehabilitation facility
  • Decline in mobility or independence
  • A fall
  • Loss of a companion
  • Relocation of an adult child or family caregiver

A Leading Home Care Resource

As one of the oldest and most well-respected home care resources in Maryland and Washington, D.C., Family & Nursing Care’s mission is to help older adults maintain their quality of life as they age. For more than 55 years, we have helped tens of thousands of families by providing access to a network of over 1,500 experienced Caregivers who assist with activities of daily living, mobility, errands, meal prep, and companionship, in addition to more specialized support, such as diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, Parkinson’s disease, hospice and palliative care, pneumonia, heart disease, stroke, and depression.

To learn more about Family & Nursing Care’s leading home care services and how it can help older adults age with dignity, call us at 800-588-0517 or visit our website.

The Importance of Home Care for Older Adults Living with Diabetes

Posted on by dcadmin

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1 in 10 people in the United States are living with diabetes. What’s more troubling is the percentage increases as people age, with nearly 30% of those 65 or older having diabetes. This is particularly concerning since older adults are more likely to develop diabetes-related complications, such as heart disease, kidney failure, and hypoglycemia.

Specialized In-Home Care for Diabetes Patients

While there is currently no cure for diabetes, some more positive news is that the disease can be effectively managed with medications and a change in diet and exercise. To help establish a healthy lifestyle and manage blood sugar and insulin levels, home care offers a solution to lessen the impact of diabetes on one’s health and well-being.

Caregivers can provide the following home care services to assist older adults with diabetes:

  • Preparing meals in accordance with a plan set by a doctor, home health nurse, or nutritionist, such as low sodium, low cholesterol, low fat, vegetarian, or vegan.
  • Managing health care, including scheduling doctor’s appointments, picking up prescriptions, and providing transportation. Caregivers can also learn about the diabetes patient’s medications, supplies, and equipment, such as blood sugar monitors and test strips.
  • Monitoring health, including blood sugar levels and checking for signs of problems like wounds that aren’t healing. They can also help with foot care, such as checking toenails for swelling or signs of infection.
  • Promoting healthy habits by encouraging regular physical activity, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep.
  • Providing emotional support by asking the diabetes patient about what kind of aid they need and then providing that support.

Diabetes patients who would benefit from home care the most are those with frequent hospital admissions, diabetic wounds or foot ulcers, multiple new medications, or underlying disease processes that may contribute to poor diabetic control.

A Leading Home Care Resource

As one of the oldest and most well-respected home care resources in Maryland and Washington, D.C., Family & Nursing Care’s mission is to help older adults, including diabetes patients, maintain their quality of life as they age.

For more than 55 years, we have helped tens of thousands of families by providing access to a network of over 1,500 experienced Caregivers who assist with activities of daily living, mobility, errands, meal prep, and companionship, in addition to more specialized support, such as diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, Parkinson’s disease, hospice and palliative care, pneumonia, heart disease, stroke, and depression.

With only the top 8% of Caregivers who apply meeting the organization’s rigorous screening process, Family & Nursing Care’s specially trained Caregivers can provide home care support, education, and assistance to diabetes patients and their families.

To learn more about Family & Nursing Care’s leading home care services and support for diabetes patients, call us at 800-588-0517 or visit the Home Care and Diabetes page on our website.

The Benefits of Home Care for Cancer Patients

Posted on by dcadmin

While the number of cancer patients unfortunately continues to increase in the United States – with over 2 million new cases in 2023, which was up from 1.9 million in 2022 – some more optimistic news is cancer deaths are steadily decreasing, according to the American Cancer Society. In fact, since 1991, the number of cancer patient deaths has decreased by 33%. Several factors have led to this decline, including early cancer detection, treatment advancements, improved screening programs, and the decrease in smoking.

Specialized In-Home Care for Cancer Patients

Another important factor contributing to this improvement is home care for cancer patients. As hospital stays become shorter due to treatment innovations and changes in health care systems, cancer patients often still require specialized assistance as they undergo chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. That’s where home care can play a critical role, with caregivers providing temporary and ongoing support so that loved ones remain safe at home.

Caregivers can help mitigate stress and make cancer patients feel as comfortable as possible through the following home care services:

  • Assistance with daily activities and personal needs, such as bathing, dressing, and mobility.
  • Housekeeping duties, such as cleaning, shopping, and cooking.
  • Arrangements for home care and services, like making appointments, providing transportation, and running errands.
  • Support for patients coping with nausea, anemia, pain, infection, and other complications.
  • Recognition and reporting of problems or new symptoms to family members.
  • Providing emotional support and encouragement to help cancer patients get through treatment plans and take other steps to get well, like eating healthy meals or getting enough rest.

The Benefits of Home Care for Cancer Patients are Not New.

In a 1989 study, McCorkle et al carried out a randomized clinical trial to determine the effects of home care versus typical office care for 166 patients with progressive lung cancer. Although there were no differences in pain, significant differences in symptom distress, social dependency, and health perceptions were reported. These results suggest that home care can alleviate some discomfort for cancer patients and help maintain their independence longer.

As one of the oldest and most well-respected home care resources in Maryland and Washington, D.C., Family & Nursing Care’s mission is to help older adults, including cancer patients, maintain their quality of life as they age. For more than 55 years, we have helped tens of thousands of families by providing access to a network of over 1,500 experienced Caregivers who assist with activities of daily living, mobility, errands, meal prep, and companionship, in addition to more specialized support, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, Parkinson’s disease, hospice and palliative care, pneumonia, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and depression.

To learn more about Family & Nursing Care’s leading home care services and support for cancer patients, call us at 800-588-0517 or visit the Home Care and Cancer page on our website.

Meet Lauren Whaley – Compassionate Client Services Manager Committed to an Elevated Level of Customer Service

Posted on by Risa Margulies

Lauren Whaley joined the Family & Nursing Care team in October 2020 as a Client Services Manager Associate before quickly being promoted the next year to Client Services Manager. In addition to her other responsibilities, Lauren supports the clients and families at Riderwood Senior Living in Silver Spring, Maryland, where she enjoys making home visits and getting to know each client on a personal level to better understand their needs.

Prior to joining Family & Nursing Care, Lauren worked at Make-A-Wish Foundation and Easterseals where she helped assist families in need. This experience combined with her diverse skill set and passion to enhance the lives of others has helped her excel as a Client Services Manager.

Known for providing a high level of customer service through empathy, guidance, and compassion, the clients and families Lauren supports often sing her praises. Her attention to detail, dependability, organization, and calm demeanor allows her to effectively communicate and connect with clients and co-workers alike.

A graduate of the University of Maryland with a degree in Family Science, Lauren enjoys spending her free time with family and friends and being outdoors as much as possible.

At Family & Nursing Care, our team of highly trained Client Service Managers serve as liaisons, educators, listeners, and problem solvers to help meet clients’ caregiving needs every step of the way. They are responsible for communicating with clients, families, and healthcare professionals, while working in tandem with Care Coordinating Managers to match the right Caregiver to each client. To learn more about how our team can help, visit our Client Services Managers webpage.

Staying Safe Amid the Summer Heat

Posted on by Risa Margulies

While summertime brings sunny skies and the chance to spend more time outdoors – especially as families look to reconnect – extreme heat can also disproportionately impact certain populations. Recognizing that older adults are more prone to heat-related health problems, like muscle cramps, headaches, nausea, or even heatstroke, it’s important to prevent or respond to any warm weather issues as they arise.

That’s where Family & Nursing Care’s network of highly trained Caregivers can play a critical role in helping clients avoid any warm-weather health issues. Here are some of the ways they can assist to ensure family’s loved ones are safe during the heat of summer:

  • Hydration: Hydration is key in the summer, especially for older adults. Caregivers can make it easier for clients to drink plenty of fluids during hot summer days by making sure there is plenty of cool water to drink both in the home and when they are outside and by reminding them to drink frequently.

 

  • Proper attire: The best clothing for summer is light weight and made of natural materials like cotton or linen. These materials tend to be more comfortable and help our bodies stay cool. Before outings, Caregivers can help ensure their clients are wearing weather-appropriate clothes and have sunglasses and a hat with them to protect from sunburns, irritated eyes, glaucoma-related sensitivities, skin cancers, and more.

 

  • Heatstroke: Older adults have a harder time regulating their body temperature, making them more prone to heatstroke, which can be quite dangerous. In extreme heat, Caregivers can help their clients avoid serious issues by watching for changes in their condition which can be precursors to heatstroke. Common signs of heat stroke include a body temperature over 104 degrees, headaches, nausea, not sweating despite the heat, dry or flushed skin, and fainting. Older adults with these symptoms should be taken to a cooler indoor space, where they can lie down and have ice packs put on their body. A Caregiver can also call 911.

 

  • Mobility Issues: Even normal day-to-day activities require more energy in the summer heat, making it easier to get tired quickly. For older adults who have mobility issues, this problem is exacerbated. Caregivers can provide mobility support to your loved ones, ensuring they enjoy outdoor weather and don’t get too tired while out and about.

 

“While it’s important for everyone to stay active regardless of the time of year, it’s vital when being outdoors during the summer to take the proper precautions and ensure you are prepared for the warmer weather,” says Rachel Sanford, a Registered Nurse and Director of Nursing for Family & Nursing Care Select. “Older adults are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, which is why it’s very helpful for someone else, like a Caregiver, to be on hand, to assist with the right tools and guidance to help prevent and/or respond quickly to any warm-weather related issues.”

For more information about the services available at Family & Nursing Care, visit the Home Care Services webpage. For more information about the impact of heat on older adults, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.