BrightStar Care of Port Charlotte

Dementia is a widespread condition. In fact, nearly 55 million people live with dementia(Opens in a new window) worldwide. While its not uncommon to hear the terms dementia and Alzheimers disease used interchangeably, these two are quite different. Dementia is a general term used when referring to a range of symptoms that impact cognitive functioning, memory and behavior, and Alzheimers describes a specific type of dementia. In truth, there are several different types of dementia beyond Alzheimers, including vascular dementia and Lewy Body Dementia. Although the differences can be subtle, its important to know which type of dementia someone is living with. At BrightStar Care, we strive to educate families about this prevalent disease. Get details about dementia, its various types, and common treatments. What Is Dementia? Dementia(Opens in a new window) is the general term for the loss of memory and cognitive skills. While some cognitive impairment is normal with advancing age, in the case of dementia, symptoms are usually severe enough to interfere with everyday activities. People with this condition might have trouble with communication, reasoning, judgment, problem-solving, and even visual perception. Here are a few signs that may indicate the onset of dementia: Forgetting the names of close family members Getting lost in familiar areas Inability to complete tasks independently Forgetting words or using unusual verbiage to talk about familiar items Inability to recall key memories Behavior or mood changes The Main Types of Dementia As youve read, dementia is an umbrella term that describes a variety of conditions. But just how many types of dementia are there? There are three more common  types of dementia, but less common varieties exist as well. Learn more about the different types of dementia and their symptoms: Alzheimers Disease In 2020, approximately 5.8 million Americans lived with Alzheimers disease(Opens in a new window). Its the most common type of dementia and occurs when plaques and bundles of proteins build up between nerve cells in the brain, ultimately causing brain cell death in the final stage. There are three stages of the disease(Opens in a new window): early stage (mild), middle stage (moderate), and late stage (severe). While Alzheimers begins well before the first symptoms register, the earliest detectable signs include memory trouble, apathy, and depression. Someone developing Alzheimers might have problems completing familiar tasks or misplace things and be unable to retrace their steps. As the disease progresses, more severe symptomsincluding impaired communication, poor judgment, and disorientationmay emerge.Vascular Dementia Vascular dementia(Opens in a new window) accounts for roughly 10 percent of dementia cases. This condition is associated with damaged and blocked blood vessels in the brain, leading to decreased blood flow to areas of the brain and dead tissue. The severity of vascular dementia will depend on the location, number, and size of the damage or blockages. Unlike Alzheimers, where memory loss typically emerges first, with vascular dementia, the earliest symptoms tend to include impaired judgment or inability to make decisions, plan and organize.Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)Lewy Body Dementia(Opens in a new window) (LBD) is another one of the different types of dementia. LBD results when abnormal clumps of protein (called Lewy bodies) develop around the cortex. Like Alzheimers patients, people with LBD often experience memory loss and cognitive issues. But beyond that, they are likely to suffer initial symptoms such as sleep disturbances, visual hallucinations, and imbalanced gait, like those with Parkinsons. Less Common Types of Dementia Dementia comes in many forms, and numerous patients live with conditions beyond the main three types. Heres a brief overview of the fewer common varieties(Opens in a new window): Mixed Dementia: This condition occurs when two or three forms of dementia are present at once.Parkinsons Disease Dementia: Motor difficulties are one of the signature symptoms of Parkinsons disease, which otherwise manifests similarly to DLB.Frontotemporal Dementia: There are several subtypes of frontotemporal dementia, many of which lead to language difficulties and changes in personality and behavior.Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: More commonly known as mad cow disease, this condition is a rapidly fatal disorder that triggers changes in behavior, memory, and coordination.Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: Caused by excess fluid in the brain, normal pressure hydrocephalus results in impaired memory, difficulty walking, and incontinence. It can sometimes be treated with the draining of fluid.Huntington's Disease: This progressive brain disorder is caused by a chromosomal defect. Its symptoms include abnormal involuntary movements, a severe decline in thinking, and mood disturbances.Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome: This memory disorder is commonly associated with alcohol misuse.Treatments for Dementia  Thankfully, people living with dementia have several treatment options to reduce symptoms and increase quality of life. Physicians may recommend the following treatment approaches(Opens in a new window) to your loved one: Medication: Many patients benefit from medications that temporarily improve symptoms. Cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine, and Leqembi may be prescribed by your loved ones doctor. Therapy: Dementia patients often benefit from therapy. Occupational therapists can help patients learn coping strategies, prevent accidents, and manage behavior. Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes are key to living with dementia. As a caregiver, encourage your loved one to exercise and engage in activities they enjoy. It may also be helpful to keep a calendar, establish routines, and speak slowly to lessen confusion. Providing Specialized Care for Dementia At BrightStar Care, were glad to provide specialized care for those living with dementia. Whether your loved one is beginning treatment or has lived with the disease for years, our team is here to help. Our highly-trained caregivers will ensure your loved one has access to the gold standard in home care. Find a BrightStar Care Location Near You Looking for in-home care services or assisted living for your loved one or a reliable medical staffing partner for your organization? Our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location near you, contact us online, or call 866.618.7827 to speak with a local care expert and learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard.

Why is Falling Serious for Seniors?Did you know that older adults often fear falling, even if they havent fallen in the past? This makes sense, because falling, even from something as simple as tripping on a rug or slipping on a wet floor can result in broken bones. For an older person, a broken bone is very serious, so for seniors, fall prevention is crucial. A fall can sometimes be the start of serious health problems or lead to long-term disability. More than one in four people over age 65 fall each year(Opens in a new window), and falling causes 90 percent of hip fractures. The risk of falling and breaking a bone increases with age, but there are proactive measures you can take to help your older loved ones reduce their risk of falling and increase their longevity. The first step is to identify fall risk factors with your loved ones, in order to take precautionary measures.Five Top Causes of FallsBy knowing the top causes of falls(Opens in a new window) in elderly people, you can take steps to protect your older loved ones.1. Impaired VisionOlder people often have vision problems like cataracts and glaucoma, which alter depth perception and visual acuity as well as limit their peripheral vision, making them more susceptible to glare. These issues can make it more difficult to navigate the home safely and anticipate or notice hazards in time to prevent a fall. Even wearing bifocal or varifocal lenses can affect depth perception and make it hard to go down stairs.2. Home HazardsIt is easy to overlook fall hazards in the home(Opens in a new window), but being proactive about removing them can greatly reduce the risk of falls. Home hazards include:Steps or stairways that are poorly lit or have loose/unsecure handrails or, worse, no handrailsPoorly lit hallways and walkwaysClutter blocking pathwaysPets that may get underfootLoose wires, rugs, or other objects that can cause trippingBathroom or kitchen tile without non-slip treadShowers and bathtubs without non-slip basins, or missing grab barsImportant items not kept within easy reaching distance3. MedicationCertain medications can cause side effects like dizziness, light-headedness, unsteadiness, drowsiness, blurred or double vision, and reduced mental alertness. Some medications can affect balance and cause a drop in blood pressure while standing. Taking four or more medicines, often referred to as polypharmacy, can increase the risk of falling(Opens in a new window), especially with those that are considered high risk medications. Opiates, diuretics, anti-depressants, sedatives, blood pressure medication and anticonvulsants are some examples of high-risk medications that pose a higher risk for falls among the elderly. It is important to talk to your doctor and be aware of any potential side effects.4. Weakness and Poor BalanceAs people age, they lose muscle mass. This can cause problems with balance and gait. To reduce muscle loss, older people should remain active and try balance and strength training exercises like yoga, Pilates and tai chi.5. Chronic ConditionsCertain conditions, like Parkinsons, hearing problems, diabetes, heart disease or issues with the thyroid, nerves, blood vessels or feet, can increase fall risk factors. Conditions like diabetes can cause neuropathy, which involves numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning in the feet, and this can make it difficult to walk without stumbling. Heart disease can also make people unsteady on their feet. Parkinsons disease is a neurodegenerative disease that causes motor symptom that include stiffness, tremor, impaired balance, shuffling gait, and changes to the center of gravity. Incontinence, which causes people to rush to the bathroom, can also increase the risk of falling(Opens in a new window).Preparing Your Home for Fall Prevention: How to Prevent FallsFall prevention at home for seniors is important for keeping your loved ones safe. Here are 10 tips to prevent falls at home(Opens in a new window).Check stairs and steps to make sure none are broken or uneven and all have sturdy handrails on either side. Install anti-slip stair treads for slippery hardwood stairs.Make sure there is adequate lighting, especially around entryways, in hallways and at the top and bottom of stairs.Install grab bars in the bathroom, by the toilet and in showers and tubs.Remove any throw rugs to prevent them from tripping.Keep pathways and stairways free from clutter.Consider adding strips of bright or contrasting colors in places you have trouble seeing, like the stairs or grab bars, handrails or any uneven surfaces.Keep commonly used items within easy reach to avoid the use of step stools and chairs.Install a bed rail to provide support getting in and out of bed.Clean spills immediately to reduce the risk of slipping.Fall-proof your bathroom with non-slip rubber grips in the shower or tub, a shower chair, hand-held shower head or even a walk-in bathtub.The Warning Signs and Risk Factors of FallingThe more risk factors(Opens in a new window) a person has, the greater the risk of falling. Pay attention to your older loved ones, looking for signs of the following risk factors,, and consider a risk assessment(Opens in a new window) if you are concerned about any of the following:Muscle weaknessWorsening eyesightDeclining hearingUneven gait or poor balancePain in hips, knees, ankles or feet, including injuries or stiffnessDependence on supports for walking, getting up or sitting downChronic physical ailments, including hypertension, diabetes, arthritis incontinence, or ParkinsonsCognitive impairment or declineNew prescription medications with side effects that can increase the risk of fallingOveruse of alcohol or abuse of narcoticsBlackouts or faintingChanges in sleeping habitsHigh Quality Care for Older AdultsBrightStar Care takes a comprehensive approach to fall prevention, pairing our unmatched clinical expertise with educational resources to help and empower families. Our agencies can perform a home safety evaluation, assessing possible risks and making recommendations regarding accessibility modifications. Then, at every reassessment, an RN will do a further safety check, educating the client and family on fall risks and ways to reduce them.Additionally, by contracting for home care with us, you will be ensuring that someone ist there to help with things that could be hazardous, like reaching high shelves, bathing, or climbing stairs. In some cases, physical therapy may be helpful in building strength to prevent falls. When you partner with BrightStar, you gain the assistance of a caring, compassionate team, dedicated to keeping your loved one safe and healthy.Find a BrightStar CareLocation Near YouLooking forin-home care servicesorassisted livingfor your loved one or areliable medical staffing partnerfor your organization? Our experienced local care team members are ready to help.Find a locationnear you,contact usonline, or call 866.618.7827 to speak with a local care expert and learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard.

If youre like many older Americans or you have elderly parents you probably have a lot of questions, such as:Does Medicare pay for home health care services?Does Medicare Advantage cover home care?Whats the average cost of home health care services?How much does private in-home nursing care cost?What home care services does Long-Term Care insurance (LTCi) pay for?Each person has a unique situation financially, health-wise and with family dynamics so there isnt a one-size-fits-all answer to the cost of in-home care services. But we can provide general insight here and meet with you one-on-one to discuss your loved ones specific needs.Home care can be a cost-effective option than many people realize and its an appropriate use of your loved ones income and assets. Just as important or perhaps even more important is the fact that the majority of adults want to age in place(Opens in a new window), according to AARP.After all, your loved ones heart is in their home. If their health allows them to remain at home supported by high-quality caregivers, finding a way to make that happen is one of the greatest gifts you can ever give them.Whats the Best Way to Pay for Home Care?Many people that find themselves at the beginning of the journey to bring caregivers or nurses into their home and have quite a few questions, such as:How much does it cost for in-home care services near me? The Genworth Cost of Care Survey(Opens in a new window) is a good starting point for general cost information. Keep in mind that rates vary based on the types of services and the quality of care.Does Medicare pay for home care services? Refer to item #6 in the Your Plan to Pay for Home Care section below.What resources can we use to cover the cost of in-home care? This varies for each family and may change over time as your financial situation evolves.Answering the questions below can help you identify sources of funds, which will help you prepare for a conversation with a BrightStar Care agency or other home care service provider:What income, savings and assets does my loved one have available?Does he or she have assets they no longer need that could be sold? (e.g. Two cars, but only one of your parents still drives, a timeshare they no longer use, etc.)Did he or she or their spouse serve in the military?What health insurance do they have? What does it cover?Does your family member have traditional Medicare and/or Medicaid?Does your loved one have Medicare Advantage (MA)?Do they have Long-Term Care insurance (LTCi)?In addition to the resources your loved one may have available for their own care, consider the availability of expendable income or assets you and your relatives may be able to contribute toward your family members needs.What to Ask a Home Care AgencyWhen it comes to paying an agency, there are a few questions youll want to ask. Although answers to some of these questions will be included in the agency contract, its a good idea to get the details up-front:What forms of payment do you accept? (VA/CCN, private insurance, personal check, credit card, Long Term Care insurance (LTCi), government payers like VA/Military, Medicaid, etc.)How is billing handled? (mailed, online payment portal, emailed, etc.)What are your payment terms? (Pre-pay or deposit, weekly, net 30, due upon receipt, etc.)Download our guide explaining options to pay for home care services.Download Guide(Opens in a new window)Your Plan to Pay for Home CareThere is no single solution that works for every family. The right solution is the one that works for you. In many cases, the answer is likely to be a combination of the funding sources described below. Except for private pay, most options for home care services have eligibility requirements and limitations. Because rules surrounding sources like Medicaid, Medicare and Medicare Advantage (MA) sometimes change, we can help you navigate evolving details to support your efforts to provide for your loved one.1. Private Pay or Out of PocketPaying with personal funds helps cover services when you or your loved ones care has reached the limits of service and support from sources such as Medicare or other insurance coverage. These personal funds may come from your loved one or a family member who has the financial means to share in the cost of home care.2. Private Health InsuranceThanks to partnerships with national and local insurance companies, BrightStar Care is sometimes in-network. Call us for more information we are happy to do our part to facilitate getting quality care for your loved one. 3. Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCi)Long-term care benefits usually pay for in-home assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, incontinence care, transfers (from bed, chair, toilet, etc.), meal prep and more. If your loved one has LTC insurance, BrightStar Care can help you process the claim; in some cases, we can assist with billing.4. Military BenefitsVA health care benefits are available for eligible veterans and some benefits extend to the veterans spouse. Additional programs such as Aid & Attendance provide monetary funding to be used for home health care. Eligibility requirements vary so it is important to research which veterans programs(Opens in a new window) may be a good fit. Call your local BrightStar Care agency today and theyll help you determine if your loved one is eligible.5. MedicaidEach state decides what services are provided under their Home and Community Based Service (HCBS) waiver program(Opens in a new window). To qualify, your loved one must meet your states eligibility requirements, and have income and assets below certain guidelines. You can find general details about Medicaid here(Opens in a new window) or your local BrightStar Care team may have additional insights.6. Medicare (Traditional/Original)Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and/or Medicare Part B (medical insurance) cover eligible home health services as long as you need part-time or intermittent skilled services and as long as you meet the standards of homebound, as defined by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services(Opens in a new window).Medicare Part B (medical) covers some in-home care, but the type of service and frequency may be limited. Medicare-certified home health agencies provide service based on orders from a physician or allowed practitioner (such as a nurse practitioner, a clinical nurse specialist and physician assistant) usually for a specific condition and a set period of time.Medicare Part A (hospital) offers the same coverage as Part B. However, under Part A, you may not receive home health services unless you were hospitalized for three (3) consecutive days just prior to needing at-home care.BrightStar Home Care locations that offer skilled nursing may be eligible to provide medically necessary part-time or intermittent skilled nursing care. If your loved one is currently receiving care from a Medicare home health agency, BrightStar Care (which is a home care agency) will work with the Medicare agency to provide the supplemental or continued care. Every situation is different. You may be affected by a Medicare demonstration program if you receive services in Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, or Texas. Learn more with a free booklet, Medicare and You,(Opens in a new window) from the official Medicare website. This booklet is available in multiple languages(Opens in a new window), Braille, audio, large print, e-reader options and on paper. You can also visit the home page of the Medicare site(Opens in a new window) or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). 7. Medicare Advantage (MA)Medicare Advantage (also called Medicare Part C) is an alternative to traditional Medicare(Opens in a new window) for your healthcare insurance that often includes benefits not covered by traditional Medicare, such as dental, vision, drug coverage and supplemental benefits like personal care and homemaker services. There are many insurance carriers and MA plans available with differing benefits, so it is important to understand what coverage you have. Our team is here to help you sort through details regarding whether you may qualify for In-Home Supplemental Services (IHSS).8. Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)This newer, relatively small program may be a source for home care funds. PACE(Opens in a new window) provides comprehensive medical and social services to certain frail, elderly people (participants) still living in the community. Most of the participants who are in PACE are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.Lean Into Our ExperienceMost individuals will only deal with home care services a handful of times throughout their lives for their parents, their spouses, a child with a disability or even themselves.But at BrightStar Care, we think about home care services 24/7, every day of the year. We are ready to be your trusted source of information and guidance on this important issue. We hope youll reach out for assistance.If you would like to learn more about in-home care, please send us a message, reach out to your nearest BrightStar Home Care agency or return to the beginning of our online Home Care Guide.