The Impact of Home Care on Stroke Patients

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?

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

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.

Meet our Caring Client Services Team

At Family & Nursing Care, we are constantly inspired by the compassionate and devoted people who work with us. That’s why, from time to time, we want to shine a spotlight on some of the exceptional teams and people who help create our care-focused culture. Today, we want to highlight our Client Services team, who play a crucial role in ensuring each client and their family receives the highest quality of care they desire and deserve.

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. In addition, the Client Services Department offers Supervisory Nurses who support Family & Nursing Care Select clients and Caregivers. The Supervisory Nurses meet with clients and their loved ones to professionally assess their needs and create a Plan of Care for Caregivers to follow, as well as make home visits and provide ongoing supervision of home care services.

To learn more about the Client Services department, check out the following frequently asked questions:

How do client services managers help guide clients and their families through the home care experience?

 At Family & Nursing Care, every client services manager has a high level of training to serve as a liaison, educator, active listener and problem solver for clients and their families. Every step of the way, they serve as the primary point of contact for all clients’ home care needs, both practical and emotional. Their responsibilities include making personal visits to clients, whether that be in their home, hospital, rehab, or another setting. Through visits, they get to know the client as well as the client’s preferences and priorities so that they can help guide clients through any challenges they may face. Above all, client services managers are dedicated to maintaining ongoing communication to ensure the client’s home care needs are continually being met.

Is there a nurse who oversees client care?

A supervisory nurse is assigned to every client who chooses to receive home care through Family & Nursing Care Select. Upon starting care, a nurse meets with the client and their family to professionally assess their needs and create a fully customized plan of care for the caregiver(s). In addition to routinely checking in with caregivers about a client’s well-being, supervisory nurses also visit clients in their homes to provide ongoing supervision of services, skills support, and education for caregivers. They re-assess the plan as needed. This nurse oversight is welcomed by the clients’ family members, who find the extra attention comforting. Many family members live out of the area. Even if they live close by, their schedules may not allow for the personal oversight of their loved one’s care.

Family & Nursing Care is a leading resource for private duty home care services in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Since 1968, we’ve been helping older adults maintain their independence and quality of life in the comfort of their own home. To learn more about how our team can help, visit our Client Services Managers webpage.

Family & Nursing Care Select – A Home Care Agency That Advocates on Your Behalf

Family & Nursing Care Select is a home care agency that employs rigorously-screened and highly-qualified Caregivers to provide home care to older adults.

Upon starting care, a Supervisory Nurse will meet with you to assess the client’s needs and create a Plan of Care. Clients and their families enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing there is a Registered Nurse (RN) overseeing the care, checking in regularly, and making any adjustments needed.

Experience the benefits and comfort of Family & Nursing Care Select

  • Our home care agency is focused on compassionate and reliable in-home care.
  • Our nurse oversight is welcomed by adult children who find the extra reassurance comforting or are not able to check in on their loved ones regularly because they live too far away or their schedule will not allow it.
  • Each Select Caregiver, as an employee, receives ongoing supervision and training specific to the health conditions and individual needs of each client. Each Caregiver is also covered by the company’s professional liability and worker’s compensation insurance.
  • Caregivers are paid by Family & Nursing Care Select.
  • Client invoices are sent and payable every other week.
  • As an added service to clients with Long-Term Care Insurance, Family & Nursing Care Select help clients and their families better understand the benefits offered by their policy and helps them file the requisite paperwork for
    reimbursement (see more information below).
  • Our Caregivers receive overtime pay when working 40+ hours/week. Unlike many other agencies, we don’t pass this cost on to you. We absorb that cost so that clients experience the many benefits realized from superior continuity of care with greater consistency of Caregivers.

Flexible Commitments to Meet Everyone’s Unique Needs

Many people aren’t aware of the flexible nature of home care. Care can be arranged for just a few hours a day up to 24 hours a day. There is no long-term obligation.

We recognize that every family’s needs are different and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. People who try home care experience such positive changes in their life and in the life of their loved one that they often choose to receive services long term. We work together with you to find a solution for your unique family situation.

A Home Care Agency that Advocates on Your Behalf

While services from a private duty home care company like Family & Nursing Care (both Family & Nursing Care Classic and Family & Nursing Care Select options) are not eligible for reimbursement from Medicare, Medicaid, or general health insurance, most Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI) policies reimburse their policyholders for these private duty services.

LTCI policies reimburse policyholders either a daily, weekly, or monthly maximum amount for home care to assist them with activities of daily living. Some policies will also have a benefit for home care if your loved one is diagnosed with a cognitive impairment, and needs dementia or Alzheimer’s care.

As an added service to our clients who have LTCI, Family & Nursing Care Select helps you better understand the benefits offered by your policy and helps you file the requisite paperwork for reimbursement. We first have a conference call between the Long-Term Care Insurance carrier and our Family & Nursing Care Select Long Term Care Manager to support you in getting a full understanding of the criteria, benefits, and next steps to a successful and smooth experience with the claims reimbursement process.

Family & Nursing Care Select can also assist you with getting reimbursements from your LTCI carrier for the cost of our Services by submitting the necessary claim documentation to your LTCI company.

Our specialized support allows us to advocate on your behalf.

We believe it is our job to ease your mind and present solutions to your challenges—not cause you more paperwork and aggravation.

 In need of home care services? Contact us to get started!

Activities of Daily Living

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are essential personal tasks that people do on an everyday basis. Some examples of ADLs include bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, meal preparation, feeding, toileting, continence care, transferring, and lifting. Older adults often have trouble performing some or all ADLs on their own.

Caregivers can help clients perform these activities of daily living as needed. The help provided by the Caregiver is completely dependent upon each individual client’s needs. For instance, one client may require a Caregiver’s full assistance with bathing or showering, while another may need the Caregiver to simply monitor the activity to ensure the client is safe and help reduce the risk of a slip and fall. This individualized level of assistance is applied by the Caregiver to all ADLs.

The Caregiver will also familiarize themselves with the full spectrum of the client’s abilities and needs in order to allow the client to maintain independence where and when they can. For example, a client may need help with preparing a meal, but be perfectly capable of feeding themselves. In this case, the Caregiver will cook a meal for the client, but will not overstep and try to assist with feeding. If the client’s needs change over time, the Caregiver can adapt to those needs.

There may be instances where a client is not receptive to receiving the needed help or care. This can especially be the case if the client has dementia, which can cause them to become agitated. Caregivers have the skills to maintain open communication with the client and their families regarding care. For example, the Caregiver will use a very calm tone and demeanor to ascertain the client’s preferences and comfort level with receiving care and will clearly explain to them about how the help will be provided.

To learn more about our home care services and why thousands of families choose us, call us at 800-588-0517.

Mobility Assistance

Mobility issues are common amongst older adults. When mobility assistance is needed, a Caregiver can help with getting up, walking, transfers into or out of bed or a chair, turning/positioning in bed, range of motion exercises, and more. Increased physical activity, assisted by a Caregiver, can help boost a client’s mood, decrease stress, and increase alertness.

In addition, Caregivers can provide a helping hand and safety monitoring to decrease a client’s risk of slipping and falling. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in the U.S., falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death among adults age 65 and older. The Caregiver can help ensure that the client is able to move about safely.

To learn more about our home care services and why thousands of families choose us, call us at 800-588-0517.

Companionship

Companionship can be vital to the mental and physical well-being of older adults.

As individuals age it can become harder to keep up with normal routines and social activities. According to the CDC, older adults, particularly those who live alone, are prone to develop feelings of social isolation and loneliness that can lead to serious health conditions. Caregivers can provide companionship support that helps clients feel comfortable, secure, social, and well-cared for.

Caregivers can provide companionship services including:
• Assistance/company with normal routines
• Taking for a walk
• Providing company at mealtime, social activities, or family events and other functions
• Shopping/Errands
• Accompanying to appointments
• Transportation*


**Standard IRS mileage rates may be applicable.

To learn more about our home care services and why thousands of families choose us, call us at 800-588-0517.

Support Services

Many times, a chief reason for utilizing home care services is allowing older adults to maintain their independence and stay in their own home for as long as possible. Caregivers can help with that goal by providing support and a helping hand to clients with light housekeeping duties including:

    • Laundry
    • Washing Dishes
    • Taking out the trash
    • Maintaining Bathroom Cleanliness
    • Maintaining Bedroom Cleanliness
    • Vacuuming/Dusting
    • Making the bed/changing bed linens

To learn more about our home care services and why thousands of families choose us, call us at 800-588-0517.