As home care needs increasingly become more urgent and unpredictable, families often find themselves grappling with the challenge of securing reliable caregiving assistance at a moment’s notice. With the home care industry evolving into a 24/7, 365 days-a-year necessity, the demand for swift, effective crisis care solutions has never been more critical.

At Family & Nursing Care, nearly 75% of individuals reaching out to us are urgently seeking a Caregiver within the next 48 hours, particularly following a hospital discharge or after a fall occurs. Recognizing this growing need, we pride ourselves on being equipped with the staffing, resources, and services to respond promptly and proficiently in any situation. In fact, in January 2024 alone, we provided 55 clients with access to a Caregiver within 24 hours. Some of these clients needed assistance for a few days, others for much longer, all of which we accommodated.

“In a landscape where the need for crisis care continues to escalate, Family & Nursing Care strives to go above and beyond in our response to clients and their family members facing crisis – from the first point of contact with us and throughout the entire care journey,” says Mitch Markowitz, Vice President of Business Development at Family & Nursing Care. “Our unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with our strategic approach to supporting clients, ensures that families receive the assistance they need regardless of the situation.”

Addressing the Urgent Need

At Family & Nursing Care, we understand the urgency and stress that accompanies the quest for immediate caregiver support. That’s why we offer unparalleled care solutions and a diverse set of teams to address any home care need, especially the escalating demand for crisis care:

• Expansive Caregiver Network: With over 1,500 experienced Caregivers in our pool, Family & Nursing Care offers families an extensive selection to choose from. Each Caregiver undergoes rigorous screening to ensure they possess the skills and compassion necessary to deliver exceptional care.
• Dedicated Coordination Team: Our robust team of Care Coordinating Managers is adept at managing complex scheduling demands and swiftly matching Caregivers with families based on their unique requirements. From coordinating last-minute placements to facilitating seamless transitions, our Coordinators are committed to delivering personalized support every step of the way.
• Client Services Managers: Our Client Services Managers work closely with families to understand their preferences, values, and specific care needs. By fostering strong relationships and open communication, they ensure that client expectations are not only met, but exceeded.
• Comprehensive Intake Process: Our intake team is trained to ask the right questions and gather essential information to assess each client’s situation comprehensively. By understanding the nuances of their needs and preferences, we can tailor our care solutions to provide the highest level of support and comfort.

The Family & Nursing Care Difference

We specialize in navigating the complexities of crisis situations with precision and efficiency, and our approach is rooted in strategic planning, rapid response, and effective coordination. Outside of our unparalleled strategy, we encompass a holistic approach to enhancing quality of life and fostering independence. Whether it’s providing access to Caregivers to assist with daily activities, companionship, or medication reminders, Family & Nursing Care is dedicated to empowering individuals to live life on their own terms, in the comfort and familiarity of their homes.

With a vast network of experienced Caregivers – in addition to our Care Coordinating Managers, Client Services Managers, and Intake teams – Family & Nursing Care can mobilize quickly to meet urgent care demands. Whether it is providing round-the-clock assistance following a hospital discharge or helping to address unexpected health complications, we work to help ensure that families receive the support they need, when they need it most.

To learn more about Family & Nursing Care’s crisis care offerings or any other services, contact us or visit our Home Care Services webpage.

As a trusted and leading home care resource for over 55 years, Family & Nursing Care has been steadfast in its commitment to providing access to top-notch, personalized care to older adults in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Now, the company is proud to announce its continued expansion into Howard County and Baltimore, with plans to soon bring its services to Pennsylvania.

Even before its expansion into Central Maryland, Family & Nursing Care has been partnering with Allyson Stanton of Stanton Aging Solutions for nearly 20 years. Previously as a social worker, and now as an aging life care manager, Allyson works with Family & Nursing Care frequently, reaching out to coordinate care for her clients. She sees the company’s growth in the area as nothing but a major positive for the families with whom she works and other older adults in Howard County and Baltimore. “I think it’s a fantastic idea,” she says. “They have a proven track record of helping people. I trust them implicitly, and their expansion means more families will have access to exceptional home care.”

As for what families themselves think about the Caregivers who work with Family & Nursing Care, Allyson notes the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. “Communication is seamless, scheduling is a breeze, and families don’t have to worry about a thing,” she says. “The Caregivers are not only skilled but also compassionate, making them a perfect fit for our clients.” Allyson also noted that, since she is a care manager, she represents her clients and not a specific organization. “When we refer to a company, it’s a vetted experience we trust. There are over 2,000 companies registered in Maryland to choose from, so for us to trust Family & Nursing Care speaks volumes.”

The Family & Nursing Care Difference

As Family & Nursing Care continues to expand its reach – whether in Central Maryland or soon in a new area altogether in Pennsylvania – we remain dedicated to our core values of compassion, integrity, and excellence in care. With a network of highly trained Caregivers and a client-centered approach, we strive to set the standard for home care in the region. Here’s more of what sets us apart:

• For 55 years and counting, we’ve assisted tens of thousands of families by providing access to Caregivers who help with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, mobility assistance, errands, meal prep, light housekeeping, medication reminders, companionship, and more.
• Our longstanding relationships with hospitals, senior living communities, skilled nursing facilities, and long-term care insurance companies allow us to liaise in the coordination of what can often be an overwhelming process for clients and families. Whether it’s coordinating home care when a sudden need arises or supporting families following a hospital discharge, our team stands ready to support them 24/7, 365 days a year.
• Only the top 8% of Caregivers who apply meet our unwavering standards of excellence, ensuring every Caregiver we work with is the best-of-the-best.
• Given Family & Nursing Care’s record as a nine-time winner of Bethesda Magazine’s Best of Bethesda Readers’ Poll, an A+ rated company by the Better Business Bureau, and a Circle of Excellence recipient by the National Business Research Institute, it’s no wonder why more than 25% of Family & Nursing Care employees have been with the company for over 10 years.

To learn more about Family & Nursing Care’s leading offerings, check out our Home Care Services webpage.

As we age, our bodies undergo numerous changes, making it increasingly vital to prioritize physical activity for overall health and well-being. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, older adults are at a higher risk for chronic health conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, falls are a prevalent concern, with one in three older adults experiencing a fall each year, often resulting in serious injuries. With winter fading away and spring blossoming, now is the perfect time to re-focus on the importance of physical activity for older adults.

Staying active plays a crucial role in promoting longevity and enhancing quality of life as we age. Rachel Sanford, a Registered Nurse and Director of Nursing for Family & Nursing Care Select, emphasizes the significance of maintaining an active lifestyle.

“The less active we are, the more difficult it becomes to stay motivated to engage in activities,” she says. “Decreased physical activity can lead to muscle loss, poor exercise tolerance, and increased risk of falls or injuries.”

Engaging in regular physical activity not only benefits older adults physically, including cardiovascular health, but also contributes to their mental and emotional well-being. Increased physical activity, with which Caregivers can assist, can help boost someone’s mood, decrease stress, and enhance alertness. Sanford also underscores the importance of recognizing age-related changes and embracing assistive devices or Caregiver assistance. “Falls in the older adult population can be catastrophic,” she warns. “Utilizing any resource available to minimize the risk of falls is vital to allow older adults to remain injury-free and living independently.”

When it comes to choosing activities, low-impact exercises tend to be most appealing for older adults. Swimming, chair yoga, seated exercises, and wall Pilates are excellent options that minimize strain on aging bodies while still providing significant health benefits. Sanford recommends that clients work on their mobility as often and as safely possible, ideally daily. She also stresses that everyone has unique needs and, while going for a long walk or to the gym may work well for one person, standing from a seated position 10 times a day or changing positions in bed frequently may work better for another person. When it comes to exercise, Sanford likes to quote Newton’s First Law of Motion, “An object at rest will stay at rest, and an object in motion will stay in motion, so let’s get moving.”

At the end of the day, prioritizing physical activity for older adults is not just about staying fit — it’s about preserving independence, enhancing quality of life, and reducing the risk of falls and injuries. With help from qualified and supportive Caregivers, clients can receive the encouragement they need to stay active, in addition to other services, such as assistance with bathing, dressing, errands, meal prep and light housekeeping, medication reminders, and companionship.

For more information on how Family & Nursing Care can help, check out the Mobility Assistance webpage.

 

In July 2023, the FDA gave full approval to Leqembi, the first-ever drug designed to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. While the development and approval of this treatment represents a significant step forward in medical research – and tremendous hope for patients and their families – it might not be suited for everyone. Fortunately, there are additional resources to help those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

The What & Who of Leqembi

Leqembi is a first-of-its-kind Alzheimer’s drug designed to identify and target disruptive beta-amyloid proteins in the body and help reduce existing amyloid brain plaque to slow the harmful impacts of the disease. In trials, the treatment was shown to slow cognitive decline by 27% over 18 months. “The impact that Leqembi may have on patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease is potentially very great,” says Dr. Lynn Deutsch, a geriatric psychiatrist in Silver Spring, Maryland. “Leqembi has been shown to help clear the brain of the amyloid, which may prevent brain deterioration and subsequent severe stages of the illness.”

After earning accelerated approval from the FDA, Leqembi officially hit the market in 2023. However, the drug still isn’t widely available to those with Alzheimer’s and it’s only fit to treat people in the very early stages of the disease. In fact, only a quarter of the 6 million people currently living with Alzheimer’s in the U.S. will qualify for treatment with Leqembi, including those with mild forms of the disease and minor memory issues as opposed to more severe symptoms.

While drugs like Leqembi offer a major advancement in the treatment of Alzheimer’s and other progressive forms of dementia, it’s not a one size fits all. Adults living with dementia may need extra support, especially as the disease progresses. So, what is the next step as Alzheimer’s and dementia progresses? Home care can be an accessible and often vital resource for those living with this disease. “Treatment for patients in all stages of dementia includes not only medication but education and support of family and other caregivers,” adds Dr. Deutsch. “Caregivers and family play a significant role in the care of patients and education about the specific kind of dementia and caregiving techniques have been found to be effective in reducing patient agitation.”

The Family & Nursing Care Difference

Family & Nursing Care is a longtime leader in providing access to best-in-class care for older adults living with dementia and other cognitive issues, so they can feel the most comfortable. Dementia care services available through Family & Nursing Care offer private, customizable care options that can allow family respite and time, while providing the necessary support and companionship for clients based on their individual needs. Access to Caregivers with a wealth of experience and training at different stages of dementia can be provided, including:

• Early-Stage Needs: For those in the early stages of memory loss diseases, Caregivers can provide emotional and daily support, including keeping appointments, assistance with remembering to take medications, and encouraging participation in activities that can help exercise certain brain functions and potentially slow disease progression.
• Middle-Stage Needs: For those experiencing increased memory trouble, acting out, developing triggers, or otherwise diagnosed with middle-stage dementia needs, Caregivers can assist with daily tasks like grooming, cooking, and household chores. As the disease progresses, Caregivers can also provide services focused on keeping clients comfortable and more at-ease.

As the medical field marks a major milestone with the introduction of Leqembi, and as treatments continue to evolve and develop, those dealing with dementia and their families can take comfort knowing more options exist, including home care, to help combat this disease. To learn more about Family & Nursing Care’s Alzheimer’s and dementia care offerings, call us at 800-588-0517 or visit the Home Care and Alzheimer’s/Dementia webpage.

As the landscape around home care continues to evolve, so do priorities and industry trends. In 2023, the home care industry was majorly impacted after the expiration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency in May. This led to the end of Medicare’s “3-Midnight Rule” waiver and affected thousands of individuals across the United States as it highlighted critical gaps in care. Additionally, in a year of change, the White House issued an executive order on improving the nation’s care infrastructure, and a new emphasis on artificial intelligence in workplaces began.

From the economics of home care to a rise in at-home care, 2024 will bring a new set of changes and challenges to the home care industry. For this article, we sat down with Family & Nursing Care CEO Neal Kursban and Vice President of Business Development Mitch Markowitz to discuss the top trends clients, caregivers, and professionals in the industry should keep an eye on this year.

 

Looking for an impactful New Year’s resolution? Why not start with fostering deeper social connections, which can lead to longer life, better health, and improved well-being!

On the heels of a holiday season often focused on family, friends, and camaraderie, many of us may feel a bit lonelier and for valid reasons. In 2023, the United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory calling attention to the public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection in America – which has a particularly outsized effect on older adults. In fact, the rate of older Americans facing social isolation has increased every year since 1976, and today senior loneliness accounts for $6.7 billion in excess Medicare spending each year. The health consequences are equally alarming with a 29% increased risk of heart disease, 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia.

The Advisory At-a-Glance

Advisories are reserved for significant public health challenges that need people’s immediate attention. In addition to examining the epidemic of loneliness and isolation in America – which increases the risk for premature death to levels comparable to smoking daily – the advisory outlines a framework to enhance social connection based on six pillars:

1. Strengthen social infrastructure. Create communities and institutions, including parks, libraries, playgrounds, and programs, that bring people together.
2. Enact pro-connection public policies. Governments at all levels play a role in creating policies like accessible transportation that can enable more connections.
3. Mobilize the health sector. Because loneliness and isolation are risk factors for major health conditions, it’s incumbent on health care providers to recognize the signs and intervene.
4. Reform digital environments. Evaluate the role of technology to ensure it doesn’t detract from connection with others.
5. Deepen our knowledge. More research is needed to understand the risks, causes and outcomes of social disconnection as well as the effectiveness of implementing efforts to enhance connection.
6. Cultivate a culture of connection. Societal norms significantly impact people’s relationships and it’s critical for connection to be embedded in the fabric of the country’s culture.

The Family & Nursing Care Difference

Family & Nursing Care is one of the oldest and most well-respected private duty home care businesses in the greater Maryland and Washington, D.C. area. We pride ourselves on offering access to empathetic, personal companion care that helps clients feel valued, secure, and connected to the community. Some ways the Caregivers we work with can help combat feeling isolated or lonely includes:

• General Companionship: In addition to helping with meeting nutritional needs, personal care, and appointments, Caregivers can become close confidants and provide older adults with an outlet and space to share feelings, thoughts, and stories. Loneliness can be curbed with something as simple as sharing a meal or having regular conversations. Caregivers and clients often develop a connection like that of a friend or family member.
• Social Access: Mobility and transportation issues can inhibit social interaction, but you can leave those woes behind! A professional Caregiver can accompany clients to social events and get togethers, including senior clubs, knitting circles, and more, offering tons of opportunities to connect with potential new friends.

“There’s no better time than the start of a new year to embrace the companionship of a Caregiver,” said Kelly Salb, Vice President of Client Services for Family & Nursing Care. “Human connection has both mental and physical health benefits and our team is passionate about providing our clients access to customized personal care services in order to help with health needs but also create a better quality of life through social interaction.”

Living independently doesn’t have to mean feeling alone, and 2024 is a great year to decide to spend more time in the community. Family & Nursing Care offers access to a range of care services to help with this and ensure human connection. To learn more, call us at 800-588-0517 or visit the Home Care Services or Contact Us webpages.