Brightstar Care Manatee

A Mutually Beneficial Partnership in HealthcareTo continue providing the highest quality care for clients and offer nursing staff valuable professional resources, BrightStar Care continues to partner with the Infusion Nurses Society (INS),(Opens in a new window) the premier professional organization for infusion nursing. Infusion therapy, formally thought of as an extreme measure used only on the most critically ill, has developed into a highly specialized form of treatment implemented in a variety of settings including the home. BrightStar Care continues to partner with the INS, for their dedication to setting the standard for excellence in the field by providing professional development and advancing best practices. Throughout its network of over 390 locations across 41 states, BrightStar Care employs specially trained infusion nurses(Opens in a new window) qualified to administer specialized infusion treatment in clients homes. The business partnership adds another level of expertise to BrightStar Cares already unmatched quality standards. BrightStar Care nurses have access to the INS Standards of Practice, infusion policies and procedures, educational meetings, professional development opportunities, and scientific publications. INS will continue to benefit from a large, high-quality homecare franchise utilizing its membership benefits to improve the safety and quality of in-home infusion nursing services. The alignment of our organizations benefits not only our valued nurses who utilize INS support and educational opportunities but first and foremost BrightStar Care clients who will continue to reap the rewards of our efforts to provide the highest quality care possible by following the INS standards and best practices, says Josie Rhoades, MS, BSN, RN, VP of Clinical Operations. INS is honored to partner with the BrightStar Care team, said Christopher Hunt, MBA, Chief Executive Officer of INS. Since our inception more than 50 years ago, INS has set the standard for infusion care, and we are committed to delivering infusion-related education and resources to BrightStars team of care professionals to help deliver a higher standard of in-home infusion care.At BrightStar Care, many nurses are trained to provide infusions, and our partnership with INS allows them to get up-to-date information on best practices and professional development. Meet some of our best and brightest: Jill Tedesco, RN:(Opens in a new window) Jills patient Theresa no longer needs to make exhausting trips to the infusion center. With Jills help, she can receive the treatments she needs from the comfort of her home. Kandi Peterson, RN:(Opens in a new window) When Connie tested positive for COVID-19, Kandi knew she still needed to get Connie her infusions. Kandi suited up in her PPE and administered infusions that ensured Connies immune system wouldnt be further compromised. Stephanie Fradette, BSN, RN-BC, CCRN:(Opens in a new window) Stephanie has been instrumental in ensuring that a young patient can still attend the Ivy League school of her dreams. She administered complex infusions to this patient and often drove hours to give infusions when other, closer nurses werent available. About Infusion Nurses Society The Infusion Nurses Society (INS), located in Norwood, MA, is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1973. For more than 40 years, INS has been committed to bringing innovative new resources and opportunities to a wide range of healthcare professionals who are involved with the specialty practice of infusion therapy. The organization is dedicated to advancing the delivery of quality therapy to patients, enhancing the specialty through stringent standards of practice and professional ethics, and promoting research and education in the infusion nursing practice. Both INS and BrightStar Care are excited to continue to participate in this mutually beneficial partnership. Find a BrightStar Care Location Near YouLooking for in-home care services(Opens in a new window) or assisted living(Opens in a new window) for your loved one or a reliable medical staffing(Opens in a new window) partner for your organization? Our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location(Opens in a new window) near you, contact us(Opens in a new window) online, or call 866.618.7827 to speak with a local care expert and learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard.

What is Psoriasis? Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition caused by an abnormal autoimmune response. Its characterized by thick, scaly patches of skin that occur when the body generates new skin cells too quickly. Roughly 2 to 3 percent of the population(Opens in a new window), or over 8 million Americans, have psoriasis. The condition can appear at any age, but peak onset periods occur between the ages of 20 and 30 and again between 50 and 60 years old. In honor of Psoriasis Awareness Month this August, now is a great time to review how to identify and treat this condition in seniors. Psoriasis can affect your loved ones quality of life and even lead to seemingly unrelated health conditions. By catching the warning signs and beginning age-appropriate treatment, you can help prevent flare-ups. Psoriasis Causes While the direct cause of psoriasis is unknown, it results from an overactive immune system and commonly includes a genetic component. This means your risk is higher if an immediate family member has psoriasis. Many external triggers can cause psoriasis symptoms to flare up. These include: Stress Cold, dry weather Sunburn, bug bites, lacerations, and other skin injuries or infections Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption Some medications Vitamin D deficiency Everyone with psoriasis has different triggers, so its important to identify them on an individual basis. Symptoms of Psoriasis This skin condition has three levels of severity: Mild psoriasis covers less than 3 percent of the body. Moderate psoriasis covers 3 to 10 percent of the body. Severe psoriasis covers more than 10 percent of the body. The appearance, location, and severity of psoriasis vary. One person might experience a few localized areas of dandruff-like scaling, while another might suffer from vast flare-ups covering a large portion of their body. Most types of psoriasis go through cycles, flaring up for a few weeks or months and then going dormant for a while or even entering complete remission. Psoriasis most often appears on the knees, elbows, lower back, or scalp. Face psoriasis also develops in about half of people with this skin condition. The most common psoriasis symptoms include: Red patches of skin with thick, silvery scales Dryness and cracking, sometimes enough to bleed Itching, burning, or soreness Thick, pitted, or ridged nails Psoriasis can affect more than just the skin. If left untreated, it can lead to a range of health complications and increase the risk of developing certain diseases(Opens in a new window), including: Psoriatic arthritis Obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes Cardiovascular, kidney, and Parkinsons disease Celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel illnesses Low self-esteem, depression, and withdrawal from social life Seek a medical evaluation and guidance from your doctor about how to treat psoriasis in seniors. Then, keep the following treatment options in mind. Psoriasis Treatment Psoriasis is a chronic condition that may last a lifetime once it sets in. Although psoriasis is not curable, many professional and at-home treatment options are available. Consider that psoriasis treatment for seniors may differ slightly from treating psoriasis in younger populations. For instance, you may need to lower your medication dose, change medications, or try an entirely new type of treatment to see results. Topical Treatments for Psoriasis The first approach is often to apply over-the-counter or prescription-strength creams and ointments. Options for older adults include: Corticosteroids such as cortisone and hydrocortisone Vitamin D analogs Tazarotene For topical treatment to be effective, a senior must: Be able to comfortably reach and apply the medication Know how much, how often, and where to apply the medication Spend the necessary time using the medication as prescribed Psoriasis Light Therapy Moderate to severe psoriasis may benefit from light therapy. Exposing the skin to artificial and natural UV light can slow skin cell turnover and reduce inflammation. Treatment may involve taking light-sensitivity medication and visiting a medical center about twice a week for a few months. Oral or Injected Psoriasis Medications If psoriasis doesnt respond to other treatments, the doctor may prescribe pills or injectable medication. The safest options for people over age 65 include(Opens in a new window): Acitretin Apremilast Methotrexate Some biologics, including etanercept, adalimumab, infliximab, and ustekinumab Note: Cyclosporine should be used with great caution in older adults because it can cause kidney damage. Home Remedies for Psoriasis In addition to taking medication as prescribed, seniors may find relief from flare-ups with psoriasis home treatment. Heres what to try: Relieve dryness and itching with dermatologist-approved cleansers and moisturizers. Soak the affected skin in warm water with Epsom salt or dissolved colloidal oatmeal. Eat a heart-healthy, low-inflammatory diet. Psoriasis vs. Eczema People often confuse psoriasis and eczema. After all, they are both inflammatory skin diseases that cause scaling and itching, but they look quite different to the trained eye. Psoriasis has well-defined scaling lesions, while eczema is characterized by less-defined reddish or brownish patches of dry skin. Psoriasis may appear on the elbows and knees, while eczema more often develops in fold areas, such as the crooks of the elbows and knees. Psoriasis is mildly itchy, but eczema can cause extreme itchiness. 

The past year has been challenging for most people, and particularly those with elderly loved ones. The COVID-19 vaccine, however, has been approved in record time, and is now being rolled out around the country. With so many different COVID-19 vaccine companies sending their products to market, how can you know which one is right for you? Are some more effective than others? Here, we look at the different COVID-19 vaccines, to answer some questions you may be asking.How do the different COVID-19 vaccines work?How do COVID-19 vaccines work? As most of us have eagerly followed COVID-19 vaccine progress updates, anxious to know each COVID-19 vaccine update, many people have become confused by the different mechanisms behind the vaccines. All vaccines have the same goal: to help our bodies develop immunity to a particular illness. However, different types of vaccines work in different ways. Right now, there are three main types of COVID-19 vaccines in play in the United States. Some of these are already being distributed throughout the country, and some are still undergoing clinical trials. Lets take a look at how each type of vaccine works.mRNA vaccines give our cells instructions on how to make a harmless protein found in the virus. They contain material from the virus that allows our cells to make copies of the protein, after which our cells destroy the genetic material from the vaccine. Recognizing that the protein is foreign to us, our bodies build defensive white blood cells that will remember how to fight the virus that causes COVID-19 if they encounter it in our bodies in the future. Some people have concerns about this type of vaccine because theyve not heard much about it and wonder if its safe. In fact, mRNA vaccines have been studied by researchers for decades, and are already in use for some illnesses, including the flu, Zika, and rabies. The thing that makes this type of vaccine appealing is that it can be developed in a laboratory with materials that are readily available, facilitating faster vaccine development than traditional methods.The second type of vaccine is the protein subunit vaccine. These vaccines contain harmless proteins from the virus that causes COVID-19. As with other types of vaccines, our immune system recognizes the proteins as being out of place in the body and begins to fight them. Any future infections will be recognized and fought by memory cells.Vector vaccines are the third type of COVID-19 vaccine.These contain a weakened version of a live virus. Its a different, and harmless, virus than the one that causes COVID-19, but it has genetic material from the COVID-19 virus inserted into it. This inserted material is called a viral vector and once its inside our cells, it gives cells instructions to make a protein thats unique to the COVID-19 causing virus, leading to our bodies fighting this foreign protein and, by extension, the virus. Viral vectors have been around since the 1970s. Theyve been not only used in vaccines, but also studied for gene therapy and molecular biology research and used to treat cancer. Notably, viral vector technology has been used for Ebola outbreaks.Which vaccines are available?So, what does all of this mean for the COVID-19 vaccine timeline in the United States? Currently, there are two vaccines that have been authorized for use in preventing the virus. The first is the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, which requires two shots, 21 days apart. The second is Modernas COVID-19 vaccine, which requires two shots 28 days apart. Both the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are mRNA vaccines, and neither contain eggs, preservatives, or latex. These vaccines are both about 95 percent effective in preventing COVID-19.Before they were approved for distribution, there was rigorous COVID-19 vaccine testing for each of these vaccines. Currently, there are other vaccines in the queue, with large-scale Phase 3 clinical trials underway or in the works for three new vaccines. These pending vaccines are AstraZenecas COVID-19 vaccine, Janssens COVID-19 vaccine, and Novavaxs COVID-19 vaccine. Many other vaccines are in the works, at earlier stages of development.The distribution of the vaccine varies from state to state, with some states moving more quickly than others. In the entire United States, about 9.9 percent of the population has gotten the first vaccination, with about 3 percent having already gotten the second one. That may not seemlike it's moving very quickly, but as of the COVID-19 latest update, about 43 million doses have been administered. When will it be your turn? COVID-19 vaccine status is based on which portion of the population the state decides is most in need of the vaccine. It's estimated, though, that most Americans will receive the vaccine by January 2022.You can follow the progress on the CDCsvaccine tracker.What to expect when you get the COVID-19 vaccineWhen its finally your turn to receive the vaccine, what should you expect? First, be aware that youll need to get both doses of your vaccine in order to develop immunity to COVID-19. In fact, it will take about two weeks after your second vaccine for your body to build up an immunity. Its very important to follow your local Health Departments advice on practices like wearing a mask and social distancing. As to the vaccine itself, the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines are similar to the side effects of some other vaccines. You might experience pain and swelling at the injection site, and you may have fever, chills, tiredness, and headaches. These side effects should be mild, and typically go away in a day or two.Written & Submitted By: BrightStar Care of North Sarasota & Manatee- click for more information*For Original Blog Link Click Here*

A balanced diet plays a crucial role in health and wellness for everyone, but its especially essential for older adults. As we age, were more at risk for having nutritional deficiencies for many reasons, including:Loss of taste sensations that result in not eating enough or eating too much of one type of food, like sweets or fast foodMedical conditions that can affect the way we eatPhysical impairments that can make shopping and cooking more difficult Seniors who dont get the nutrients they need are at greater risk for many health problems and might not be able to live as independently as they would like. But you can help your aging loved one get the nutrients they need from their diet and supplements, in addition to keeping an eye out for warning signs of nutritional deficiencies and knowing when its time to get help. Key Vitamins and Nutrients for Older AdultsOlder adults nutritional needs depend on each persons medical requirements. However, there are a few key vitamins and nutrients that nearly all seniors need as part of a healthy diet.B12 and B-Complex VitaminsThe B-vitamins help your body get energy from the food you eat and help in making healthy red blood cells. These vitamins include: B1 (thiamine)B2 (riboflavin)B3 (niacin)B5 (pantothenic acid)B6 (pyridoxine)B7 (biotin)B9 (folate or folic acid)B12 (cobalamin) All of the B-vitamins are important, but B12 has a number of important benefits, from boosting the immune system to keeping the nervous system in good shape. Older adults can get B12 in many kinds of food, such as:Dairy, if your loved one can tolerate itFish, including salmonRed meat, including pork, though older adults should only eat red meat in moderation because of other risks involved with high red meat intakeCalcium Older adults, especially women, are at increased risk of bone loss as they age. We see many older clients who have a slouch in their back because of bone and joint issues. Althought some of a person's risk depends on family history and genetic background, it can also depend on the amount of calcium in their diet.Having a calcium-rich diet can help your loved one reduce or avoid bone loss. As your loved one ages, they need to increase the amount of calcium they take in. Thats because we tend to absorb less calcium from our food as we age, so we need to take in more to make sure our bones get enough of this vital nutrient. The National Institutes of Healths Office of Dietary Supplements recommends the following daily amounts of calcium for older adults:Adult men 51 to 70: 1,000 milligramsAdult women 51 to 70: 1,200 milligramsAll adults 71 and older: 1,200 milligrams Dairy often comes to mind as the main source of calcium. While dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are a great source of calcium, lactose intolerance and other medical issues may prevent your loved one from being able to incorporate these items into their diet. If thats the case, make sure they regularly eat a variety of other calcium-rich foods, such as:Seafood, including salmon and shrimpGreen leafy vegetables, such as collard greens, broccoli, and kaleFoods fortified with calcium, such as cereal, orange juice, and almond or soy milkVitamin D Vitamin D is sometimes called the sun vitamin because we get it naturally through exposure to sunlight. However, its not unusual for older adults to need extra vitamin D if they dont get outside much, if they live in areas that dont get much sunlight, or if they have a deficiency to vitamin D. If your loved one doesnt get enough vitamin D, they can be at greater risk for health conditions ranging from diabetes to rheumatoid arthritis and even multiple sclerosis. In addition to healthy sun exposure about 15 minutes of mid-day sunlight at least twice per week, according to the Cleveland Clinic several foods are good sources of this vital nutrient. These foods include:Beef liverEgg yolksSalmonTunaFoods fortified with vitamin D, such as milk, cereal and orange juiceMagnesium Magnesium, like calcium, plays an important role in bone health. It is also important to heart health. People who dont get enough magnesium are at increased risk for many health problems, such as:DepressionFibromyalgia, a chronic disorder that involves pain in the muscles, tendons, and jointsHeart disease, including high blood pressureInflammation issuesType 2 diabetes In addition, getting enough magnesium can also help your loved one sleep better at night. Thats because magnesium helps balance the nervous system. Magnesium is included in a number of the foods weve already discussed, such as green leafy vegetables, dairy products, and some breakfast cereals. Your loved one can also incorporate magnesium into their diet by eating foods such as:Legumes, including green peas, lentils, peanuts, and pinto beansNutsSeedsWhole grainsOmega-3 Fatty AcidsOmega-3 fatty acids, also known as omega-3 fatty oils, are well-known for their benefits to brain health. Omega-3s can also help reduce the risk of strokes and heart disease.Several types of fish are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, including salmon and tuna. Look for cold-water fish to include in your loved ones diet, such as mackerel, herring, and sardines, as these have high omega-3 levels. If your loved one isnt a fish fan, flax seeds and pumpkin seeds also contain omega-3s. Multivitamins: When Diet Isnt EnoughIts nearly always best for your aging loved one to get the vitamins and nutrients they need from the foods they eat. However, this isnt always possible due to health issues, lack of certain foods in their area, or even personal tastes. In these cases, a multivitamin is a great option. There are many different multivitamins on the market, which can make it challenging to find the best option. Work with your loved ones doctor and/or pharmacist to find one that meets their needs. Some older adults already take a number of pills each day and dont want to take another, especially one thats as large as some multivitamins are. If this is the case, a liquid or powdered multivitamin might be a better option. Liquid multivitamins can easily go into a morning glass of juice, while powdered options can go into a milkshake for dessert. In many cases, its not the type of multivitamin thats the problem its remembering to take it. Setting daily reminders on smartphones, tablets, or smart speakers (such as Google Home or Amazon Echo) can be helpful to remind older adults and their caregivers that its time for a vitamin. Work with your loved one on the best time for them to take their multivitamin each day. Signs of Nutritional Deficiency in Older AdultsIts important to keep an eye out for warning signs that your aging loved one isnt getting the vitamins and nutrients they need. Older adults with cognitive issues, depression, or social isolation may show little or no interest in meals, so keeping an eye on appetite can clue you in on something larger thats going on. Its also important to watch out for weight changes. In some disease processes, the body loses some of its ability to absorb food and the nutrients it contains, which can lead to weight loss.  Significant weight loss can lead to poorly fitting dentures, which can cause mouth pain and/or a lack of enjoyment of the food they eat. That often leads to not eating enough, which just leads to more weight loss a vicious cycle that requires medical attention. On the other end of the spectrum, weight gain from heart failure and other heart conditions, typically in the form of fluid weight, can lead to eating problems for older adults. Extra weight on the chest and around the lungs can mean your loved may experience shortness of breath while they eat, or they may have to wear oxygen during meals. This can lead to needing more calories to breathe than they get from their food, or they may skip meals to avoid feeling uncomfortable. Even changes in taste as your loved one ages can lead to nutritional issues. The tongues taste buds lose some of their ability to taste as we age, which means older adults often prefer foods with a lot of flavor, such as sugar-filled sweets. They may gravitate toward cake, candy, and cookies over more nutritious foods because they can taste the sweets better. If this is the case for your loved one, talk about steps you can take to make their food taste better, such as adding a honey glaze to salmon. Get Help for Your Loved Ones Nutritional NeedsIts often a challenge for family caregivers to manage older adults nutritional issues on their own. Working with your loved ones doctor or pharmacist, as well as a nutritionist, and any other members of their medical care team is important to ensure they get the nutrients they need. The expert caregivers at BrightStar Care can provide an added layer of security for your loved one. As part of our nurse-led care, a registered nurse oversees the care plan for each of our clients to make certain that their needs are being met. Our nurses are trained to review clients medications to confirm that there are no negative interactions with their vitamins, supplements, and dietary plans. Our care team can help streamline your loved ones nutritional support to make it work better and more efficiently for them in many areas, such as:Ensuring they eat regularlyHelping them select healthy foodsPreparing meals and helping them eat if necessaryHelping them with vitamin/medication reminders Our in-home care professionals can help bring consistency to older adults who may be used to a more structured meal schedule with their families but who arent getting that now. We offer various levels of support, from companion care to care from a certified nursing assistant, all under the oversight of one of our registered nurses. Were here to help your loved one get the best care. You may feel overwhelmed at having to manage your aging loved ones nutritional needs, but you dont have to deal with these issues alone. Call 866-618-7827 or contact a BrightStar Care home care agency near you to learn more about how we can help your loved one get the vitamins and nutrients they need.

Our Tips to Excel at Caring for a Loved OneBeing a caregiver means offering compassionate care for someone who needs it, whether due to aging, illness or disability. Family caregivers play a vital role in keeping their loved ones safe and healthy, but the job often goes beyond that. They're also companions who offer a friendly listening ear when needed and a reassuring presence when making important decisions. BrightStar Care aims to appreciate and support caregivers all year long. If you are a caregiver or know someone who is, be sure to check out our tips for high-quality care and avoiding caregiver burnout.Questions Every Caregiver Should Ask Over 40 million people(Opens in a new window) in the United States provided unpaid care to someone in the last 12 months. This statistic shows the massive need for caregivers in our country. However, new family caregivers often don't know where to start when they begin caring for a loved one. Below, you'll find several questions to get you started as a compassionate caregiver.Ask About Support Systems and ResourcesFirst, you'll want to pin down details about your loved one's support system. Ask these questions of yourself and your loved one:Will you be the only one providing care for your loved one?If anyone, who will be helping you? Do you have these individuals' names, addresses and emergency phone numbers?Do other family members or friends live nearby? Will they be helping you provide care? Does your loved one spend any time with them?Does your loved one receive financial, personal or medical assistance? Is this assistance temporary or permanent?Does your loved one have adequate insurance? What services aren't covered?Does your loved one have a will or trust? Could you locate these documents if needed?Who are their medical providers? When are your loved ones appointments? Who will be providing care? When will they be providing it? Who will be managing a schedule of who will be providing care when? What is your loved ones monthly budget? What insurance or government programs are supporting them? Understanding a Day in Their LifeNext, consider your loved one's current routines and standard of living. Think about these questions to get a good idea of their daily needs:How does your loved one get around? Do they use assistive devices like canes, stability bars or walkers? How often are they used, and for what types of activities?What activities make up their daily routine? Which are more difficult? Activities might include climbing stairs, bathing, cooking, cleaning, etc.Does your loved one leave their home? If so, when and why? (i.e., to visit a senior center, socializing, church)What organizations or faith-based groups does your loved one belong to? Write down associated names, addresses and phone numbers.What are your loved one's hobbies? What do they like to watch, read and do?Does your loved one have special dietary needs(Opens in a new window)? Can they accommodate these needs alone? Do they need assistance with shopping or cooking?Does your loved one have pets? Are they still able to care for these pets?What medications does your loved one take? Note all medications, dosage and when they should be taken.Does your loved one have trouble taking medications? How so?Consider Their Everyday Surroundings Finally, it's time to think about what day-to-day life looks like for your loved one and what kind of environment they live in. Ask the following questions to get a clear picture of their surroundings:Where does your loved one live? Do they have a house, apartment or condo? Is their environment urban or rural?Is the size of their living quarters appropriate? Is their home too big, too small or just right?Are there any barriers(Opens in a new window) (i.e., stairs, rough walkways, heavy doors) that make living in their home difficult? How can these barriers be removed?Are your loved one's living quarters secure? Are they at risk for unwelcome visitors like solicitors or scammers?How far does your loved one live from neighbors?Does your loved one need transportation to the grocery store, church, social events, etc.? Seek Resources to Provide the Best Care Caregiving truly takes a village. Once you have a clear understanding of your loved one's support system and daily life, seek resources to fill the gaps in your knowledge. Having places to look for reliable information goes a long way to alleviating a family caregiver's burden. Try these resources to help you provide exceptional care:Eldercare Locator:(Opens in a new window) This locator offered by the U.S. Administration on Aging is an easy way to find services for older adults.National Council on Aging:(Opens in a new window) NCOA is recognized as a national expert on aging and works to help older folks meet the challenges associated with getting older.National Association of Area Agencies on Aging:(Opens in a new window) This organization works with care agencies and assists them with building their capabilities.Family Caregiver Alliance:(Opens in a new window) The Family Caregiver Alliance is a nonprofit organization working to meet the needs of family members providing long-term care to their loved ones at home.Caregiver Action Network:(Opens in a new window) This organization aims to support caregivers and ensure they don't feel isolated and burnt out.National Alliance for Caregiving:(Opens in a new window) The National Alliance for Caregiving focuses on improving the lives of family caregivers. Their resources may help reduce caregiver stress.Access to Respite Care and Help:(Opens in a new window) Respite care is crucial for families across the U.S. This nonprofit promotes these services for family caregivers and their loved ones.American Association of Caregiving Youth:(Opens in a new window) This organization recognizes and supports children who care for ill, aging and disabled family members.U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:(Opens in a new window) The Department of Veterans Affairs is dedicated to assisting people who have served in the military.Home Care Guide:(Opens in a new window) BrightStar Care is proud to offer numerous resources for those struggling with caregiver stress. This resource provides things to consider when looking for caregiving services for family members. Don't Forget to Take Care of Yourself! Caring for the caregiver is just as important as providing impeccable care to aging or ill individuals. But between work and caring for loved ones full-time, finding time for oneself can feel like an insurmountable challenge. If you're feeling stressed and burnt out, try our self-care tips:List Self-Care Activities You EnjoyThe first step to avoiding burnout is to figure out just what you'd like to do with your free time. Make a list of the activities that help you recharge after a stressful day. Write as many as you can think of, then pencil in time every day to do at least one. Here are some ideas for daily self-care:Take a short walk, stretch or do light exerciseCall a friend or family memberWatch your favorite TV show or read a bookTake a long shower or bath (bonus points for using aromatherapy!)Play with a petWrite in a journalHave a cup of tea or enjoy another favorite beverageTry a new recipeMeditate or praySet Achievable Goals for YourselfGoal setting is a great way to minimize caregiver burnout symptoms. What do you hope to achieve in the next week? What about in a month? Set achievable, measurable goals that don't raise your risk of guilt or negativity. Consider making self-care one of your goals. For example, you could say that you'll read for at least 15 minutes before bed or try one new recipe every week.Reward Yourself OftenYou've done an excellent job caring for your family member and deserve a reward! When you accomplish a goal, conquer a challenge or just make it through a tough day, be sure to reward yourself with something that brings you joy. Your reward could be something like the following:A massage, pedicure or facialA fancy cup of coffeeA night out with friendsYour favorite mealA day off workA new book or movieA day at the spa or hair salonPractice Self-CompassionBe kind to yourself! You spend most of your time having compassion for others, but it's essential to have the same understanding for your own feelings. Forget about being perfect and use mistakes as opportunities to grow and improve. Caregiving is challenging and known to cause stress and burnoutdon't make it harder for yourself with negative self-talk. Your best is enough!Get Plenty of SleepGetting enough sleep is easier said than done. However, we highly recommend making sleep a priority. If you have trouble falling asleep, try turning off your TV and phone at least an hour before bed. Make sure the room is cool, quiet and dark to promote restful sleep. If you're still struggling to get a good night's sleep, try incorporating breathing techniques or meditation into your bedtime routine.Focus on a Proper Diet Eating healthy is crucial for family caregivers. A proper diet will ensure you have enough energy to provide the best care possible. Introduce lots of whole grains, fruits and veggies to your diet, and minimize sugary drinks and processed foods. Don't forget to drink plenty of water throughout the day. We know stress eating is a tempting coping mechanism, but a healthy diet will make you feel so much better in the long run.Make Others Aware of Your NeedsMany people try to stuff their feelings down and deal with them alone. But no one will know you need help if you don't express your feelings! Don't be afraid to communicate your struggles and remember to reach out to your support system before hitting your breaking point. Simply having someone to vent to can reduce burnout.Join a Caregiver Support Group Sometimes, talking to friends and family members isn't enough. In that case, consider joining an in-person or online support group. These groups will connect you with professionals and other family caregivers who know what you're going through. Chatting with these people can be extremely therapeutic and give you new ideas for how to care for your loved one. You may also want to start meeting with a local therapist to talk through your feelings.Caregiver Fatigue and What Triggers It Caregiver fatigue,(Opens in a new window) also known as caregiver burnout, refers to the physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion experienced by those who provide care for someone else over an extended period of time. At first, caregivers might just feel physically tired. However, as caregiver burnout progresses, they may also begin to experience depression, feelings of helplessness, low self-esteem, sleep deprivation, and other personal health problems. Here are some triggers of burnout to watch out for: High Stress: Caregiving often involves managing multiple responsibilities, such as medical appointments, medications and personal care. Taken together, these tasks can lead to high levels of stress.Conflicting Demands: Today, many caregivers do double duty. They might provide care to an aging loved one while juggling work and caring for children. These conflicting demands only elevate stress as caregivers try to meet everyone's needs at the same time.Emotional Strain: Witnessing the decline or suffering of a loved one can take a significant emotional toll on caregivers, leading to feelings of sadness, frustration and helplessness.Lack of Self-Care: When stress levels are high and time is at a premium, it's easy to let self-care fall by the wayside. But the temporary relief of skipping self-care can lead to increased caregiver burnout down the line.Ambiguous Roles: In many cases, caregivers don't know exactly what their role is. They're dealing with unclear responsibilities, and constantly playing the guessing game can lead to high levels of fatigue.Lack of Support: Too often, caregivers feel unsupported by their families and communities. This is why one of our top caregiver tips is to join a support group. Talking with like-minded individuals can reduce some of the mental strain.Less Independence and Privacy: When you're always wrapped up in caring for other people, you may begin to feel a lack of autonomy and privacy. So much of your time is now dedicated to someone else, and you may no longer feel like your own person.Perceived Lack of Success: Caregivers often shame themselves for not "mastering" their responsibilities or failing to achieve their goals. This perceived lack of success only further heightens stress and fatigue.What to Do If You're Suffering From Caregiver BurnoutCaregiver burnout can be triggered by a combination of causes. The good news is that there is hope for alleviating burnout and fatigue. Here are our tips for family caregivers who are exhausted and disillusioned with their role:1. Recognize Symptoms First, it's important to recognize the symptoms of caregiver stress(Opens in a new window) in yourself. Seeing the signs in others is one thing but identifying them in yourself is easier said than done. Take a moment to reflect on your mindset and note any of the following symptoms:Constant feelings of worryPersistent fatigueChanges in sleep patternsleeping too much or not enoughFeelings of sadness or angerLoss of interest in hobbiesWeight fluctuationsFrequent headaches and other painsFailing to meet other family, work and social obligations2. Set BoundariesKnowing your own limitations can significantly reduce burnout. Once you understand there's only so much you can do, make sure your family members realize these limitations as well. Keep in mind that you will never be able to control someone else's thoughts and behavior and try to focus on the positive aspects of your role.3. Acknowledge the Stress and Physical Demands Caregiving takes a huge toll on mental health, but it also has lots of physical demands. Assisting with bathing, dressing and toileting takes physical strength, and these tasks are often much more demanding than people expect. Acknowledge the challenge and seek help from an experienced home care agency, such as BrightStar Care, whenever needed. We also recommend eating a healthy diet, exercising and getting enough sleep to cope with the physical demands.4. Be Realistic About Finances Providing care to a loved one can drastically impact your finances. You may feel responsible for purchasing equipment, supplies and even medical care itself. Be realistic about these financial challenges, and don't hesitate to enlist the help of a financial planning specialist. These professionals can help you find programs that assist with paying for care.  You have several options to explore when it comes to paying for in-home care.5. Communicate Your Feelings Honestly Feeling isolated is a common symptom of caregiver burnout. The best way to avoid such feelings of isolation is to communicate your needs to those around you. When you start getting overwhelmed, talk to someone right awaywhether that's a therapist, friend or family member. Try to avoid asking "why" questions about your situation, and instead ask what's in your power to change and how you can do it.6. Manage Relationship Stress Normal family relationships are often disrupted when an older relative needs care. Parent-child roles are reversed, as a parent now needs care from their children. After all, the parent suddenly needs help from their children. Know that you may have disagreements about how things are handled and be sure to approach these from a place of empathy. Focus on positive, uplifting experiences and keep lines of communication open to all concerned family members. Be prepared for a significant emotional impact on both yourself and your loved one. 7. Follow Our Self-Care TipsOur self-care tips for caregivers are instrumental in preventing burnout. Never skip a chance to take care of yourself! This can be as simple as a bath or as big a spa day. Make sure you're always investing time in yourself and your well-being.8. Ask for Help Before You Hit a Breaking Point Don't wait until the stress has you at a breaking point. Once you take up the role of caregiver, start looking for help right away. You might reach out to other local family members and see if they'd be willing to help you with certain tasks. Finding a trusted respite care provider can also help take some of the stress off your plate.Balancing Work, Family, and Caregiving Striking a balance between caregiving and your other responsibilities can feel like an impossible task. Thankfully, BrightStar Care is here to help you balance work, family and caring for an elderly or disabled loved one. Check out our ideas for mastering this crucial balancing act:Enlist Other Family Members or Close Family Friends: Do you have other family members living in the area? Do you have close family friends in the area? If so, reach out to them and coordinate ways they can help as well. Perhaps someone can fill your role on days you're unavailable.Talk to Your Employer: Communicating your situation with your employer is essential. They may be able to offer a hybrid work schedule or telecommuting(Opens in a new window) to accommodate your needs. In some cases, asking about the Family and Medical Leave Act can be beneficial. This law allows you to leave your job temporarily and applies to many employers. Be sure to talk to your boss or HR department about whether you're eligible for FMLA leave.Schedule Family Time: Set aside separate time(Opens in a new window) to catch up with your spouse and children away from the loved one you're caring for. While you can certainly have big family get-togethers, scheduling private time with your smaller family unit ensures everyone gets their own time.Set Priorities: It's always a good idea to have a list of priorities. Decide what is the most important and what can wait until you have more time. Remember that you may have to be flexible with your priorities, and what ranks number one this week may not the next.How BrightStar Care Can Help Caring for loved ones can be overwhelming and exhausting. Fortunately, BrightStar Care offers a range of home care services that can ease the burden for family caregivers and ensure that their loved ones receive top-notch care. From companionship and transportation to medical services and skilled nursing care, our team of friendly professionals is dedicated to providing exceptional care in the comfort of home. Find a BrightStar Care Location Near YouLooking 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.Sources:The Caregiver Foundation

Bathrooms are one of the most dangerous rooms in the house regardless of age. Each year, about 234,000 Americans experience bathroom-related injuries, and about 14% result in hospitalization, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Over 80% of injuries sustained in the bathroom were caused by falls.Because mobility and balance can deteriorate with age, bathroom safety is a critical concern for older adults. Among those who had bathroom-related injuries, the CDC says the injury severity and hospitalization rates were significantly higher in ages 65 and older and highest for those age 85 and older. Most of the injuries involved slipping and falling before, during and after bathing or showering and when standing up or sitting down on the toilet. Most of these injuries are preventable if you know how to make your bathroom safer.Strategies for Fall PreventionMillions of people 65 and older experience a fall each year, according to the CDC. Its estimated that only half tell their doctor, so it can be hard to know exactly how many, but around 3 million older adults are treated in emergency rooms for falls annually.Among these falls, bathrooms (along with bedrooms and stairways) are where elderly adults are most likely to fall and suffer an injury.You can dramatically lower the chances of a fall by making just a few changes in the bathroom. Consider these fall-prevention safety tips exclusively for bathing areas:Add no-slip strips to the bathtub and shower floor. They provide better traction than rubber mats.Use rubber-backed bath mats outside the shower.Mount grab bars both inside and outside of tubs and showers and near the toilet.Install a shower chair or bench.Place soap, shampoo and other items on waterproof shelves at spots that can be reached in the bathtub or shower without overreaching.Install a walk-in shower with a bench and grab bars.Install a handheld shower nozzle to enable self-cleaning while seated.Replace any glass with non-shattering material.Bathtubs and showers arent the only causes of bathroom falls. Ensure floors are always dry and use matte flooring finishes to enhance traction and visibility. You may also consider installing a taller toilet or a raised toilet seat with arms and encourage loved ones to urinate while sitting down and get up slowly afterward.Tips to Prevent Accidental ScaldingDecreased sensitivity to temperature can mean the elderly are at a higher risk for accidental scalding. Here are some water temperature safety tips:Check the settings on water heaters. Set the temperature on your water heater to 120F to prevent burns. Installing a no-scald faucet adds an additional layer of protection.Consider using a single-lever faucet in the sink and shower to easily mix hot and cold water.What to Know About Electrical SafetyBathrooms can put your loved ones at risk for electrical shock because of the potential for electricity to come into contact with water. This can land your loved one in the hospital or worse. Consider taking these precautions:Install GFCI on All Outlets: Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are designed to protect against shocks, electrocution, burns and fires. They constantly monitor the current in your house and automatically and instantly shut off power to an outlet if a disruption is detected.Cover Light Fixtures, Sockets, Outlets and Junction Boxes: Any time electrical receptors are exposed to water or steam, it can create the just-right environment for electric shocks or electrocution. Plus, any time electrical wires are left uncovered, they are at risk of being damaged or touched, even if accidentally.Appliances Can Be a Hazard: Outlets and lights likely arent the only electrical items in your bathroom. Use caution with anything in the bathroom that you plug in, such as a hair dryer or electric razor. Here are some general bathroom appliance safety rules:Before using a hair dryer, ensure your hands are completely dry. Wet hands increase the risk of electric shock.Never use a hair dryer near water, such as a full sink or bathtub. Keep it away from the edge of the sink or countertop.Use curling and flat irons that have automatic shut-offs.Check cords and plugs regularly. If you notice frayed wires or exposed parts, discard the appliance.Unplug after use and store in a dry place.Never reach into water to get a fallen appliance unless the appliance is unplugged and uncharged and youre wearing protective gear.Update and check electrical systems regularly. Especially if you or your loved one live in an older home, consider having a licensed electrician inspect your system.Other Bathroom Safety ConcernsBathrooms include a number of other safety threats to watch out for:Carbon Monoxide: If you use a gas water heater, you need a venting system to remove the exhaust gasses, including carbon monoxide (CO). The gas, which you cannot see or smell, can build up in closed spaces. CO poisoning can be fatal. Consider adding a carbon monoxide detector in your home.Drowning: Seniors with mobility or cognitive impairment may be at risk of drowning in the bathroom. Consider staying in the room while your loved one bathes to ensure their safety.Medication Storage: Despite the fact that many bathrooms have a medicine cabinet, you shouldnt store medicine in the bathroom. The environment is too moist and can decrease the effectiveness of some medicines. Store them in cool, dry areas outside the bathroom and kitchen.Sharp Items: Use safe storage solutions for razors, scissors and other sharp tools.Lighting: Improve lighting to brighter rooms that are easier to navigate. That includes the bathroom. Use brighter bulbs in fixturesas long as they dont exceed maximum wattage. Leave a light on in the bathroom at night or use a nightlight.Emergency Alerts: Consider using an emergency response system or device that allows seniors to call for help in case they need immediate assistance. This is particularly important if your loved one lives alone or with another elderly relative.Meet Their Specific Needs with Thoughtful CaregivingEnsuring bathroom safety is crucial and can be straightforward once youre aware of the basic dangers. But even as you run down a printable bathroom safety checklist, keep in mind what features your elderly loved one would most benefit from. A wheelchair user may have different needs than someone recovering from surgery. You dont have to make every recommended change just make sure your loved one has what they need to stay safe.BrightStar Care in-home nurses and caregivers are well-versed in bathroom safety. They know what to watch for and how to avoid it. Whether you're 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 learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard.

Pneumonia is a Serious IllnessDid you know that adults over 65 are much more susceptible to pneumonia than those who are younger? It is important for people with elderly loved ones to know how to lower their risk in developing serious illness by helping them get the right kind of care. Pneumonia can be very serious and, in fact, is the most common cause of death in developing countries(Opens in a new window). It is ranked by the American Lung Association as the eighth leading cause of death in the United States. Each year, about 1.5 million people(Opens in a new window) in the US have to go to the emergency room with pneumonia, and about 55,000 people die from this illness.What is Pneumonia?An infection of the lungs, pneumonia can be viral, bacterial or fungal. Pneumonia happens when your lung tissue becomes inflamed and the air sacs fill with fluid or pus.When someone has a mild case, with less severe symptoms, it is known as walking pneumonia. However, some more serious cases of pneumonia may require hospitalization for treatment and symptom management. There are four subtypes of pneumonia:Bacterial pneumonia is most often caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. This type of pneumonia can affect anyone and in severe cases can lead to hospitalization(Opens in a new window). Doctors treat bacterial pneumonia with antibiotics.Viral pneumonia is caused by a virus. Common viruses that can lead to viral pneumonia include cold and flu viruses, RSV, and COVID-19. (Opens in a new window)This kind of pneumonia comes on more slowly than bacterial pneumonia, and involves sneezing, congestion, and wheezing. It does not usually require any specific treatment except symptom management, and often resolves on its own.Mycoplasma pneumonia is also called atypical pneumonia, or walking pneumonia. Caused by a specific bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae, this type of pneumonia does not typically cause severe symptoms.Fungal pneumonia is caused by fungal spores. It is not contagious, but occurs when spores mix with the air and are inhaled(Opens in a new window). It can also happen when dormant fungal infection becomes active again. It primarily affects people with weaker immune systems, including adults over the age of 65. Fungal pneumonia can be treated successfully with anti-fungal medications, but if it is left untreated, it can become serious or even fatal.What are some symptoms of pneumonia in the elderly?Pneumonia symptoms(Opens in a new window) vary depending on the cause and severity of the pneumonia, as well as the age of the patient. In adults, bacterial pneumonia can cause a high fever, cough with yellow, green, or bloody mucus, fatigue, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, sweating or chills, rapid heart rate, chest or abdominal pain, diminished appetite, bluish skin, lips, and nails, and confusion or an altered mental state. Viral pneumonia can cause the same symptoms as bacterial pneumonia, but it also frequently has symptoms like a dry cough, headache, muscle pain, or extreme fatigue or weakness. However, people over the age of 65 may have less noticeable symptoms of pneumonia(Opens in a new window), but it may cause symptoms of ongoing health conditions to worsen. Older people may also experience low appetite, fatigue, and a sudden change in mental state.Is pneumonia contagious?This is a trickier question than you might think. Pneumonia itself is not contagious, but some of the causes of pneumonia(Opens in a new window) are. For example, Streptococcus pneumoniae is very contagious and can be spread by touching infected surfaces or through coughing and sneezing. Often, people in hospitals or long-term care facilities contract pneumonia through the spread of bacteria. This is called hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) or healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP).Who has the highest risk of pneumonia?While anyone can contract pneumonia, some are at higher risk than others. People with high risk factors(Opens in a new window) for pneumonia include:People over age 65 and under the age of twoThose with a lung or heart conditionPeople with a neurological condition that makes it hard to swallowSmokersPregnant womenThose with a weakened immune systemPeople in the hospital or who live in a long-term care facilityWhy are older people more likely to contract pneumonia?There are several factors that make older people more susceptible to pneumonia(Opens in a new window) than younger people. First, they often have weak immune systems, and may not even notice signs of pneumonia like chills, shortness of breath and chest pain. Whats more, as we age, our lung capacity diminishes, which makes it harder to cough out mucus and clear infections. Older people who live in an assisted living facility or nursing home are at risk of community acquired pneumonia, because they are exposed to potentially infected residents, visitors and workers. People with dementia or Alzheimers disease may not be able to communicate that they are not feeling well, allowing pneumonia to worsen because it goes unnoticed.What makes pneumonia dangerous for older people?As people age, they are more likely to develop chronic conditions such as heart disease or COPD. When a persons already weak immune system encounters even a mild case of pneumonia, underlying conditions can exacerbate and become life-threatening.Can pneumonia be treated at home?Mild cases of pneumonia can be treated at home, without medication, but severe cases need medical attention and, sometimes, hospitalization. Viral pneumonia is generally treated with rest and symptom management, however antiviral medication may be prescribed in certain cases. While antibiotics are typically necessary to treat bacterial pneumonia, there are some things you can do at home to make a person with pneumonia feel more comfortable and to help with their recovery.Over the counter medicines can help, but caution should be taken when using cough suppressants, because coughing actually helps expel mucus from the lungs. Its not advisable to completely suppress coughing, then, though it can be helpful to use a cough suppressant to help the person with pneumonia get some sleep. Before taking any over the counter medications or herbal supplements, talk to your healthcare provider to make sure these remedies will not interact with any of your prescribed medications.There are also some natural remedies(Opens in a new window) that can ease pneumonia symptoms, including:Peppermint or eucalyptus tea can help with a sore throat, coughing and hoarseness, and ginger tea reduces nausea.Staying cool, using a cool, damp cloth, a fan and light bedding can reduce discomfort.Using a humidifier may make it easier to breathe.Staying hydrated helps replenish fluids that have been lost through sweating or vomiting. Additionally, drinking plenty of fluids can help thin and loosen mucus and phlegm.Propping a person up with pillows can improve his or her breathing.Eating certain foods can help a person with pneumonia to regain his or her strength, like chicken or lentil soup.If you are caring for someone with pneumonia, make sure to use good hygiene practices. Always wash your hands before preparing food or touching the person who has pneumonia. Additionally, do not allow any visitors who have colds or coughs. Look for signs that pneumonia is improving, like a return to a normal temperature, less coughing or feeling like returning to normal activities. If the pneumonia does not seem to be improving, though, do not wait to seek medical attention.What are the complications of pneumonia?There are several different complications that can occur with pneumonia(Opens in a new window), which is why it is so important to monitor worsening symptoms and seek the care of a doctor when necessary.Bacteraemia happens when a bacterial infection enters the blood stream sometimes spreading to other organs.A lung abscess, a cavity filled with fluid, can develop in the lungs.Pleurisy occurs when the membrane protecting the lungs becomes inflamed and swollen. The fluid from this inflammation can become infected, which is called empyema.Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome is a type of respiratory failure resulting from lung injury and requiring a mechanical ventilator and supplemental oxygen.Fortunately, with the proper medical attention, pneumonia can be successfully treated, and these complications can be avoided. Taking preventive measures is also a good way to remain healthy and avoid pneumonia.Can pneumonia be prevented?While you cannot completely eliminate the risk of pneumonia for an older person, there are some things that can be done to help prevent it(Opens in a new window).Recognize the symptoms. Because older people often do not have the classic fever, chills, and cough of pneumonia, it is important to notice symptoms like weakness, confusion, delirium, or dizziness. Because it may be difficult to recognize symptoms of pneumonia in an older adult with pre-existing conditions, be vigilant about noticing changes in your loved ones health, so that youll know when to see a doctor.Maintain good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently and encourage your loved one to do the same. If hand washing is not possible, use hand sanitizer to help prevent the spread of illness. Make sure your loved one is maintaining good dental hygiene, because oral and dental infections can sometimes lead to pneumonia. Be extremely cautious with the people who visit your loved one and help keep sick people from visiting. Routine illnesses like colds, flu and respiratory infections, along with more serious illnesses like measles and chickenpox, can all lead to pneumonia for an older person.Encourage your older loved ones to be immunized. It is advised that people at increased risk for pneumonia get the pneumonia vaccine(Opens in a new window), but it is also important to be vaccinated against other illnesses that can lead to pneumonia, like the flu and COVID-19.Avoid smoking. Encourage your loved one to quit smoking if that is an issue, and do not smoke around older people.Promote a healthy lifestyle. All people, but especially older people, need plenty of rest, a nutritious diet, and regular exercise to help keep the immune system strong.How can in-home care services help when your older loved one has pneumonia?About 20 percent of people with pneumonia(Opens in a new window) end up having to go back to the hospital within 30 days of being diagnosed. A person with pneumonia is also at a higher risk of additional conditions(Opens in a new window) that can make it more difficult to get well without help. However, having proactive, team-based home healthcare can help older people avoid rehospitalization and recover from pneumonia successfully. Home care, like the care provided by BrightStar Care, involves educating patients and their families about pneumonia and how to monitor symptoms, follow a care plan, take medication, improve wellness, and stay healthy. A team of specially trained home healthcare professionals can ensure that the patient understands the plan of care, the family feels comfortable with the patients self-management of the illness and the physician is kept in the loop. Because home healthcare professionals know how to look for and communicate changes in symptoms, they are able to stay ahead of the pneumonia and help prevent it from worsening.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.

Stay Sun-Safe with These Sun Safety Tips Summer is in full swing and with it comes the long-awaited sunshine. While the sun can provide many benefits, it can also be detrimental to our health if we do not take care to protect ourselves.  Whether you're spending time outdoors on a sunny day, going for a walk or just sitting on the porch, protecting yourself from harmful rays should always be a top priority. In this blog post, we will share tips and tricks on how to keep safe in the sun. Facts and Stats About Skin Cancer  Staying ahead of skin cancer means staying informed about its causes, risks, and outcomes. The Skin Cancer Foundation(Opens in a new window) shares the following staggering facts and stats about skin cancer in the United States:  1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. Every hour, more than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. Your risk for melanoma doubles after experiencing five or more sunburns. Early detection of melanoma leads to a 99% 5-year survival rate. Risks of Skin Cancer and Who is Most at Risk Although anyone can develop skin cancer, some people are more at risk than others. According to the American Cancer Society(Opens in a new window), those with fair skin, light hair, and blue or green eyes are more likely to get skin cancer, as are those with a personal or family history of skin cancer. Additionally, exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds can greatly increase your risk. And while skin cancer can happen at any age, it's more common in people over the age of 50, says the Skin Cancer Foundation(Opens in a new window).  Tips for Staying Safe in the Sun We all want to make sure that were taking the best possible care of ourselves and our loved ones, especially when it comes to protecting ourselves from the dangers of spending too much time in the sun. Overexposure can lead to serious health risks such as dehydration, sunburns, heat exhaustion even skin cancer so its imperative for us to be aware of sun protection methods during outdoor activities. Here are some sun safety tips to bear in mind when spending time outside: Apply sunscreen regularly: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF of 30 or higher) that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. To ensure that sunscreen is evenly applied, use about an oz (a shot glass) worth of sunscreen or enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. Wear appropriate clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing that covers as much skin as possible, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants. Consider sun protective clothing with UV blocking fabric. Seek shade: Stay under the shade as much as possible and always use an umbrella, tent, or other porous objects to provide shade. Again, avoid being in the midday sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when UV rays are the strongest. Wear a hat: Wearing a wide-brimmed hat is a great way to protect your face, ears, and neck from the sun. Hydrate: Drink plenty of water being in the sun can be dehydrating. Dont be fooled by cloudy weather: UV radiation can still damage your skin, even on a cloudy day. It is important always to apply sunscreen when going outside for an extended period. Tips for Preventing Skin Cancer According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(Opens in a new window), skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. and it affects millions of people every year. It is caused by damage to the skin cells caused by the sun's harmful UV rays. CDC research show that certain people carry risk factors that make them more susceptible to skin cancer(Opens in a new window). Whether you have risk factors for cancer or not, there are plenty of ways to protect your skin from the sun and prevent skin cancer: Monitor your medications: Some medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. If you are taking any prescription drugs, talk to your doctor, or pharmacist, about the potential side effects and how to protect your skin. Live a healthy lifestyle: Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress can all have a positive effect on your skin. By living a healthy lifestyle, you can give your skin the best chance of staying healthy and avoiding skin cancer. Avoid Tanning Beds: If you're looking to get a tan, skip the tanning bed and opt for a self-tanner instead. Tanning beds expose your skin to harmful UV rays, increasing your risk of skin cancer. Get Regular Skin Checks: Schedule regular appointments with a dermatologist to have your skin checked for any signs of skin cancer. Catching it early can greatly improve your chances of successful treatment. Protect. Protect. Protect: As mentioned above, some of the most proactive steps you can take to protect yourself from skin cancer is to seek the shade; avoid the suns UV rays when they are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm; wear sun protective clothing; and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.  Enlist Help from a Professional Care Team It's important to take extra precautions to protect your family from the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure. But we understand that sun safety can be a challenge, especially with those who have special needs or those who require additional care. That's where BrightStar Care comes in. Our team of qualified caregivers can provide child care services(Opens in a new window) or special needs care(Opens in a new window) to help keep your family healthy and safe this summer. Contact us today(Opens in a new window) to learn more about how BrightStar Care can help! 

For more information on the author, BrightStar Care of Venice and Port Charlotte, CLICK HERE!In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, BrightStar Care took a look at the most popular family caregiver activities across the country. Based on national search data from Google, yoga with seniors is popular in the Southwest region.Yoga offers a wide array of physical and mental benefits, no matter your age. If your'e looking for a way to help your aging loved one be more active in his or her daily life, gentle yoga for seniors might be the answer. Southwesterner's certainly think so yoga is a popular activity in this region for family caregivers to do with their loved ones. Take a break from your everyday tasks and enjoy a therapeutic yoga session; keep reading to learn more from BrightStar Care about yoga poses for seniors. Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise routine.Physical Benefits of Yoga for SeniorsYoga targets many of the core tenets of physical fitness, including balance, flexibility, and strength. As we age, our joints naturally stiffen and lose their range of motion. Yoga can help combat this. Yoga can also improve your senior loved ones balance and stability, which may reduce the risk of a fall. Regular yoga sessions have even been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, aid in sleep and digestion, and improve blood flow throughout the body. We recommend starting slow to gain balance confidence with Mountain Pose: stand tall with big toes touching and heels together, relax your shoulder down and back, then take five to eight big breaths while actively engaging your leg muscles.If your loved one is hesitant about attempting yoga poses, chair yoga for seniors is a great workaround. With chair yoga, seniors can modify poses to receive the same stretching and flexibility benefits while sitting in a chair without having to worry about balance or muscle strength. Check your local senior centers for senior yoga and chair yoga classes near you.Mental Benefits of Beginning Yoga for SeniorsYoga is known for its therapeutic, mood-boosting benefits. Its been to shown to improve a sense of well-being in those who practice regularly. Regular yoga can also reduce stress and anxiety, as well as lessen symptoms of depression all ailments that commonly affect seniors. Practice yoga two to three times per week to boost mood and brighten spirits.

The numbers of people over 45 is growing every year. People are hoping to stay active and vibrant as long as possible. There are over 76 million baby boomers today over 50, and the first of the 82.1 million Generation X-ers are about to reach that milestone in 2015, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).According to Carolyn Worthington, editor-in-chief of Healthy Aging Magazine and creator of September is Healthy Aging Month(Opens in a new window), its never too late to find a new career, a new sport, passion or hobby. Healthy Aging Month is an annual observance month designed to focus national attention on the positive aspects of growing older that began over 20 years ago.Tips for Reinventing Yourself As You AgeTo get you started on re-inventing yourself, here are 10 tips from Healthy Aging Magazine(Opens in a new window):Do not act your age or at least what you think your current age should act like. What was your best year so far? 28? 40? Now? Picture yourself at that age and be it.Be positive in your conversations and your actions every day.Have negative friends who complain all of the time and constantly talk about how awful everything is?Walk like a vibrant, healthy person. Make a conscious effort to take big strides, walk with your heel first and wear comfortable shoes.Stand up straight. You can knock off the appearance of a few extra years with this trick your mother kept trying to tell you. Fix your stance and practice it every day. You will look great and feel better.Hows your smile? Research shows people who smile more often are happier.Lonely? Stop brooding and complaining about having no friends or family. Do something about it now. Right this minute.Start walking not only for your health but to see the neighbors.Make this month the time to set up your annual physical and other health screenings.Find your inner artist. Sign up now for fall art or music classes and discover your inner artist!WebMD - Healthy Aging TipsFollow these tips from WebMD to stay at your peak!Get moving - Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy body and brain.Stay social - Take a class, volunteer, play games, see old friends, and make new ones.Bulk up - Eat beans and other high-fiber foods for digestive and heart health.Add some spice - Add herbs and spices to your meals if medications dull your taste buds.Stay balanced - Practice yoga or tai chi to improve agility and prevent falls.Take a hike - Brisk daily walks this September can bolster both your heart and lungs.Sleep well - Talk to a sleep specialist if you dont sleep soundly through the night.Beat the blues - If youve been down for a while, see a doctor.Dont forget - To aid your memory, make lists, follow routines, slow down, and organize.Fall PreventionFall prevention is an important component to healthy aging. Elderly people can lose their sense of balance, judgment and motor skills as they get older. This results in awkward falls, and with weakened bones, extreme cases can lead to severe breaks or even further gravely complications.

Cognitive health is something that we tend to take for granted, but its what allows us to think clearly, learn, and remember. These are all important in our everyday function, but as we age and our bodies begin to change, our brains change as well. Some parts of the brain, including those used in learning and other complicated mental activities, begin to shrink. Blood flow in the brain may decrease, and communication between neurons may become less effective. Even in healthy older adults, these changes can begin to affect our cognitive function, making us slower to recall names and remember words, causing us to struggle with multitasking and diminishing our ability to pay attention. In people with Alzheimers or dementia, this loss of cognitive abilities is progressive.While there isnt a cure for cognitive decline yet, studies indicate there may be a link between brain games and improving cognitive abilities. The research may be inconclusive, but more medical experts are recommending brain games to slow down or prevent senior memory loss. Just as physical exercise keeps your body in shape, certain games and puzzles can keep your brain active and healthy.Five Ways Brain Games and Active Learning Benefit SeniorsBrain games help slow down age-related mental decline.Many seniors experience an age-related mental decline with slower reaction times, diminished vocabulary and a memory that isnt as sharp as it used to be. This is all par for the course of living a long, happy life. However, brain games and active learning can help reengage and improve a persons thinking skills. Its especially helpful if you vary the games played to promote learning new skills, words or trivia facts.Brain games help seniors stay connected with loved ones.Wondering what to do with an aging loved one in your care? Try playing a brain game the whole family can enjoy. Not only will you be giving their brain health a boost, but youll also get the chance to connect with your loved one in a meaningful way. You can include a wider network of friends and family by connecting through a video chat app on your smartphone or tablet while playing online brain games.Brain games can help alleviate senior stress and anxiety.Finishing a crossword puzzle or playing a board game can help ease feelings of stress or anxiety. Playing games is good for the mind and soul, as it keeps people socially active with friends, family or others in their community. Being more social helps eliminate or reduce the feelings of loneliness or depression many seniors face. Who couldnt benefit from a boost in their brain health, mood and social skills?Mastering new skills or games makes seniors feel engaged.Youre never too old to learn a new skill or master a new game. Finding new hobbies as we age is essential to our mental and physical health. If quilting, gardening or photography arent quite your senior loved ones speed, consider helping them explore a new language through the many learning apps on your smartphone or tablet. You can also try your hand at helping them learn a new brain game. Staying in a routine encourages passive brain participation. If we never push our boundaries and develop new cognitive skills, we may start to feel a disconnect with the world around us.Learning and playing games will keep you young at heart.If you want to stay young at heart, the secret is finding new ways to test your cognitive abilities. Its incredible how games that encourage active learning can make people feel younger and smarter while combating the feelings of boredom, restlessness or isolation plaguing todays seniors. Whether its an online version of Jeopardy! or a simple game of match the cards, you cant go wrong with games.Effective Brain Stimulating Games and Activities for SeniorsYou may be wondering whats categorized as a brain game when purchasing gifts for aging loved ones. The truth is that, while just about any game is better than being sedentary and watching television, not every game is effective for slowing cognitive decline. There are a number that allow you to stretch your brain, including:ChessA classic game of strategy, chess helps build logical reasoning and problem-solving skills. It may initially seem complicated, but learning how to play can strengthen cognitive function, increasing IQ and focus. Chess can be played in person or online.CheckersRecent research indicates that regularly playing checkers is connected to larger brain volume and improved cognitive health. Checkers can help improve hand-eye coordination, increase mental acuity, and alleviate stress. Because you play with other people, it can also help provide positive social interaction.ScrabbleScrabble is beneficial for every age group, but particularly for older adults, because it improves memory functions, lowers blood pressure and increases overall general wellbeing. It can be educational, too, because there are sometimes words you and your loved one didnt previously know.Word PuzzlesThere is evidence to suggest that playing games focused on language(Opens in a new window) may lead to improvements in memory, cognitive speed and verbal learning. These games include crosswords, word searches, anagrams, cryptograms, branded games like Mad Libs and online games like the recently released Wordle.Playing CardsCard games help people practice skills like reasoning, problem solving, memory and concentration. Card games can be played with a standard deck of cards or may have cards specific for the game, like Uno.Matching and Memory Games for AdultsBy testing short-term memory and the ability to remember patterns, matching and memory games engage the brain, activating areas related to recall and pattern recognition. Try a card matching game, or a memory game like listing the months of the year in alphabetical order or listing things that start with a certain letter.Trivia GamesPlaying trivia games can be an entertaining experience while also stimulating older adults minds. These games can be played as individual or on teams, and the topics and methods of playing can be modified to meet the needs of the people playing. Team trivia and Trivial Pursuit are two examples of fun trivia games.Brain Stimulating Games for Alzheimers and DementiaThere are many treatments in the works for people with Alzheimers and/or dementia, including new medication and deep brain stimulation. While these treatments show a lot of promise, science has not yet found a cure for these debilitating conditions. There is evidence to indicate, however, that stimulating the brain using certain games can be helpful.Recently, research was reviewed on the role of games in dementia care, looking at board games, video games, and virtual reality games. The review concluded that when people in the early and middle stages of dementia played these games, they saw improvement in a variety of cognitive abilities, including short-term memory, reaction time, problem solving, communication and logical reasoning. More research is needed, but there are some games believed to support a wide variety of cognitive skills for people with dementia.When choosing brain games for adults with dementia, it is important to select games suitable for the individuals cognitive abilities and preferences, carefully creating simple, familiar and non-frustrating experiences. Examples of games and activities for seniors with dementia include:Word PuzzlesAs stated earlier, games focused on language can improve memory, speed and verbal learning. For people with Alzheimers and other forms of dementia, research suggests that playing these games can lead to improvements not only seen through cognitive testing but also through neurophysical tests.Jigsaw PuzzlesWorking on a jigsaw puzzle is a fun way to work on memory and reasoning skills. Jigsaw puzzles come in a variety of difficulties, from simple, easy-to-piece-together puzzles to more complicated puzzles that require quite a bit of hand-eye coordination and memory recall. This makes it easy to choose a puzzle appropriate for a persons abilities.Dice GamesDice games often have a central component of luck, but they are good for helping people with dementia practice numerical and calculation skills. Brain-stimulating dice games include backgammon, kismet, liars dice, shut the box and Yahtzee.Card GamesCard games, as mentioned above, can boost skills like reasoning, problem solving, memory, and concentration. Since these skills are often in decline in people with dementia, they can be extremely beneficial. Matching games like go fish, trick-taking games like bridge, and even solitaire variations can be good for people with dementia.Board GamesBoard games use a premade board with game pieces and often elements like cards and dice. One recent study found that a higher frequency of playing board games between ages 70 and 79 resulted in less cognitive decline. Good board games to try include Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit, Ticket to Ride, Cranium and chess.Video GamesWhether traditional desktop games, game systems like Wii and Switch, or cell phone and tablet games, research supports the theory that these games can enhance cognitive function in older adults, improving visual recognition, visual memory and attention. Tetris, Candy Crush Saga, Animal Crossing, Wii Sports, and mobile or app versions of classic word games, puzzles and board games can all be beneficial.BrightStar Careoffers around-the-clock in-home senior careAt BrightStar Care, we take a unique approach to caring for older adults by pairing our unmatched clinical expertise with key education resources to help and empower families. BrightStar Care helps families meet the physical, mental, and emotional needs of an older relative by providing excellence in home health care.

For more information on the author BrightStar Care of Venice and Port Charlotte, CLICK HERE.Exercise has a host of physical benefits for our aging loved ones: it can help them lose or maintain weight, reduce the impact of chronic disease, and enhance balance and flexibility, which can help reduce the risk of dangerous falls. There's also a plethora of mental benefits, too. Exercise has been shown to boost mood, enable deeper sleep, relieve stress, and even stave off cognitive decline.No age is too old to start exercising, even in very small doses. Exercise for seniors does not need to be strenuous in order to have an impact and help your loved one bring about positive health changes. In the Northeast, cold weather prevents you from exercising outdoors year-round; we have plenty of ideas on staying active no matter the temperature outside. Read on for more tips from BrightStar Care on helping your senior loved one get moving and have fun while doing so together. And remember to consult your physician before beginning any exercise routine.4 Ways to Exercise With Seniors1. WalkingWalking is fantastic for health. Walking improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, and, according to research from the University of Michigan Medical School, can even add years onto your life. If the weathers nice, head to a local park and go at your loved ones pace. If its on the chilly side, the local mall is a perfect spot to walk clean and well-lit, with an even floor. Have a well-behaved dog? Take him for a walk too!2. Swimming for SeniorsSwimming is a wonderful exercise, as its non-weight-bearing that means its ideal for anyone with knee, ankle, or hip problems. Swimming requires coordination (using arms and legs at the same time) as well as strength to propel the body through the water. Lastly, it can be an aerobic exercise depending on how fast the swimmer goes. Seniors don't need to cut through the water like an Olympian to reap the benefits. Encourage your loved one to go at his or her own pace, and swim (or walk!) side-by-side in an indoor or outdoor pool.3. Yoga for SeniorsYoga helps with balance, flexibility, and core strength. Its also a surefire way to promote overall well-being and relieve stress. Balance exercises for seniors, like the kind done in yoga, are particularly beneficial, as they can help reduce the risk of falling. Yoga can also be done sitting down if needed.4. Stretching for SeniorsFlexibility is an important component of health, and the best way to increase flexibility is through stretching. Stretching is especially important for seniors, as it can increase their range of motion and make them less prone to injury while enjoying life. Stretching can even help improve posture and relieve pain. If your loved one is wheelchair-bound, they can still work on some simple stretches like side-to-side reaches and neck rolls.For even more inspiration, learn about other popular family caregiver activities by region with BrightStar Care.

The Challenge: Cost Containment for Chronic Conditions Management of Congestive Heart Failure is extensive and expensive, placing heavy demands on health care system resources due to long hospital stays, multiple readmissions and other ongoing medical needs. As CHF progresses, acute episodes become more frequent and can lead to higher risks of mortality. [1] Because CHF symptoms can be non-specific or attributed to other causes, gradual or abrupt, and vary from person to person, quality care management with clinical oversight is vital to improved outcomes. Factors that contribute to the complex nature of disease management for CHF include: Congestive Heart Failure is one of the most expensive diagnoses. Patients can present with varying symptoms and experience a rapid change in their health. Post-discharge instructions may be hard for patients to follow, either due to a lack of understanding or difficulty making changes due to deeply ingrained habits. This chronic condition is often exacerbated by lifestyle choices such as lack of exercise, poor nutrition, smoking, etc. Lack of medication compliance or dosing errors can compromise recovery. Proving superior clinical outcomes has been a long-standing challenge for the home care industry due to fragmented care standards across states, the lack of standardized measures in personal care, and the lack of visibility home health care agencies have on claims data for patients. The Solution: Nurse-Led In-Home Personal Care BrightStar Cares nurse-led care teams coordinate post-acute transitions and provide oversight on medication compliance, patient education and ongoing monitoring of patient change of condition. This care can help reduce avoidable hospitalizations, medication errors, emergency room usage and improves quality of life, while also delivering a reduction in health care costs and providing value creation for payers. For patients with Congestive Heart Failure and other chronic conditions, this care is essential. Many of the services that BrightStar Care has been providing for the last 20 years can help reduce poor patient outcomes and lessen health care costs. Here are some of the key factors that contribute to accomplishing these goals [2]: Smoother care transitions. Improved discharge instruction understanding and compliance. Enhanced patient education and support. Focus on symptom monitoring and management. Intervention to reduce acute heart failure incidents. Improved quality of life, improved self care and end-of-life care.  Registered Nurse (RN) oversight for all BrightStar Care clients includes the following: Review of discharge instructions and transitional care needs, which gives the client and their loved ones an opportunity to absorb and understand this information in a more relaxed home environment. Initial assessment and reassessments to identify clinical exacerbations. This provides a clinical set of eyes in the field in between appointments and hospitalizations. Medication reconciliation to identify gaps in medication lists and/or non-compliance. Education for clients and families on signs and symptoms of disease exacerbation, recommended lifestyle changes and the importance of adherence to the plan of care. Recommendation of risk mitigation strategies which may include fall reduction, home safety, emergency planning and other helpful insights. Monitoring changes in condition and escalating to external care teams when appropriate. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Caregivers provide support under RN oversight. The following services may be performed by CNAs, Caregivers or both based on their scope of practice: Report changes to RN by answering client specific, disease specific change in condition questions at the end of each shift. The RN is immediately notified and can intervene and/or investigate as needed. Serve as the eyes and ears of the post-discharge Plan of Care (POC) and provide encouragement to the client to follow the plan. The RN is notified of any changes in condition. Support self-care and/or end-of-life needs. Older adults living with chronic disease can often experience depression, anxiety or other issues that need support. Our staff provides companionship, creates routines, plans safe daily activities and participates in those activities with their clients, which can improve the clients overall quality of life. Aid with personal care tasks such as toileting, bathing and grooming, dressing, feeding and ambulating. In addition to providing the client with physical support to do these activities, it also helps reduce falls, decreases infections due to proper hygiene and ensures that the client is eating a healthy diet all of which contribute to a lower risk of hospitalization and extend the amount of home time. Provide medication reminders to ensure compliance and reduce the risk of medication errors. Encourage lifestyle modifications such as exercising, meeting special dietary needs by grocery shopping and/or doing meal prep, smoking cessation support, watching for signs of alcohol mis-use and other healthy habits. Although BrightStar Care has observed and documented patient care that reduces the likelihood of avoidable hospitalizations and other expensive care options, we like most other in-home personal care providers wanted to have data to validate that personal care can lead to positive outcomes and cost savings for the healthcare ecosystem. The Results In order to address the lack of data quantifying the benefits of in-home personal care for clients with chronic conditions, BrightStar Care engaged leading health care analytics firm, Avalere Health (Opens in a new window), to evaluate client outcomes and cost benefits of in-home personal care. Avalere Health enables data-driven health care by informing actionable insights, delivering meaningful impact, and driving stronger patient outcomes and business economics. The analysis from Avalere Health (Opens in a new window) validates BrightStar Cares delivery of positive outcomes for personal care clients and value for downstream payers. Clients receiving in-home personal care experience lower rates of hospitalization, Emergency Department visits and Skilled Nursing Facility utilization across 30 different health care conditions. How the study was conducted: Avalere Health compared BrightStar Care clients to a matched control group of Medicare Beneficiaries and assessed the relative utilization of Medicare services between the two populations for different health care conditions with the average age of the population being 80. Avaleres analysis revealed that the change (baseline vs. follow-up) in the total cost of care was up to $29,902 lower for patients who received BrightStar Care services when compared to patients who did not receive services.  Among patients with Congestive Heart Failure, the average savings per client was $6,618. [3]  The analysis provides the latest evidence that personal care services, such as medication management, meal preparation, personal care assistance, and patient education, can have a positive impact on overall health, leading, in turn, to a reduction in healthcare costs and value creation for payers. When payers partner with in-home personal care companies like BrightStar Care, it can deliver positive results for all parties involved most importantly, for the patients we care for.  Learn more how BrightStar Care can help you keep your costs down while providing high-quality in-home care. (Opens in a new window)   

In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, BrightStar Care took a look at the most popular family caregiver activities across the country. Based on national search data from Google, cooking with seniors is popular in the West region.In the West, generations of families bond over cooking. Whether you are recreating treasured family recipes or trying something new, cooking at home has health benefits for all ages and is an excellent way for seniors and caregivers to enjoy their time together. Calorie and nutrient needs change as you age, making it even more important to choose foods that give seniors the best nutritional value. You can ensure that your loved one is receiving optimal nutrition, including plenty of vitamins, minerals, and fiber by helping them plan, shop for, and prepare meals. Preparing delicious, homemade, and healthy meals is also a very therapeutic activity for seniors that can activate the senses, stimulate the mind, and trigger happy memories. Here are some of the ways you can make the most of your time together in the kitchen.4 Ways to Cook with Seniors1. Meal PlanningPreparing healthy meals for seniors starts with meal planning. Choosing what to eat and which ingredients to use means you and your loved one will ensure they get a balanced diet and reach their nutritional goals.From calculating portions needed for your recipes to thinking creatively about different meals, taking time together to plan a weekly menu is also a great way for seniors to stay mentally active. It may be helpful to plan breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks for seven days at a time. And don't forget to anticipate leftovers! You can allocate them to the next days meals. After the entire weeks menus are written out, you make your shopping list.Make sure to check with your loved ones doctor and medical team about diet restrictions before planning menus.2. Shopping for IngredientsShopping trips to the grocery store and the farmers market are beneficial for socializing and exercising. Seniors may need help with certain tasks such as lifting heavy items, or they may be totally independent and simply enjoy their caregivers companionship. Going to a variety of grocery sources or making a few trips a week will allow more opportunities for socialization and exercise.Selecting their own meats and produce is a great way to make sure your loved one is getting the freshest ingredients. Seniors can even grow their own produce at home, as gardening is a wonderful form of exercise and has many health benefits as well.3. Meal PreppingEven if your loved one cant plan, shop, or prepare meals alone, cooking with a caregiver is very enjoyable and will provide companionship as well. Depending on how frequently seniors and caregivers spend time together, they can choose to prepare meals on one day for the week or shop and cook multiple times per week! Divvy up the cooking and prep tasks you and your loved one are comfortable with, such as cutting or lifting heavy pots and pans off of the stove or out of the oven. This is also a great opportunity for physical activity.4. Nutrient Rich MealsCombined with exercise, eating the right nutrients and maintaining a healthy weight can help seniors stay active and independent. It can also help avoid unnecessary trips to the doctor. A healthy meal should include a combination of lean protein, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. Remember to choose foods that are high in fiber and low in sodium or salt, and look for Vitamin D. And don't forget to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated!

Conversations about long-term care and end-of-life decisions are very important but often overlooked topics of discussion as our loved ones age. Whether it's documenting an aging parent's wishes in writing or providing him or her with the most comfortable and caring environment possible, having open conversations now can ensure the end-of-life care your loved one wants and deserves. Here are the four things every family caregiver should discuss with their aging parent.Starting the ConversationAn advance directive  is a legal document that goes into effect when individuals are unable to speak for themselves or are incapacitated, according to the National Institute on Aging. It allows an individual to express if theyd like emergency measures used to keep them alive, such as:Artificial nutrition or hydration to feed an individual through a feeding tube.Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR to restore an individuals heartbeat if their heart stops or has an abnormal rhythm.Comfort care to soothe an individual and relieve suffering while still following their wishes.A ventilator to help individuals breathe.A power of attorney (POA) for healthcare allows an individual to entrust someone else to make decisions about their medical care. Individuals might need two separate POA documents one for healthcare and another for finances. The power of attorney can be the same person for both or different people. An estate planning attorney can help your loved one establish a power of attorney or a living will to communicate end-of-life healthcare wishes. Your loved one may also consider creating additional documents regarding their wishes about a single medical issue such as:Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order: A medical order written by a doctor that tells healthcare providers not to do CPR if an individual's breathing stops or if the individuals heart stops beating.Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) or Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST): These forms clarify your medical care preferences in the form of a doctor's orders. Not all states acknowledge this form; check with your medical team for additional information.Once your loved one has established power of attorney or a living will, it is important to make sure this paperwork is available and easy to locate. Some individuals may consider wearing a medical identification bracelet or choose to carry paperwork with them, expressing their desire for advanced directives. It is also very important to review your healthcare preferences and wishes with your POA regularly. There are also communities with programs that encourage people to put advanced directive instructions in a baggie in their freezer because emergency personnel are trained to look for it there. It is important to understand your state laws and if there are any community programs related to advanced directives. Its also crucial to update these advanced care documents periodically to make sure your loved ones wishes are current. Legal paperwork should be reviewed every five years, or more often if needed, to make sure it is accurate.Collect Key DocumentsAs you start caring for your elderly parent, youll also need access to their health and financial information. Compile information connected to your parents insurance policies, Social Security benefits, housing contracts, retirement, and bank accounts. Make a list of their doctors names and preferred health facilities as well as their current medications and health conditions. Check to see if an individual has Medicare and/or any Medicare Supplement Insurance. Its a good idea to make copies of these key documents. And dont forget to keep copies and know where originals are of the POA, living will, and property deeds.Do Your Parents Have a Long-Term Care Plan?Long-term care is not always easy to discuss with a parent or loved one, but its best to address it before an unexpected accident, illness, or injury changes their needs. Here are some questions you should ask:How much are you or your loved one willing to spend on care? Long-term care can be expensive. According to the AARP, the average cost for a home health aide was $20 per hour in 2016  with the average aide providing in-home care for approximately 30 hours a week. The annual cost was $31,000. Some older adults use private financing options, such as long-term care insurance.What kind of help do you need now? Or, in the future? At first, your loved one may only need a ride to appointments or help with meals. Establish a schedule for them and discuss how the schedule could be adjusted as their needs change.Can you get used to having a stranger in your home to help you? Some individuals might have a hard time having a stranger care for them. Its also important to ask if they have a preference whether if an aide is male or female.How do you feel about care outside of the home? Many individuals want to stay in their homes, but you should be careful what you promise. A long-term care facility may be the best choice for some illnesses or stages of the end-of-life journey. Listen and Follow Your Parents CuesClarity is essential for the family. Everyone should be on the same page about care for their elderly loved one. The following topics should be discussed and answered among family members:Who is the main spokesperson for the elderly loved one? Its important to have a point person and keep things moving ahead. Often that person is the ultimate decision maker. Ask other family members what tasks they can take on to support your loved one.Establish general rules. Understand your loved one may not want to share everything about their health or personal life. Be respectful of their choices and be supportive even if you dont personally agree with their decisions.  

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.

As you may have guessed from the pink merchandise flooding the stores, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What you may not realize is that breast cancer is the second most common cancer for women in the United States, right behind skin cancer. Breast cancer research has resulted in the development of many new treatments that have saved countless lives. However, the best possible outcome would be learning how to prevent breast cancer from ever occurring in the first place.! Fortunately, there are steps you can take toward preventing breast cancer in your own life. Studies have shown that certain lifestyle changes make a big impact and can decrease the risk of breast cancer even in women who are considered high-risk.What You Should Know About Breast CancerBreast cancer begins in the breast, but it can spread when cancer cells enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system and are transported to other parts of the body. Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic (or lymph) system, which carries lymph fluid through tissues and into the blood. The lymph fluid contains immune system cells, along with tissue by-products and waste materials. With breast cancer, cancer cells begin to grow in the lymph nodes around the breasts. These small glands are located under the arm, near the breastbone, and around the collar bone. When cancer spreads from the breast to the lymph nodes, theres an increased risk that it will metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body.Breast Cancer VarietiesTypes of breast cancer are determined by the specific kind of cells that are affected. The most common breast cancers are carcinomas. Once a biopsy is done, the doctor will test the cells for proteins called estrogen or progesterone receptors, and for the HER2 gene or protein. At the same time, the tumor cells will be examined in the lab to determine the grade of tumor. Knowing the specific proteins and tumor grade is important for determining the stage of cancer and the best options for treatment.Early Diagnosis Is CrucialCatching breast cancer early is an important part of successful treatment. Thats why its vital to check for lumps and changes to your breasts, have regular checkups, and get mammograms and other screenings when your doctor recommends it. The risk of breast cancer increases with age, and for women over 70, theres a 1 in 24 chance of developing breast cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Treatments are highly individualized, and healthy, active, independent patients are most likely to experience a good outcome.Lifestyle Changes Can HelpWhether your focus is the prevention of breast cancer, or youve already had a diagnosis and want the best possible outcome, a healthy lifestyle is a crucial component of good health, regardless of your age. Here are some steps you can take to live a healthier life, and reduce your risk of breast cancer.Dont smoke. Smoking doesnt just raise your breast cancer risk; it increases the risk of at least 15 cancers! Additionally, smoking is linked to heart disease and stroke. One of the best things you can do for your overall health is to avoid smoking or quit if youre already a smoker.Limit alcohol consumption. Research indicates that drinking alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer, and the more you drink the higher your risk. Even small amounts can raise your risk, so stick to one drink or fewer per day.Be careful with hormonal treatments. Hormone therapy can increase the risk of breast cancer, particularly if its taken for more than three to five years. If you and your doctor decide that short-term hormone therapy is the best option for you, take the lowest dose of hormones that works for you. A common question is whether birth control pills have an impact on breast cancer risk. Before 1985, birth control pills had higher estrogen levels than they do now. This was linked to a slight increase in breast cancer risk, though that risk level returned to normal 10 years after discontinuing birth control. Todays birth control pills have not been linked to an increased breast cancer risk.Women who breastfeed have a reduced risk of cancer. Breastfeeding a baby for at least one year can help lower the risk of breast cancer, and the longer you nurse, the higher the level of protection will be.Avoid radiation as much as possible. Make sure that you only get procedures involving radiation when its absolutely necessary, as these medical imaging tests have been linked to breast cancer.Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases the risk of breast cancer and other medical issues. Obesity that happens after menopause is particularly significant for breast cancer risk. Staying at a healthy weight will not only reduce your risk of breast cancer but will also help your overall health.Stay active. Exercise is a great way to keep your weight in check, and research shows that women who walk 30 minutes each day have a reduced risk of breast cancer. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity are recommended each week, along with strength training twice a week.Eat a nutritious diet. Are there foods that prevent breast cancer? Not necessarily, but a diet full of nutrients can reduce your risk, and it also helps decrease the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The Mediterranean diet is an excellent example, focused on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

For more information on the author BrightStar Care of Venice and Port Charlotte, CLICK HERE.Parkinson's disease is a serious condition that involves the progressive degeneration of nerve cells (neurons) in the brain that control movement.Parkinson's disease affects about 1 million people in the United States more than the number of people with multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and Lou Gehrigs disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) combinedAbout 60,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease each yearParkinson's disease becomes more common as people age, but about 4% of people with the disease are diagnosed before 50Parkinson's disease is 1.5 times more likely to affect men than womenThis condition can be absolutely debilitating to people who have it. But with careful planning and coordination with medical and in-home care professionals, people living with Parkinsons disease can maintain their independence and activity longer than those without this additional support. To help make that happen, its important to know the signs to watch out for and when its time to get help for your loved one who has Parkinsons disease.What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease?Be on the lookout for the following movement-related symptoms in your loved one:Slow movementsTremors, or shaky movementsExcessive muscle stiffnessPermanent muscle contractures for example, if your loved one bends their elbow and then cant straighten it back outThe signs of Parkinson's disease are subtle, so its easy for the condition to start slowly and not get noticed for some time. That means it can be misdiagnosed as something else or not diagnosed at all until the disease has had a chance to progress.As the disease progresses, your loved one may have trouble walking or balancing on their own. That's because Parkinson's disease affects the area of the brain that controls movement and balance. Your loved one may believe they're standing upright when they really aren't. The result is an increase in falls, as well as trouble with activities of daily living, such as bathing, cooking and going to the bathroom.When Is It Time to Get Help for a Loved One Who Has Parkinson's Disease?Any of the symptoms we've discussed are red flags for you to bring up with your loved one or their primary care doctor. Its best to get a Parkinson's diagnosis early on in the disease process. Although there's no cure for Parkinson's disease, doctors can prescribe medications to slow the diseases progression.However, its common for people who haven't been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease to chalk these symptoms up to the aging process. Though you may be concerned if your loved one is taking hours to get ready in the morning when they once took mere minutes, they may brush you off with a gruff, Leave me alone. I'm just getting slower, but I'm fine.In these cases, its a good idea to document the occurrences you notice. Consider making a short recording on your smartphone with the date, the time and a short summary of what happened, such as: Dad tripped again this morning. He fell while getting out of bed because he couldn't get his foot to work. These notes can provide vital evidence to help doctors determine if your loved one really does have Parkinsons disease.If your loved one is diagnosed with the disease, work closely with their doctor on treatment methods, home safety measures, etc. The doctor can also provide valuable input on when it might be time to get your loved one some additional help at home.How Can In-Home Care Help a Person Living With Parkinson's Disease?If your loved one is otherwise independent but is having trouble at home because of the effects of Parkinson's disease, skilled in-home nursing care like that provided by BrightStar Care can help keep them safe and in their home as long as possible.Specially trained caregivers with experience dealing with clients who have Parkinson's disease can help slow the diseases progression in your loved one. They can bring activities such as physical and occupational therapy into the clients home. These activities are key to successful management of the disease, and having them in the home environment lessens the risk to your loved one because of any balance or falling issues they might have. As the disease progresses, your loved ones in-home care team can bring in various aids to help them adjust, such as adaptive silverware that is specially made for people living with Parkinson's disease.Its often challenging to have a conversation with a loved one about bringing a caregiver into the home, especially if they've been living independently for some time. I recommend first speaking with someone your loved one trusts such as a clergy member, doctor, friend or other family member and getting buy-in from that person before approaching your loved one. Use the following example to help guide you: Listen, Dad, I know you're doing great, but I've talked to Pastor Bob, and we've found a company that offers the kind of service that can help you with your daily routine. We can have them come do a visit to see if there's something they can do to help you. Can we just talk with them?We offer a free living room visit ,where a registered nurse and a care team member visit your loved ones home to get to know them and discuss their unique care needs. Older loved ones, especially gentlemen, tend to worry about finances, so this can help set their minds at ease.When you get the care team in the door, listen to how they suggest helping your loved one deal with and adapt to living with Parkinson's disease. If you like what you hear, continue the conversation with your loved one. Dad, now that we've heard what they have to say, how about we try them out for two weeks or a month? I really need help making sure you have your meals ,and I can do this with their help. Its critical to respect your loved ones choices in this matter, but showing how this choice will help you, not just your older loved one, is key to getting the care they need.Make sure you also talk about in-home cares importance for your loved ones independence. Dad, if we bring these folks in to help you, we can keep you here at home for as long as possible. Thats a huge deciding factor for many clients living with Parkinson's disease. It makes people feel good to have their own bed, blanket, pet and other comforts of home.Parkinson's Disease Care Tailored to Your Loved OneOur teams offer different layers of in-home care that they can adjust depending on how much help your loved one needs. Maybe your dad just needs rides to the doctor and some minor assistance around the house. If so, companion care may be the right balance of independence and support. If your loved one needs more intensive care, a certified nursing assistant can help. The registered nurse overseeing your loved ones care will constantly reassess their situation to make sure they're getting the care they need.When it comes to Parkinson's care, consider the analogy of pain management. If you wait until the pain gets really bad, it can take twice as long to bring it under control. Its easier to get help sooner when the pain isn't as bad. The same goes for a loved one who has Parkinson's disease. If you wait to get help, it takes longer to get their symptoms under control, and the disease is progressing the longer you wait.Our goal for every client living with Parkinson's disease is to help them maintain their independence, stay active as long as possible and incorporate our care into the plan of care created by their primary care doctor. Click the link above to learn more about how we can help your loved one get the in-home care they need for Parkinson's disease.

Caring for an elderly family member can be extremely rewarding. For the recipient of the care, it provides the opportunity to share life experiences with someone close, deepening the familial relationship while receiving personalized care and attention. However, the family caregiver benefits from the relationship as well. The time spent with a loved one is beneficial for the family caregiver because it affords precious time together and the opportunity to forge a closer relationship. As you care for a loved one, you gain a deeper understanding of that person as well as greater patience in dealing with challenges. Youll be stretched emotionally and physically in ways that lead to profound personal growth. However, theres no doubt that all that stretching can be stressful.The challenges associated with being a family caregiver are also numerous, and its important to learn how to manage the stress of family caregiving so that you dont break. Taking time out for self-care is crucial because if the family caregiver buckles under the weight of caregiving stress, the results can be detrimental for all involved. Lets look at some ways to relieve some of the pressure you may feel while caring for a family member. 1.  Know how to set boundaries. Its important to acknowledge that theres only so much you can do, and only so much thats within your control. If you are one of several family members but you are the one with the most caregiving responsibility, make sure your family understands your limitations. Further, recognize that you cannot control another persons thoughts, feelings, or behavior. Empathy is good but feeling guilty because of someone elses response to your care is not beneficial. Strive to maintain positivity, even in tough circumstances, by focusing on the good and knowing theres rest ahead of you. 2.  Acknowledge the physical demands of the job. Caring for an older adult can be extremely physically demanding. As you assist with bathing, dressing, and toileting needs, lift, or turn your loved one, and provide first aid, medical assistance, and a safe physical environment, you may find yourself overly taxed by the responsibilities. Managing the behavior of a person with cognitive behavior can be physically challenging. To cope with these demands, get the training you need so that youll know how to properly care for your family member. Make sure that, just as youre tending to your loved ones physical needs, youre also paying attention to yours. Eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. Make use of adaptive or assistive equipment for specific needs and strive to help your loved one remain as independent as possible. When there are tasks you physically cannot manage, enlist the help of another person or a home care agency.3.  Be clear about the financial realities of caring for an elderly person. Taking care of an older person can get expensive. Theres the cost of medical care, treatment, adaptive or assistive equipment, and hiring help when needed. Whats more, a family caregiver may have to reduce work hours and give up income in order to be available for their loved one. Caring for a family member also means managing that persons financial concerns and preparing for the financial needs of the future. Be realistic about the financial challenges involved in caregiving, enlisting the help of financial planning specialists if necessary. Educate yourself on programs that can help by assisting with costs or providing equipment and assistive technology and use these programs when you need to. Talk to other family members about financial needs and consider getting long-term care insurance. 4.  Communicate honestly about the emotional stress of caregiving. Its easy to feel isolated and alone when youre caring for an elderly person. Be careful not to let yourself slip into detrimental ways of thinking or give in to negative emotions. Dont engage in worry, asking why questions about your situation, but rather practice concern, looking at the what and how questions so you can determine whats within your power to change. Recognize that difficulties are temporary and hard times will pass so you can avoid giving into depression. Dont imagine the worst-case scenarios of every situation, but instead try to remain grounded and consider realistic outcomes. If you begin to feel overwhelmed, talk to someone about whats troubling you before it has the chance to make you resentful or depressed. 5.  Learn how to manage the relationship stress that comes with caring for a relative. The normal patterns of familial relationships can be disrupted when an elderly relative needs care. You may have disagreements with other family members about how things are handled, and you may find yourself in conflict with the very person youre trying to help. Caregiving can also take time youre accustomed to spending on other relationships and can cause difficulties with your spouse. Find positive, uplifting experiences you can have with your loved one and take the time to nurture other family relationships. Keep the lines of communication open, involving the care recipient as much as possible in deciding his or her own care, and expressing needs and issues clearly to your other family members. 6.  Take some time for self-care. Whether its a walk, a bath, or time to read a book, its important to carve out alone time to help manage your stress. Spend time with people you enjoy, doing things that make you happy. Investing this time in yourself and your own wellbeing will make you a better caregiver and help you manage caregiving stress. 7.  Dont shy away from asking for help. Managing the stress of family caregiving is much harder if youre trying to do everything on your own. Enlist the help of family members so that you can get a break or engage a professional caregiver to provide you with support. Take advantage of respite care so that you can be refreshed and renewed, ready to dive back into the ultimately rewarding work of caring for someone you love.At BrightStar Care, we know that caring for an elderly relative can be challenging. Thats why we work hard to deliver the right care for your loved one and to be a partner you can turn to for support. Because we believe that caring is more than just a job, our nurses, CNAs, and caregivers offer the most professional compassionate care available. In the comforting, familiar surroundings of home, we offer a full range of care services to meet your loved ones needs and help you when you need it most. Contact us or call 866-618-7827 to learn more about our services and let us know what we can do for you.

Most people want to enjoy the benefits of aging in place. An AARP survey found that 77% of people ages 50 and older want to remain in their homes(Opens in a new window) as they age. Among respondents of all ages, 63% agreed.As a result, more older adults are living at home(Opens in a new window). Census figures show that only 2.5% of Americans over age 65 reside in nursing facilities(Opens in a new window). Most of those who do are at least 85 years old. Today, functional impairment no longer requires someone to move to a care facility. Older adults, even those with disabilities, can enjoy the benefits of aging in place with the support of in-home care services like skilled nursing, homemaking services and medication management.Remaining in one's home and community with the necessary support to maintain a high quality of life offers several advantages, from stronger community connections to better physical health.Health Benefits of Aging in PlaceAging in place has several aspects that support better overall health both physical and mental for seniors. These are some of the main health benefits of seniors continuing to live in their homes:Reduced Stress: Moving to a new living arrangement can be disruptive. Staying in a familiar place can minimize stress, which is known to improve overall physical health, including lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease.Increased Activity: Living at home involves keeping up with physical tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and gardening. Physical activity can reduce the risk of chronic disease and cognitive decline(Opens in a new window).Better Nutrition: Having the ability to cook and prepare their own meals allows older adults to make healthier food choices that are essential for their specific health needs.Personalized Care: You and your loved one can customize the services they receive. For example, with BrightStar Care as your partner, you can decide if your loved one just needs help with shopping and errands(Opens in a new window), if they have certain daily hygiene needs(Opens in a new window) or if they receive physical or other therapy(Opens in a new window) at home. Reduced Infection Risks: Living at home typically reduces exposure to outside pathogens. Millions of health-care-associated infections(Opens in a new window) occur each year in long-term care facilities.Social Benefits of Aging in PlaceThe physical benefits of aging in place are deeply intertwined with certain psychosocial factors, such as:Connectedness: Staying where theyve lived lets seniors maintain connections with neighbors and the community. From regularly attending religious services to visiting local shops and restaurants, familiar social connections can enhance seniors physical and mental health(Opens in a new window). People who have close, supportive relationships tend to live longer(Opens in a new window), have better overall physical and emotional health, fewer feelings of loneliness and a better quality of life.Autonomy: Aging in place allows people to continue living in an environment where they can feel more in control of their daily activities and lifestyle choices. Autonomy, one of the most important benefits of aging in place, is associated with improved mental and physical health and enhanced well-being(Opens in a new window).Identity and Belonging: Owning a residence and maintaining it the way they want can enhance a persons sense of identity(Opens in a new window). Seniors may have long established their home as a haven for friends and family, and forcing a move may be socially and emotionally detrimental.These are some of the most compelling reasons to support aging in place, and its not surprising theyre centered on social connectivity. Research suggests being satisfied with ones social situation directly correlates with less loneliness(Opens in a new window). Feeling isolated and lonely are associated with a higher risk of premature death(Opens in a new window) as well as a 50% increased dementia risk, a 29% higher risk of heart disease and a 32% higher risk of stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Aging in place generally gives seniors a clear path to combatting loneliness.Financial Benefits of Aging in PlaceIn addition to health and social factors, aging in place can be a financially savvy decision. Some of the top reasons to consider it include:Reduced Health Care Costs: Aging in place can prevent expensive residential facility costs. While there may be certain costs associated with home care, the tradeoffs may be finding care thats less costly than a long-term facility and avoiding the spread of viruses that result in increased doctor visits or hospitalization.Increased Property Value: Making universal upgrades to a home to adapt it for aging residents can make it an ideal home for a wide range of ages and abilities, increasing the homes market value.Tax Incentives: Various tax credits and deductions are available to homeowners who make accessibility modifications. For example, the homeowner may be able to take a medical expense deduction(Opens in a new window) for medically necessary upgrades. Some of these will vary by location, but the IRS has various tax benefits(Opens in a new window) for people who are elderly or have disabilities. Be sure to consult an accountant before moving forward.Practical Considerations When Deciding to Age in PlaceFor your loved one to fully experience the benefits of aging in place, they need to be safe, comfortable and as independent as possible in their home. You can achieve this by planning for situations where they may need help and modifying the home with monitoring and mobility improvements when needed.Creating emergency plansHave conversations about what to do in case of a variety of situations. Establish what actions your loved one should take, who they should call and where they should go if they need to leave. Some events to consider are: Non-medical and non-life-threatening emergenciesCatastrophic or life-threatening emergenciesSevere weather, such as hurricanes, tornadoes or floodsEnvironmental hazards such wildfires, earthquakes or tsunamisPower, phone or internet outagesMass public evacuationsSome of these will depend on where you live, so be specific.Making home modificationsNot all homes were built with elderly or disabled people in mind. You may need to examine the house(Opens in a new window) from the perspective of your loved one and make some changes to ensure safety and comfort. You can follow some simple safety tips(Opens in a new window) that dont require much physical or financial investment:Store frequently used items on easy-to-reach shelves.Use reflective tape to mark the edge of steps or where the floor levels change.Declutter floor space and remove throw rugs to reduce trip hazards.Add a non-slip grip mat to the shower or tub and upgrade to a hand-held shower head.Ensure there is plenty of sensor-activated lighting in entryways and around stairways.In addition, consider the value of upgrading the home to better accommodate your loved one. You dont need to remodel everything at once, but you can tackle projects as needed. For example, you may want to start by switching over to smart devices where lights, appliances, temperature and exterior access can be monitored via the internet. Then, as mobility becomes a concern, you may want to add stability bars and handrails where needed, replace steps with ramps and widen entries and hallways for wheelchair accessibility. Planning for caregivingBy some estimates, 70% of Americans who live to age 65 will need some form of caregiver support(Opens in a new window) over the course of their lives. Receiving care at home can take many forms(Opens in a new window), from non-medical companion support to skilled nursing care. Home care professionals can assist with personal hygiene, household chores and health-related tasks depending on the level of care you need. They can even help with meal preparation and transportation. Only 19% of adults ages 50-80 say theyre very confident about paying for help(Opens in a new window), and 43% are not confident at all. Assistive services dont have to be out of reach. Resources like these are available:United Way 211(Opens in a new window) provides information and referral services in your local community. It can connect you with various caregiving resources.The Caregiver's Handbook(Opens in a new window) from the National Institute on Aging provides a comprehensive overview of what caregivers need to understand about aging at home.Our Complete Guide to Home Care(Opens in a new window) answers your questions from how to know when a loved one needs care services to how much it costs, what your options are, and how to choose whats best for you.  Being financially preparedIt may be too late for your loved one to substantially increase their retirement savings or obtain long-term care insurance to fund living at home. But you can do everything possible to make aging in place work within the finances available: Review retirement and investment accounts with them to be sure about any mandatory distributions and expected earnings. Consider suggesting they work with a financial planner to explore options to make their money stretch further.Help evaluate their budget(Opens in a new window) or establish a new one. Many people dont realize how effective it can be to look at what you spend and set limits based on your priorities.Go over insurance coverage for primary and specialty care visits, treatments, and prescription medications. Youll be better equipped to maximize your coverage and avoid surprise expenses. Make sure theyve applied for all the health care discounts, food assistance and utility benefits(Opens in a new window) theyre eligible for.Growing older at home surrounded by supportIndependent living at home or aging in place with in-home care may be a lifestyle you and your loved one want to embrace. It may not be easy, but it is possible and comes with benefits that may mean a longer, more enjoyable life. Whether you're looking for in-home care services(Opens in a new window) or assisted living(Opens in a new window) for your loved one or a reliable medical staffing(Opens in a new window) partner for your organization, our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location(Opens in a new window) near you, contact us(Opens in a new window) online or call (866) 618-7827 to learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard.

As your parents or other close relatives age, finding a safe living arrangement for them has become your top priority. Perhaps your loved one is reluctant to move to a nursing home or assisted living facility, so you have invited them to move in with you instead. You now provide the day-to-day help your loved one needs, allowing you to worry less about their safety.While it can be gratifying to serve as a family caregiver, the responsibility can also be physically and emotionally exhausting. For many, the challenge of juggling the caregiver role while tending to family concerns and work obligations proves to be too much at times. According to the Caregiving in the US 2020 report  more than one-third of unpaid family caregivers rate this job as highly stressful, and nearly 20 percent report a high level of physical strain.Plowing through challenging times may feel doable in the short term but going too long without a break can lead to burnout. Thats why every caregiver needs a caregiver themselves, someone to take over for a while so they can take a break. This service is known as respite care, and it can prove invaluable for improving the whole familys quality of life.What is Caregiver Burnout? Anyone who takes on the responsibility of caring for another person knows exactly how hard it can be. All too often, caregivers stuff down their frustration, weariness, or distress, afraid that theyre being selfish if they express these struggles. However, this couldnt be further from the truth.Consider that even professional caregivers face challenges in their day-to-day workbut unlike a professional, youre not paid for your time, and you dont get to clock out at the end of the day. Your caregiver role is 24/7, and it comes on top of all of your other responsibilities. Raising a family, managing a household, working a full-time job, paying bills, and caring for a senior loved one? No wonder youre exhausted! Signs of Caregiver Burnout Giving all your time and energy to your aging family member may be challenging even on the best days. Heres how to tell if caregiver burnout is setting in:Exhaustion: Losing sleep and missing out on every opportunity for self-care is not sustainable. Fatigue may hurt your caregiving efforts and affect your long-term health.  Frequent illness: High stress and insufficient sleep are common factors in suppressed immune function. If you find yourself getting sick a lot, you know its time for a break.Declining mental health: Sadness, irritation, and depression can set in if you never get time to relax and do things for yourself.Isolation: Do you regularly skip social outings to care for your loved one? Its not selfish to want to have fun with your friends now and then.Compassion fatigue: If your patience is wearing thin, you may start lashing out at your loved one. This is a sign that you need to step out of your caregiving role for a time.How Respite Care Can Help The purpose of respite care is to provide temporary relief for the family caregiver. It ensures your loved one receives the same high-quality care you normally offer while freeing up your time to get other things done, recover from an injury or illness, or go on a trip.The key to utilizing respite care to the fullest is to consider your precise needs and find someone who can fill them. Here are three questions to ask:How much recovery time do you need? Perhaps you could benefit from having three hours off two days a week to run errands, chauffeur the kids around, or get a pedicure. Maybe you need the weekend off to attend your friends wedding. Or you might want someone else to step in for a week this summer while you take a much-needed family vacation. Professional respite care is available on both a recurring and on-demand basis to meet your needs.What level of care does your loved one require? Companionship, meal planning, and appointment transportation? Feeding, bathing, dressing, and other personal care? Medication management, wound care, and other skilled nursing services? List out everything you do for your loved one so you can make sure the caregiver you choose has the qualifications and experience you need.Who can pitch in? Before hiring a service provider, consider asking your adult siblings, extended family members, and loved ones friends who might be willing to fill in for you temporarily. Remember to be specific about when you need help and what type of care youre looking for. Be flexible with other peoples schedules, and consider accepting financial contributions from siblings who live far away.Finding Respite Home Care Services Not everyone has the availability or skills needed to care for an aging loved one. If you cant get regular assistance from family and friends, you still have plenty of options. Respite care comes in many forms. One of the most desirable is in-home respite care, which involves bringing a professional to the house. This keeps your loved one as calm and comfortable as possible because theres no need to leave the familiar home setting.BrightStar Care offers on-demand and recurring respite care to meet your needs. Our compassionate care professionals are specially trained to provide all levels of in-home care, from basic companionship to personal hygiene assistance to skilled nursing. We dont have minimum time requirements so we can step in for one hour, a few days, or weeks at a time, giving you a much-needed break. When you return, youll feel refreshed and ready to resume your caregiver role.Always rememberyou are not alone! The nurses, CNAs, and caregivers at BrightStar Care believe that providing respite care is more than just a job. Thats why were pleased to offer the most professional, compassionate care available in the comforting, familiar surroundings of home. Contact usonline or call866-618-7827to learn more about what we can do for you or to request respite care in your area.

The holidays are right around the corner! When does the holiday season kick into gear for you? Some people are entirely focused on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hannukah, but for others, Halloween is the main event. There are plenty of Halloween party games for adults to make the holiday fun and festive.Planning the Perfect PartyWhether youre planning a party or just looking for a way to have some fun with an older relative or friend, we hope these ideas for Halloween party games for adults will help.Decorating is a mustBefore we even get started on Halloween games, we have to mention the ambiance youll need to make the holiday all its meant to be. Hit the local discount or party supply store for cut-outs, spiderwebs, and garlands. This can also be a great excuse for some arts and crafts, no matter what your level of artistry or coordination may be. Here are some suggestions that can be fun for older adults.Decorate some pumpkins. For some older people, arthritis may make carving jack-o-lanterns difficult. No worries! Paint the pumpkins or draw on them with Sharpies.Make some spooky flameless candles. Use craft glue to cover flameless candles in black lace for a spooky glow.Create a creepy village. Spray paint simple birdhouses in a variety of shapes and sizes, using dark colors like black, purple, and gray. Arrange them in a village, adding twigs to give the effect of trees.Dont neglect the menuWhats a party without party foods? Whip up some caramel apples, using apples, caramels, and heavy cream, dip strawberries in white chocolate to make ghosts, or create a graveyard on a sheet cake, using Milano cookies as tombstones. Or, if youd like some healthier fare, make sweet potato jack-o-lanterns, witches brooms made of pretzels and cheese, or some fun Halloween deviled eggs, complete with black olive spiders.Plan your activities There are Halloween puzzles and fun Halloween board games you can find, ranging from amusing to scary. If youd rather make your own fun instead of purchasing a game, weve got plenty of Halloween party games to suggest. Some of these can even be modified for remote playing, if you want to include some people on zoom that cant be there in person!Charades is a classic. Fun for every age, its easy for charades to make it onto your list of Halloween games with just a tweak of the clues. Have people act out the titles of classic spooky films or books, or choose Halloween-themed words like spiderweb, witch, vampire, bat, spider, monster mash, full moon, and so on. Brainstorm and see how many ideas you can find!Trivia can reveal the true Halloween lovers in your group. Readers Digest has some great suggestions for trivia questions that will make this one of the best Halloween games at your party!Halloween bingo can be a fun intergenerational game. Just change the bingo cards to read W-I-T-C-H instead of B-I-N-G-O, and use candy corn instead of bingo chips.Pumpkins arent just for decoration. Play Pumpkin Bowling, where small pumpkins or gourds are used to knock down stacks of Halloween cups. Alternatively, get a really large pumpkin and have your guests guess its weight. Allow them to get as up close and personal with the pumpkin as they need to, and collect the guesses at the end of the party, awarding a prize to the closest guess. If your guests are not ambulatory, consider a seated game like Hot Pumpkin, played like hot potato but with an orange bean bag standing in for the hot pumpkin.. Play music as you pass around the bean bag, and when the music stops, the person left holding the bean bag is out. Keep it going until theres only one person left, and award a prize accordingly.Try a game of balloon volleyball! Use a black sharpie to draw jack-o-lantern faces on orange balloons, then bat them back and forth, either standing or sitting.Some of the best Halloween games for adults arent really games at all. Hold a make-your-own costume contest, awarding prizes for the most creative costumes. If you have enough people, set up trick-or-treat stations for the costumed revelers to visit and collect candy. Share scary stories, seeing who can come up with the spookiest tale, or try team storytelling, in which one person begins a story and each other person adds to it. The sillier the story, the better! You can also pick a few classic scary movies and hold a Halloween movie marathon.

For more information on the author BrightStar Care of Bonita Springs, CLICK HERE.When caring for an aging parent or family member, there are few things as scary as discovering your loved one has fallen. The aftermath can have a major impact on both you and your family's life, and you are not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2.8 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries each year. There are safe and reliable steps you can take post-fall to make your loved ones recovery as efficient as possible. If your loved one has suffered a fall, here are seven ways you can help with recovery, both physical and emotional:Have a One-on-One Discussion.After a fall, seniors may be feeling shame, frustration, and fear of their family's reaction. We encourage you to have an honest and compassionate conversation about what happened, and to reassure them that their safety and health is your primary concern. By establishing open communication and trust in regards to their health, they may be more open to receiving help from you, doctors, and/or care professionals.Stay Calm and Show Your Support.It can be stressful, worrisome, and scary when a loved one falls, but it is important to stay calm and strong for your loved one. If the daily care is causing you physical or emotional strain, know that you don't have to do this alone. BrightStar Cares specially trained nurses and caregivers are available to support you and your loved one. The most important thing you can provide your loved one during the recovery process is your love and support.Encourage Follow-Up Appointments with the Doctor.If the fall resulted in a trip to the hospital or a rehabilitation facility, set the follow-up doctor appointments in advance. Its important to have the doctor check up on your loved ones recovery status and examine his or her overall health and vision. Even if you and your loved one are positive that the fall was caused by tripping on a rug, a well-rounded evaluation could uncover potential issues that made that fall more likely. If your loved one is convinced he or she is okay and doesn't need to go, remind them that this is an important step in staying safe and preventing future falls.Help Them Learn How to Prevent Future Falls.Seniors who are recovering from a fall or injury are at a higher risk of future falls, sometimes due to reduced activity from a fear of falling again. Because of this, its important to be proactive about building your loved ones strength and confidence in walking around the house. When well enough to do so, encourage your loved one to get up for some light exercise and activity to improve balance and stability. They may be timid at first, but the long-term results will ensure his or her mobility and safety.Share Home Safety Tips.In addition to learning more about fall prevention, there are many senior home safety tips your loved one may benefit from in the long run. As he or she recovers and regains mobility, take the time to identify and discuss the potential risks and hazards around the home, and how you can work together to figure out how to make his or her home the safest, most comfortable place possible. Additionally, a BrightStar Care Registered Nurse Director of Nursing can conduct a home safety check as part of creating a customized care plan for your loved one.Bring the Family Fun to Them.Depending on your loved ones recovery status and mobility after the fall, he or she may feel isolated or cooped up at home. Brighten his or her spirits by scheduling times during the week for family fun. Put together a pre-dinner board game competition, or set up a family movie night with popcorn and your loved ones favorite treats. If you dont live nearby, have your kids sing their favorite song over the phone, or even film and send the musical act entirely. Your loved one will be sure to love the change of pace, and a boost in mood may encourage them through recovery.Consider In-Home Care.BrightStar Care can provide in-home support, from short-term transitional care to more long-term assistance, to help your loved one recover safely and regain independence after a fall. Some seniors may need just a little help with chores and groceries, while others may need more advanced help with showering or medication management. Whatever the case, starting the conversation about in-home care can be a positive step in helping your loved one recover in his or her own home while allowing you respite.If you have more questions on how to support your loved one after a fall or about in-home care, contact your BrightStar Care agency. Were ready to help.

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.

Summer is here, and the temperatures are climbing. It also means the risk of dehydration rises for older adults. Individuals 65 and older are at greater risk of heat-related illness according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adults who are overweight or have existing medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease; socially isolated people; and the poor are also at risk. Dehydration in the summer heat can lead to health concerns such as heat stroke and heat stress, which are very common in the elderly. If youre caring for a loved one, its important to know the signs of dehydration and how to keep them safe when its hot outside. Signs of Dehydration in SeniorsYour loved one becomes dehydrated when they use or lose more water than they take in. Without enough water, the body cant function normally. As your loved one ages, their sense of thirst diminishes. Even when their body needs replenishing with water, they might not realize it. According to the Mayo Clinic, some common signs of dehydration in an adult are:ConfusionDizzinessExtreme thirstFatigueUrinating less frequentlyMany of these symptoms, such as dry mouth, fatigue, and dizziness, are non-specific and could be attributed to other medical conditions, medications, or natural effects of aging. Dehydration can lead to difficulty walking and confusion. In addition, when dehydrated, older adults may experience orthostatic hypotension a drop in blood pressure when changing positions (e.g. from sitting to standing) putting them at increased risk of falls. Its important to encourage your loved one to drink as much as possible. Older adults should drink six to eight cups of water daily. When its warm outside, they should avoid caffeinated beverages and sports drinks like Gatorade. Popsicles, Jell-O, and ice chips also can help your loved one stay hydrated. Sugar-free popsicles are available for people with diabetes. If your loved one is on a special diet, especially if fluids are restricted, ask a doctor how best to accommodate it. Watch your loved ones medications because they can increase the risk of dehydration. Diuretics, for example, while critical to treat certain medical conditions, can lead to an increased risk of dehydration. People with diabetes also need to be cautious as their risk of dehydration is even higher and comes with serious, life-threatening consequences. Consult your prescriber or pharmacist for more information regarding your medication regimen before making any changes.Preventing Dehydration in Older AdultsThe CDC recommends having your loved one stay in an air-conditioned place during extreme heat. If they dont have air conditioning at home, visiting the shopping mall or public library for a few hours can help their body stay cooler when they go back into the heat. Check with your local health department for heat-relief shelters in your area. When temperatures climb into the 90s, fans may provide comfort, but they wont prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or wearing loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing will help your loved one stay cool.  At BrightStar Care, a registered nurse oversees the care as well as provides education and support for not only the care team but the client and family as well. Our caregivers are happy to help keep an eye on your loved ones overall health and keep them cool and hydrated.  

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimers or dementia can be physically and emotionally draining, especially when they have behavioral changes caused by their anxiety and confusion. Many advanced dementia patients lash out at their caregivers with unexpected aggression later in the day or at night. The phenomenon is referred to as Sundowners Syndrome or sundowning because the disruptive behavior usually occurs after the sun has gone down and feelings of paranoia, sadness, fear, or anger seep into the mind, sometimes accompanied by delusions or hallucinations. Sundowning is stressful for both persons living with dementia and their caregivers. However, our healthcare professionals are here to offer helpful tips for managing anger and Sundowners Syndrome in loved ones with memory loss.One out of five dementia patients suffer from sundowningElder care presents many unique challenges to caregivers. If youre feeling overwhelmed about your loved ones late afternoon or nighttime mood swings, the most important thing to remember is that you arent alone. According to scientific studies, as many as one out of five people living with Alzheimers or dementia suffer from Sundowners Syndrome. Much mystery shrouds this condition, but experts believe the neurological changes caused by dementia affect the individuals inner body clock. This confusion about the time of day often manifests itself in the person shouting, pacing, and acting in aggressive manners. Sadly, these anger issues tend to worsen as the persons memory loss progressesUnderstand their anger isnt directed at you or your actionsThe first step to handling your loved ones anger issues is to understand where this anger is coming from and recognize that it isnt aimed at you or something you have necessarily done. Anger is usually caused by physical, emotional, or mental triggers. Your loved one may be angry because they cannot do the simplest tasks, such as tying their shoes or going to the grocery store. They could be experiencing physical fatigue, discomfort, or soreness you arent aware of, and they are unable to articulate how they are feeling.Be aware that certain medications can cause behavioral side effects. Feelings of boredom or loneliness caused by their condition could also be the culprit for sudden outbursts. Memory loss and disorientation are often mental causes for aggression. Once you understand these underlying causes for your loved ones anger, it may make it easier for you to cope and even avoid sources causing such behavior.Observe what seems to trigger their aggressive behaviorObserving your loved one can provide valuable clues as to whats prompting their aggressive behavior. Do they seem to lash out more when theyre hungry or havent had a restful nights sleep? Sometimes, anger could be caused by overstimulation. Physical clutter, loud noises, bright lights, or lots of activity around them could cause this overstimulation. Consider light-blocking curtains to create a cozy atmosphere during the day, or on the flip side, surround your loved one with plenty of lights at night to alleviate fears when its time to go to sleep. Someone living with dementia may also become upset by anything that disrupts their day, such as diverting from their typical routine or switching caregivers. First-to-second shift rotations typically occur in the late afternoon or early evening hours at most group homes and could be the cause of disruptive patient behaviors.Evaluate how you communicate with your loved oneMuch of caring for a loved one with Alzheimers or dementia is learning how to communicate with them. Always speak softly and slowly with easy-to-understand instructions. Try not to say too much or ask too many questions at once, as this could lead to overstimulation. People often pick up on feelings of uncertainty or irritability, so its crucial to remain calm and reassuring at all times. Even if your loved one lashes out at you verbally or physically, try not to get upset. Never react with force or violence. If theyre in a safe place or someone else can keep an eye on them, walk away from the situation and give yourself time to think and calm down.Consider defusing the tension with music or activitiesOften, you can defuse anger and tension with a relaxing activity, such as massage or music. Try to redirect your loved ones attention to something other than what triggered the behavior. Try putting on your loved ones favorite TV show, suggest taking a walk, or doing something else you know they enjoy.Remember to be kind and empathetic at all timesAbove all, remember to be kind and empathetic at all times when caring for someone with Alzheimers or dementia. You care about this person and their well-being. They are suffering from a disease and often have little to no control over their thoughts, feelings, or actions. Never punish or reprimand them for bad behavior. It is not their fault, and they will likely not remember the scenario afterward. Seek help from their primary care physician or a support group to learn how to detect, defuse, and prevent angry outbursts.Identify what caused the aggression so you can fix itTry to figure out what happened right before the aggressive behavior, so you can take steps to correct it. Keeping a consistent log of your loved ones behaviors and reactions can help you spot patterns and determine potential solutions. If you believe its the persons diet, sleep pattern, surroundings, or medications, consult their physician to make adjustments as necessary to avoid anger triggered by these factors. Be on the lookout for any signs of discomfort or pain and seek immediate medical attention if you believe this is the cause of your loved ones anger. Any time you are concerned about changes in your loved ones behavior, habits, or moods, consult their primary care physician. They are there to provide professional support and information. Ask about the possibility of prescribing anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medications to modify behavior.Consider professional elder care from BrightStar CareIts important to recognize when you need help with caring for your loved one living with Alzheimers or dementia. BrightStar Care has nurses, CNAs, and caregivers available around the clock to provide compassionate care in the comfort and familiar surroundings of home. Caring is more than a job to our nurses and caregivers its their passion. Your family is our family! Contact us today  to learn more about our specialized elder care services or to find a BrightStar Care agency near you or your loved one.

A Complete Guide to Fall Prevention for SeniorsFalls among the elderly are all too common. In fact, one in four older adults fall every year. These falls can lead to serious injuries and are a top cause of hospital admissions. In the most severe cases, a slip-and-fall accident can lead to death. Falls have become so prevalent that Falls Prevention Week is celebrated the third week of September each year. With this information and statistics in mind, BrightStar Care is committed to educating our communities about home safety and fall prevention. Everyone should take preventative measures that minimize the risk of falls and improve overall safety. By working together and raising awareness, we can make a significant difference in the lives of our senior citizens. Learn more via our comprehensive guide to at-home fall prevention.Preparing Your Home for Your Elderly Loved OneSenior safety is especially important no matter the time of year. Older loved ones may come to visit, and you'll need to prepare your home accordingly. As you gear up to have guests, consider taking these measures to make your home safe for all:DeclutterDecluttering is the easiest way to lessen risks around the home. Start with removing any unnecessary items scattered on the floor. These might be your kid's toys, a dog's bone, or an ottoman. If you believe it might be a tripping hazard, removing it will be your best bet.Improve LightingEnsure adequate lighting throughout the house, especially in hallways, staircases, and bathrooms. As we age, our eyesight isn't what it once was, and seniors need brighter lights to avoid safety hazards. You might even consider adding motion sensor lights or night lights to make navigation easier, particularly during nighttime.Add Low-Cost Safety FeaturesElderly fall prevention tactics don't have to be expensive. There are numerous simple ways to make your home a little safer for the seniors in your life. You could do something as easy as removing area rugs or adding rubber-backed bathmats. If you don't mind a little elbow grease, you may choose to install a waterproof seat in the shower or add non-slip treads to stairs.Make Accessible ModificationsIf you plan to have senior visitors often, we recommend making more permanent safety changes in your home. Consider the accessibility of your space and your loved one's mobility needs. With this in mind, think about installing grab bars near the toilet or showers and invest in adhesive strips to add to the floor. We also suggest being intentional about room selection. If you have a bedroom on the main floor, have your loved one stay in that space to avoid going up and down stairs.Safety Resources for Fall PreventionChecking all the boxes of slip, trip, and fall prevention can be overwhelming. Fortunately, you are never alone in your efforts! The senior safety experts at BrightStar Care have plenty of resources to help you protect your loved ones from fall risks. Check out these information sources and initiatives:Home Safety ChecklistAre you a linear thinker? If you need to have all the information laid out in front of you, we have a resource to meet your needs. Our home safety checklist accounts for general living areas, stairways, halls, kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms. This checklist gives you all the details distilled into an easy-to-use resource.Guide to Preventing Falls in the ElderlyThey say prevention is the best medicine, and they're certainly right! Thankfully, preventing falls in the elderly isn't as complicated as it may seem. This resource has tips for avoiding falls due to all sorts of common causes, from chronic conditions to unsafe home environments. Our local agencies can also be a big part of fall prevention. They can perform home safety assessments upon the start of care to identify any potential hazards.What Are the Causes of Falls?Avoiding a problem is difficult if you don't know what causes it. As such, elderly fall prevention becomes much more manageable when you understand why falls happen so often. Get familiar with these leading causes of falls in seniors:Loss of Muscle Mass: Aging adults experience a loss of muscle mass that can lead to problems with weakness and balance.Loss of Eyesight and Other Senses: Eyesight, hearing, and reflexes can all dull with age. When seniors can no longer see or react to their environment quickly, they're more likely to trip.Chronic Conditions: Conditions including arthritis, diabetes, incontinence, Parkinsons, dementia, cognitive issues, and stroke affect balance and increase fall risk.Arthritis  This condition causes joint pain and stiffness, and as a result, decreased mobility and stability. People with arthritis, therefore, are more likely to lose their balance and fall.Diabetes  Peripheral artery disease is a common condition caused by diabetes and can result in numbness, tingling, increased pain, and weakness in the hands and feet. These symptoms associated with diabetes can all lead to a fall accident.Incontinence  Older folks who feel immediate, intense urges to use the toilet are more likely to get up too quickly or pay less attention to environmental hazards as they make their way to the bathroom.Parkinsons  The low blood pressure characteristic of Parkinsons disease can lead to lightheadedness and an increased risk of falling.Dementia and Cognitive Issues  People with dementia and similar cognitive issues are prone to pacing and impulsiveness. Combined with muscles that weaken naturally with age, these individuals are more likely to have a fall accident.Stroke  A stroke can cause muscle fatigue, loss of balance, and difficulty walking, all of which might lead to a fall.Medication Side Effects: Certain medications may come with side effects that increase the risk of a fall. Muscle relaxants, sleeping pills, pain medication, and antidepressants have all been associated with fall risks.According to a study by the Yale School of Medicine cited by the New York Times' Paula Span, certain medications used to treat high blood pressure increase the risk of falls in people over 70. Researchers found that 9% of the 5,000 participants taking blood pressure medication received serious fall injuries, such as broken bones, brain injuries, and dislocated joints over three years.Environmental Hazards: Environmental hazards are a leading cause of falls in seniors. Cluttered hallways, dark stairways, and uneven ground can all create problems for home safety.Common Injuries Associated with FallsIn addition to understanding the causes of falls, it's also good practice to know the common injuries that can occur. When you're familiar with the types and severities of fall injuries, you're better prepared to deal with one should the worst happen. Here's what you need to know about fall injuries:Broken Bones: Broken bones are among the most common injuries occurring from falls. Seniors can fracture bones in the hip, knee, wrist, arms and legs.Spinal Cord Injuries: Falls can result in spinal cord injuries, many of which have lasting impacts on an individual's health. Spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis and even death.Head Injuries: Falls can lead to head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can range from mild to severe, and medical attention is immediately necessary.Soft Tissue Injuries: While not visible on the outside of the body, soft tissue damage can cause numerous complications. After a fall, most people don't even realize there's an injury until weeks later. Without proper treatment, these injuries lead to chronic pain and a higher risk for further injury.Cuts and Lacerations: Even minor falls can leave seniors with deep cuts and abrasions. No matter the apparent severity of the injury, be sure to seek medical care as soon as possible.Chronic Pain: Chronic pain can be the direct result of a fall. Pain can occur nearly anywhere in the body and continue for years, with or without treatment.How to Help Your Loved One After a FallEven the most thorough elderly fall prevention measures don't work in every circumstance. Should your loved one have a slip-and-fall accident, it's important to know how to handle the recovery process. At BrightStar Care, we recommend taking the following actions in the hours, weeks, and months following the fall:Seek Medical Attention: First, you should seek medical attention for your loved one immediately. Even if they appear unhurt, encourage them to see a doctor. If the fall seems severe, it may be best not to move your loved one and call for emergency services, especially if they have hit their head.Show Your Support: Falls are scary, no matter the severity. Many people feel a sense of shame and frustration after a fall. Be sure to show support to your loved one during this emotional time. Your reassurance will go further than you think.Have a Heart-to-Heart: Show your loved one that you will provide a compassionate space for them to express their feelings. Establishing open communication can help them be more open to receiving help from physical and mental health professionals.Research Assistive Equipment: Some seniors may benefit from assistive equipment, such as walkers and canes. Approach conversations about assistive equipment with care, as many older folks may feel it's a threat to their independence.Prioritize Home Safety: Senior safety is paramount, especially at home. After a fall, assess your loved one's living environment and identify hazards that may have contributed to the fall. Consider installing handrails, removing clutter, improving lighting, and making other helpful modifications.Ask About Medications: It may be time to learn more about your loved one's medications. Certain drugs have side effects that may increase the chances of a fall.Advocate for Their Health: Ensure your loved one receives appropriate medical attention and treatment. Be proactive in communicating with healthcare providers, asking questions, and advocating for their needs. Outside healthcare settings, you can advocate for your loved one's health by helping them stay active and maintain a nutritious diet.How BrightStar Care Home Care Services Can HelpFall prevention in the elderly takes careful planning and plenty of resources. Thankfully, BrightStar Care is here to help you keep your loved ones safe. We provide outstanding home care services to seniors who are prone to falls. Our services encompass a wide range of needs and can be tailored to your loved one's circumstances. Here's what our home care professionals have to offer:Companion CareCompanion care aims to provide emotional support, companionship, and assistance with daily activities. Caregivers engage in meaningful conversations, participate in recreational activities, and accompany seniors on outings. Companion care professionals often participate in light daily activities, such as creating grocery lists and providing respite care for family caregivers. They play a vital role in reducing loneliness and promoting social interaction for seniors who may require extra support. Companionship can also help with fall prevention, as our caregivers can identify hazards before they become a problem.Personal CarePersonal care focuses on promoting hygiene, grooming, and overall well-being. Trained caregivers assist with tasks such as bathing, dressing, oral care, and toileting. They ensure that seniors maintain cleanliness while respecting their dignity and privacy. Additionally, personal care providers help with mobility support, medication reminders, and monitoring vital signs. By providing compassionate and professional assistance, personal care services enable seniors to maintain their independence and avoid most falls.In-Home SupportHome support for seniors is a valuable service that provides assistance and care within the comfort of home. These caregivers offer support with various daily activities and strive to improve overall quality of life. Home support professionals may assist with the following:Light housekeepingMeal preparationGrocery shoppingMedication remindersOutside SupportSome seniors require support outside the home, and our professionals can accommodate. We provide outside support, including transportation and assistance with doctor's appointments, to ensure older folks get the care they need. Our caregivers also help clients get to and from social gatherings and shopping centers.Skilled CareSkilled care is a specialized service that involves professional medical care to meet unique healthcare needs. This level of care includes administering medications and monitoring for side effects, managing chronic conditions, developing strategies to prevent falls, and assisting with rehabilitation and physical therapy. Skilled care services are provided by trained nurses and other specialists with proper medical credentials. BrightStar Care strives to educate families on how to make their homes safe for elderly loved ones, and our team is glad to provide the necessary support services. If you need help with fall prevention measures, dont hesitate to contact us. Well help you introduce new safety precautions in your home.Find a BrightStar Care Location Near YouLooking 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.

Long-term care is going through a process of rebalancing in the United States shifting from institutional care to more home-based services, according to John Bowblis, professor of economics at Miami University in Ohio. In the last 10 years, theres been this push to try to get people long-term care in a home setting, and particularly their own home, Bowblis said. Home health aides play a very important part in allowing people to stay at home longer.1 However, the Home-Based Care Pain Points and Opportunities in 2022 report from Home Health Care News (HHCN) and AlayaCare found that 80% of surveyed home health and home care providers indicated they are turning away referrals due to employee churn and staffing capacity.2  The Cost of Quality: CaregiversClearly, attracting and retaining in-home caregivers has become a significant challenge in todays tight labor market. In order to meet the ever-increasing demand, wages need to rise to compete with non-healthcare jobs that require comparable education levels, such as customer service, retail or hospitality.  2021 Median PaySource: Occupational Outlook Handbook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsHome Health and Personal Care Aides3$14.15 per hour$29,430 per yearCustomer Service Representative4$17.75 per hour$36,920 per yearInformation Clerks (e.g. Hotel Front Desk)5$18.01 per hour$37,450 per yearThe Cost of Quality: NursesThe Nurse Salary Research Report from Nurse.com,6 revealed that 25% of all nurse respondents (RNs, APRNs, LPNs/LVNs) indicated their salaries grew during the pandemic. In addition to the higher salaries reported by RNs and LPNs themselves, the overall cost of employing high-quality nurses for in-home health care also includes significant signing bonuses, benefits, training and general operating costs. But it wasnt just changes in the healthcare sector the entire U.S. economy experienced (and is still experiencing) soaring inflation. According to SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management), in May of 2022, we hit the highest inflation rate in 40 years, pushing wages up with bigger and more frequent pay raises for employees.7 While the overall inflation rate was reported at 8.6%, gas was up 48.7%, drastically affecting nurses and caregivers who help clients in their homes. Often driving up to 40 miles round trip to see a client, in-home providers arent able to work remotely like others in todays workforce.Home Care HeadwindsThe industry-wide staffing challenge is quantified in HHCNs Pain Points report, which polled 145 home health and home care providers between December 15, 2021 and January 10, 2022. Recruiting and hiring followed by employee retention and churn are the top business inefficiencies reported by home-based care providers. As you can see by the chart below, turnover rates have increased each year.  National Average Turnover Rates8 201920202021Registered Nurses20.55%25.85%32.25%Home Care Aides 36.53%38.05%Source: 2021-2022 Home Care Salary & Benefits Report from Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service (HCS). The report is published in cooperation wiht the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC).Quality Care SolutionsHome care providers truly want to deliver the best care possible to their clients and their families, but the reality is that its costing employers more to recruit, hire and retain high-quality caregivers.2 As with many things in life, you get what you pay for, which is why its crucial for in-home care companies to offer compensation that attracts and rewards at-home caregivers. When nurses and caregivers are paid well and receive meaningful benefits, clients reap the rewards of high-quality, happy providers. Other ways to ensure that clients receive quality assistance at home include:offering robust training and development for caregivers,providing career paths for continued growth,investing in technology to improve the employee experience,creating a culture of connection and support for nurses and caregivers,utilizing contracted caregivers.Concerned family members are extremely appreciative of those friendly, skilled and helpful caregivers who assist their loved ones with activities of daily living so they can remain in their homes longer. We make it possible. BrightStar Care has made a commitment to hiring high-quality caregivers, providing them with extensive training and the clinical support they need each day. To learn more about our staffing solutions and how we can help you meet your organizations needs, please call 833-306-5142, visit brightstarcare.com/business-partnerships or reach out to nationalaccountsales@brightstarcare.com.  1 https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/05/05/1095050780/a-shortage-of-health-aides-is-forcing-out-those-who-wish-to-get-care-at-home2 https://homehealthcarenews.com/ebook/top-opportunities-and-pain-points-in-home-based-care/3 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home-health-aides-and-personal-care-aides.htm4 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/customer-service-representatives.htm5 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/information-clerks.htm6 https://www.nurse.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2022-Nurse-Salary-Research-Report-from-Nurse.com_.pdf7 https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/compensation/pages/annual-inflation-hit-40-year-high-in-may.aspx#:':text=U.S.%20Inflation%20Rate%20Reaches%208.6%25%20in%20May%2C%20a%2040%2D,Year%20High%2C%20Pushing%20Wages%20Up&text=The%20U.S.%20inflation%20rate%20reached,raise%20wages%20to%20keep%20pace.8 https://www.homecaremag.com/news/study-home-health-rn-salaries-turnover-increase

Family caregivers who are constantly on call or helping loved ones from dawn to dusk rarely find time to take a break. Caregivers can cite the list of things they do every day, but few prioritize time for themselves. Learn when and why family caregivers need respite care.Spouses and adult children caring for loved ones say that they don't have time to shower. Many rarely get 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. When told to care for themselves, most shake their heads because family members don't understand the constant and overwhelming pressures of caring for children or aging loved ones.What family caregivers fail to recognize is that burning the candle at both ends is not good for themselves or their loved ones. Identifying caregiver burnout can help caregivers recognize that they need time away from care responsibilities.What are respite care services?Think of respite care services as a short break or mini vacation from care responsibilities. Respite care services offer caregivers regular intervals of time off. Caregivers dream of life before caregiving responsibilities when weekends were time for relaxation and enjoyment.In-home care agencies provide caregivers a few hours a week, overnights, weekends, holidays, and vacation time (Opens in a new window). Additionally, think of in-home care as giving your loved one a mini-pampering break.An in-home caregiver will attend to daily needs, listen to stories, be a companion for a movie night, a baking or craft project, or an outing. If you want to learn more about caregivers and respite support, read the article, 10 Things You Didn't Know About Home Care(Opens in a new window).  Time away for the caregiver is a win-win. Establishing a regular care schedule provides emergency and backup care when needed.When is it time to consider respite care?When caregiving responsibilities transition from occasional to regular visits that result in family caregivers trading time from their lives, it's time to consider respite care. Ongoing care responsibilities quickly add up to 20, 30, 40, or more hours each week for daughters or sons who work full-time.Providing care 24 hours a day and 7 days a week can be stressful for spousal caregivers. Living in the same household with no time away deteriorates emotional well-being. Time dedicated to care limits family caregivers from accomplishing their personal goals and participating in social activities. Eventually, family caregivers become filled with emotions and negative feelings about care relationships. So if you are a caregiver experiencing any of these symptoms that can lead to burnout and exhaustion, it's time to consider respite care.Mental or physical exhaustionInability to sleepDifficulty with problem-solving and planningFeeling impatient, irritable, angry, or resentfulDecreased self-esteem that results in poor or no self-careWithdrawal from friends and familyHeadaches, heartburn, pain, or other physical health problems Why caregivers feel they have to do it all?Wilson reports that caregivers have insight into needing support six months to a year or more before seeking help. However, they report delaying because they thought they could do it all. In counseling sessions about care for aging parents, caregivers tell Wilson, "It wasn't that bad until now. Now it's horrible." According to Wilson, reasons family wait to seek caregiver support counseling or respite care include:Guilt about asking for help or taking time offLoved ones who lack understanding of why the caregiver needs time offAging parents don't want strangers (in-home caregivers) coming into the homeExpectations by loved ones that the caregiver should do it allNo family to serve as a relief or backup caregiverFeeling indispensablecaregivers say no one cares for my loved one as much as I doFamily members who shame the caregiver for being emotionally or physically exhaustedParents who are unwilling to pay for outside care costs because the family caregiver is "free"Inability to set boundaries to see their lives and needs as equally as important as a loved oneAddiction to caretaking behaviorsAre unaware that respite services existWhy respite care benefits everyone in the family?Respite care can relieve stress and support positive family relationships with the care receiver, spouse, children and in the workplace. As a result of taking time off from care responsibilities, self-esteem for the caregiver increases as well as the confidence to manage personal life, career, family, and social relationships.Family caregivers have more time to dedicate to self-care, including attending regular medical check-ups, participating in regular exercise, and other leisure time activities. In addition, loved ones have a devoted caregiver who enthusiastically listens to each story as if hearing it for the first time. In-home caregivers help with personal care, meal preparation, medication reminding, light housekeeping, and other routine tasks. Time off for the family caregiver creates breathing space to plan long-term care (Opens in a new window) and initiate family discussions. Caregivers gain peace of mind that ever-changing care situations can be managed, knowing that respite care schedules can be adjusted or added as needed. BrightStar Care has been providing respite care for families since 2002. Read BrightStar Care's Home Care Planning Guide to learn more about home care or contact us today.About Pamela D. WilsonPAMELA D WILSON MS, BS/BA, NCG, CSA is a national caregiving expert, author, advocate, and speaker educating family caregivers, older adults, professionals, groups, and corporations. Since 1999, Pamela has been an entrepreneur and business owner providing direct service: in-home care, care management, and legal and financial appointments. In addition, she consults about elder care, care navigation, caregiving services, and caregiver support programs with families, health and care providers, attorneys, and financial planners. 2022 Pamela D Wilson, All Rights Reserved

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.

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.Sources:UCLA School of Medicine 

By: Sharon Roth Maguire, MS, RN, GNP-BC Chief Clinical Quality Officer, BrightStar Care of Venice and Port CharlotteFor more information, CLICK HERE!As your loved one ages, it can be a challenge to honor certain traditions around the holidays. Older adults may not have the energy or physical ability any longer to host or attend a large family event. And if they do feel up to it, many seniors are on a fixed budget, and the additional cost of the holiday meal can strain their finances.Some aging adults are perfectly comfortable stating what they want or need help with around the holidays. But many don't want to cause a stir or disappoint their families, so they say nothing, only to suffer in the long run. This holiday season, you can enjoy holiday traditions and take some of the burden off your loved one with an honest discussion and a little creativity.Honoring Roles and TraditionsIts important to honor your loved ones role in the family during the holidays. If your loved one is experiencing signs of dementia, he or she might not be able to remember short-term memories or skills but likely can recall and share holiday stories from their childhood. Asking them how they celebrated when they were young is a lovely way to honor and include an aging loved one without making them feel patronized.In the hustle and bustle of holiday planning and celebrations, remember to include your aging loved ones in traditional family games and activities. Its important to show them their role is still important, even if it has to change a little. For example, if your loved one always has read a holiday story to the family but their eyesight is failing, you could modify the tradition so the little ones could sit on Grandma or Grandpas lap and read the story to them instead.Hosting Family Meals and EventsIn many families, the matriarch or patriarch historically hosts the holiday gathering. But as you likely are well aware, hosting is a lot of work, and it can be exhausting for anyone. Talk to your loved one to gauge their feelings about having another relative host this year. Or, if possible, offer to hold the event at your house, and invite your loved one to bring a dish to share or come over early to help prepare the meal.Be gentle in approaching this conversation. Sometimes people are reluctant to give up or modify long-standing holiday traditions. Your loved one may perceive the changes as being a burden or losing their place in the family. We recommend not pressing the issue too much unless there's a real safety concern. Instead, offer to help with whatever tasks your loved one needs or will allow you to do, such as holiday prep work, cleaning, or cooking.In many families, the host bears the cost of holiday events, such as purchasing food and decorations. The American Farm Bureau Federation found that the average cost of a Thanksgiving meal in 2016 wasroughly $5 per person. While $50 for a meal for 10 people might not seem like much money, for aging seniors, that could be a significant portion of their monthly budget, especially when you add snacks and beverages to the total.This year, consider asking family members to contribute funds for the holiday meal to ease the financial burden on the host. Another way to divvy up the cost and effort of the event is to assign family members to bring certain items or do certain tasks. Sit down with your loved one and make a list of everything that has to be purchased, planned, or made for the event to be successful. Then create a list of everyone who plans to attend, and assign tasks or purchases to each person based on their skills and abilities. For example, disposable plates, cups, and silverware are convenient but often costly. You could offer to help by purchasing these items.Often, aging adults feel less intimidated about sharing the responsibilities than having all the tasks taken away. They are still in charge, and they can cherry-pick their favorite tasks. Easing just a portion of their responsibilities can reduce stress without making them feel inadequate or like you're patronizing them.Changing Diets or Food-Related Health ConcernsIf your aging loved one has diabetes, high blood pressure, or another health concern, holiday food and beverage choices can be a touchy conversation. But with a few exceptions and some planning, its usually safe for most people to indulge a bit for one day.That said, you'll have to be mindful of certain health conditions. For example, if your loved ones blood sugar is hard to control, you'll need to talk with their doctor or home health nurse about how to safely indulge in a slice of Aunt Nancy's famous chocolate pie. The provider can help adjust insulin or medication for high blood pressure to accommodate for the rich or high-sodium treats your loved one might want to enjoy that day.Its also thoughtful to provide sugar-free, gluten-free, and low-sodium options of popular dishes. People of all ages are mindful of their health, and this allows everyone to enjoy with less worry. We tried this at my family's Thanksgiving dinner this year. We prepared two sweet potato dishes. The traditional one was absolutely loaded with brown sugar and butter. The second was plain sweet potatoes with no toppings. Both were delicious, and it was nice for some of my family members who were watching their weight or being more mindful of healthy eating to have that option.Another holiday tradition is holiday cocktails. For most people who don't have a history of alcohol-related issues, its OK to have a drink or two during the holidays. However, if your loved one is on a medication that might interact with alcohol, such as anxiety, depression, or sleep medication, its probably best to skip the drinks to avoid dangerous side effects. Also, if you notice that too many cocktails are being consumed and your loved one might be at risk, you should intervene and provide a safe place to rest, hydrate, and recover.As we age, our health needs and abilities change. Its natural that traditions also have to evolve, but sometimes it can be tough to accept that things aren't like they used to be. Different doesn't have to mean bad. Talk to your loved one and find a happy middle ground so you can enjoy a memorable and fun holiday together.

A stroke can be a life-changing experience for the survivor and their family. Strokes vary in type and severity, but many people have been where you are nowfacing difficulties with mobility, vision, speech, swallowing, cognition, and daily functioning. Making progress after a stroke can feel overwhelming, but with the proper rehabilitation, seniors can regain their strength, courage, and independence over the coming months and years. Learn more about stroke in seniors and how to stay safe at home during stroke recovery with tips from BrightStar Care. Recovering from a Stroke at Home Determining the appropriate level of aftercare is vitally important. Some people benefit the most from in-patient rehab. Others are allowed to return home immediately following discharge from the hospital. Either way, any long-term recovery plan eventually includes at-home rehabilitation. It may be comforting at first to return home to a familiar environment, but life may not return to normal. Things that used to be easylike getting dressed, using the bathroom, cooking, and cleaningmay be more difficult now. Rehabilitation may include visits to an out-patient medical facility, but much of the recovery can take place right in the living room. Follow these tips to safely recover from a stroke at home. Preparing your environment is a simple way to prevent falls after a stroke. Clear a path to the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen and avoid slick surfaces. Remove loose carpets or runners or secure them to the ground to improve traction. If you have stairs in the home, use the handrails at all times.Make Changes to the Living Environment Little changes can make a big difference. Heres what to try: Remedy critical dangers like making sure the water temperature isnt too hot Remove slipping, tripping, and balance hazards. Keep everyday items on the kitchen counter for easy access. Simplify bedding in the sleeping area. Increase bathroom accessibility with grab bars, a walk-in tub or shower, and a comfort-height toilet seat. Post a list of emergency contacts in a prominent location. Take Steps to Prevent Another Stroke Having a stroke increases your risk for another. Some causes of stroke in seniors are beyond your control. For instance, once you turn 55, the odds double every decade. Women also have a higher risk than men, and African-Americans have more strokes than Caucasians. Even so, lifestyle changes can make a big impact on the long-term health of a stroke survivor. Heres how to minimize the risk of having another stroke: Quit smoking, vaping, and using tobacco. Manage high blood pressure. Increase daily physical activity to prevent weight gain. Manage existing diabetes. Avoid food high in trans fats, saturated fats, and cholesterol. Do Post-Stroke Exercises For recovering stroke survivors, physical activity can make the difference between remaining dependent and gradually gaining independence. Please talk to your doctor before doing these post-stroke exercises recommended by the American Stroke Association.  Bridge weight shifts: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet hip distance apart. Lift your hips toward the ceiling so your shoulders, hips, and knees are in a straight line. Holding your arms out for support and keeping your hips level with the floor, shift your weight slowly from the left leg to the right leg. Return to the starting position and repeat the exercise until your legs become tired. Mini lunges: Start in a standing position with your hands on the hips. Step forward with one foot and bend your knee slightly, keeping your hip, pelvis, knee, and ankle in a straight line. Return to the standing position and repeat eight to 10 times on each side. Swiss ball weight shifts: Sit in a chair with an exercise ball between your knees. Scoot to the front of your seat and put your hands on the ball. Roll the ball away and bend forward until your elbows touch the ball. Return to the starting position and repeat eight to 10 times. Then, roll the ball out at an angle on the right side eight to 10 times, followed by eight to 10 times on the left side. Crumpling a piece of paper: Sit at a table with a piece of printer paper in front of you. Pick up the paper and crumple it with both hands, keeping your shoulders down and back. Then, uncrumple the paper using the same two-handed technique. Consider Arranging In-Home Stroke Care for Seniors Some stroke survivors feel comfortable handling daily tasks independently. For others, hiring a non-medical in-home care provider may be necessary. This ensures your loved one has long-term, comfort-focused assistance with dressing, personal hygiene, light housekeeping, and meal preparation. Arranging in-home personal care services can improve senior health and safety after a stroke. Heres how: Reduce the risk of slips and falls: Mobility limitations and increased fatigue raise the risk of an accident. A care professional can help seniors safely navigate the stairs, use the bathroom, and get in and out of bed. Assist with household tasks: Physical and cognitive limitations can make shopping, cooking, driving, and housekeeping more difficult. A caregiver can take over these tasks or arrange services like grocery delivery and transportation to appointments. Offer reminders: A stroke survivors rehabilitation may involve taking medication, performing at-home exercises, or attending medical appointments. An in-home care provider can remind seniors to do these things at the allotted times. Stick to dietary recommendations: Difficulty eating and swallowing are common concerns after a stroke. Having a caregiver there to prepare prescribed foods and monitor your loved one at mealtimes ensures proper nutrition and food safety. Watch for signs of another stroke: One in four stroke survivors have had a previous stroke. Care professionals know to watch for signs of stroke in seniors and call 911 for help if necessary. Choose BrightStar Care If youre looking for in-home care for seniors previously suffering from a stroke, turn to BrightStar Care. We are committed to providing A Higher Standard of Care by only hiring caregivers who exemplify compassion and empathy. Then, we match them to you based on your personality and lifestyle. For added peace of mind, we also have skilled nursing care available if you need assistance with medical machinery, medication management, wound care, and other nursing services. To learn more about our offerings, please contact us at 866-618-7827. 

How to Improve Heart Health for the Elderly Theres never a wrong time to start learning how to improve heart health. Why not start now? Heart health is influenced by a range of factors, some of which you can control and others that you cant. Family history is one major risk factor for heart disease, but an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and being overweight can also elevate your risk. If youre ready to get yourself and those you love on track toward better heart health, start by heading to your general practitioner for a full check-up. This should be done annually. To make sure youre staying healthy year-round, try following these tips for a heart-healthy lifestyle from BrightStar Care.Heart-Healthy Tip #1: Eat RightEating right isnt just a great idea, its a necessity for heart health. By putting the right food into your body, youll receive the proper nutrients to fight off everyday germs, stay energized, and keep your heart healthy.  Things like whole grains, lean meats, eggs, leafy greens, and fruits are all vital to keeping cholesterol low and maintaining a healthy heart. Here are a few of our tips for making eating right easier: Prep Meals Ahead of Time While it can be tempting to head to the grocery store every time your stomach starts growling, we advise against shopping on an empty stomach. This practice will help you avoid buying treats that arent on your shopping list.  After that, choose one day each week to spend meal prepping. Plan what youll eat for the week ahead and include plenty of nutritious ingredients. Once meal prep is complete, its easy for you and your family members to grab a meal and heat it up. If you have a loved one who needs help with meal prep, ask the BrightStar Care team about healthy senior cooking.(Opens in a new window) Try Some of the Best Foods for Heart HealthEating right doesnt mean you have to cut out all of your favorite foods. In fact, many delicious ingredients count as heart-healthy foods(Opens in a new window)! If you struggle to get enough of a certain nutrient, you can always talk to your doctor about the best supplements for heart health as well. Check out our recommendations for heart-healthy foods or take some inspiration from the CDC:(Opens in a new window)  Leafy greensFruit, including apples, bananas, grapes and prunesLean meats Eggs Nuts and seeds Legumes, such as kidney beans and chickpeas SalmonAvocados Combine your favorite ingredients into these simple heart-healthy snacks:(Opens in a new window) Apples dipped in peanut butterCarrots and broccoli with hummus Rice cakes Fruit smoothies Fruit salads Raisins Unsalted nutsAvoid Alcohol, Sugary Drinks  and Processed FoodsWhen choosing something to drink, steer clear of alcohol, sodas, and sports drinks. Remember, water is your friend! After all, it takes up 70% of your body. Keep fully hydrated to replace any water you may lose from sweat.In addition to avoiding sugary drinks and alcohol, we recommend cutting down on highly processed foods. Look for items low in trans fats and sodium. Heart-Healthy Tip #2: Exercise RegularlyExercise helps keep the body strong and the heart healthy! Too often, seniors forego exercise when moving gets more difficult. However, frequent exercise is crucial(Opens in a new window) for continued health. It prolongs the ability to live alone, reduces the risk of falling, and helps control joint pain. Exercise also helps maintain a healthy heart rate and blood pressure.(Opens in a new window) A healthy heart rate varies by age, but most adults should maintain between 60 and 100bpm(Opens in a new window) when resting.  Try these small ways to get a little extra exercise every day:When running errands, park farther away from the door and walk instead. Take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator.Get up and dance! Youll be surprised how many calories you can burn from busting a move.Love to watch TV? Walk or jog in place in your living room or place the TV in front of your treadmill. This way, you can enjoy your shows while getting in a daily workout.Find a partner who will motivate you to work out more often and push you to try exercises that challenge you.Try new activities to keep your workouts interesting.Wear a pedometer to track your steps. Increase your target number each day.See the importance of daily activitiesmowing the lawn and walking through the mall count as exercise.Start with simple exercises(Opens in a new window)  and work up to harder ones. Always remember to stay hydrated and stretch before and after every workout! The Best Exercises for Heart Health to Try This MonthExercise doesnt have to involve going to the gym for hours. Seniors can get a good workout from the comfort of their home or their local community center. Here are some of the best exercises for heart health to work into your routine: Yoga:(Opens in a new window) Enhance balance, strength, and flexibility with a quick yoga routine. This type of exercise is lots of fun to do in a group setting.  Swimming: If you have access to a community pool, try swimming a few laps. Swimming is especially beneficial for those with knee, ankle, or hip problems. Walking: Simply going on frequent walks is a great way to exercise. It improves circulation and lowers blood pressurenot to mention, getting out into nature can be fun! After a meal, take your family on a walk together to resist the urge to overeat and grab a sweet treat. The best dessert will be spending more time together. Heart-Healthy Tip #3: Reduce StressTaking care of a sick or aging loved one can be stressful. All of this undue stress can be damaging to both your physical and mental health. It puts strain on the heart,(Opens in a new window) increasing the chances of heart disease, and may lead to mood disorders(Opens in a new window) like depression.  Because stress is more than just passing anxiety, taking steps to reduce it is essential. Here are a few strategies to help you take a deep breath and relieve some of your stress: Use a to-do list to organize everything you need to do each day. This will help you focus on your most important tasks at work, at home, and with your loved ones.Slow down. There is no rush to do everything at once. Plan ahead of time for events or appointments so everyone is fully prepared.Have me time. Everyone needs time to themselves. Spend at least 30-60 minutes a day with your phone on mute and doing something that makes you happy. This can be reading a book, painting, meditating, or any other self-care activities(Opens in a new window) that relax you.Make sure to get plenty of sleep Getting 6-8 hours each night can help reduce stress and depression. Cant sleep? Regular exercise may help. Did you know smoking, along with alcohol and caffeine, can increase your stress levels? Smoking harms you(Opens in a new window) as well as those around you. It increases your risk of serious conditions like cardiovascular disease and cancer  . Kick these harmful habits today for a healthier tomorrow. Kick these harmful habits today for a healthier tomorrow. BrightStar Care Is Here for YouMaintaining heart health may require lifestyle changes, but the effort is well worth it. Youll thank yourself in the long run for eating healthy, exercising regularly, and reducing unnecessary stress. Looking for in-home care services(Opens in a new window) or assisted living(Opens in a new window) for your loved one or a reliable medical staffing(Opens in a new window) partner for your organization? Our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location(Opens in a new window) near you, contact us(Opens in a new window) online, or call 866.618.7827 to speak with a local care expert and learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard.

Thoughts of the holiday season may have you dreaming of sugar plums and family gatherings for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa. But what about navigating holidays throughout the year, like the 4th of July, when spousal and family caregivers provide care at home and watch everyone else join in the festivities? You may be surprised to learn that many caregivers experience stress, loneliness, and isolation year-round that increases on holidays.Gaining insights into why the holidays may be difficult for all family members can make get-togethers more enjoyable with a few special accommodations. The ten tips below highlight the importance of family flexibility and caregiver support on holidays and throughout the year.Navigating HolidaysWho and What Are the Holidays Really About?Navigating the holidays is about time with loved ones celebrating life, love, and family in different ways when a spouse or aging parent needs care. Children living far away may not recognize changes in daily activities, mobility, and health until a holiday visit calls attention to a parent's struggles.It is common for the primary caregiver, who may be one of your parents caring for the other or an adult child caring for a parent, to feel isolated and alone when family members may not recognize or seem to appreciate their efforts. How often do you thank your brother or sister for everything they do for mom or dad?   Have you considered stopping by and giving mom or dad a few hours off from their caregiving duties?Without the caregiver's support, many loved ones would not be able to continue living in their homes. Family members considering holiday visits and gifts are encouraged to be open-minded and flexible. Traditional gifts may be less valuable than paying for the services of an in-home caregiver, housekeeper, yard work, home repairs, respite for the caregiver, or other more practical items.Each Family Member Has Different Holiday Memories and ExpectationsFor your parent, who may be the caregiver or for a sibling, family members' out-of-sight, out-of-mind lack of involvement can result in feeling isolated. Then, suddenly, the holidays arrive. Siblings and other family members want to show up and be attentive to a loved one, not realizing the additional burden their visit places on the family caregiver.For the caregiver, thoughts of celebrating holidays with family or remaining alone may be equally unappealing. Family members who visit may not realize the effect of interrupting daily care routines, including meal times, medications, time for rest, and other activities. When visiting, ask how you can help the caregiver. While you are a guest, your family member who needs care remains the priority.    While the expectation is that family gatherings are picture-perfect, time together may be filled with memories of holidays past. Mom or dad may yearn for their spouse. Adult children might grieve the loss of a parent or other family members.The rush to visit both sets of parents in a single day can be pressure-filled for couples with young children who also have care needs. In addition, siblings may have expectations of delightful gatherings interrupted by worry-filled discussions of how quickly mom and dad are declining and how to help.During the holidays and all times of the year, hiring an in-home care agency offers family caregivers support with routine daily activities that are time-consuming. For example, in-home caregivers can assist with meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands, medication reminding, bathing, and other activities, including holiday preparations.Be Flexible to Create a Holiday Celebration Everyone Can EnjoyIf you or your family are planning a holiday get-together, consider pre-holiday planning activities, the effects of a change in routine for a spouse or parent, and support for the family caregiver. While families may want to carry on long-lasting traditions, it is essential to celebrate in sensitive and practical ways to support the primary caregiver and a loved one's daily routine and healthcare needs.Consider These Ten Tips for Navigating Holidays:Give the primary family caregiver the day off if you are celebrating in the family home. Bring or make the holiday meal and clean up the kitchen and house afterward.If you are the primary caregiver and there is no family to visit, order a holiday meal for pick-up or delivery along with your favorite dessert. Plan a pleasant activity like watching a movie or something that you and the person you care for will enjoy.Schedule a day before the holidays to decorate and plan. An in-home caregiver may be the perfect solution to provide support for decorating, shopping, and pre-holiday planning tasks.If you are a family member not involved in caregiving, consider gifting ongoing in-home care services to support a loved one with meals, shopping or errands, light housekeeping, personal care, medication reminders, and more. Your support will benefit your loved ones, and the family caregiver.If adult children and spouses visit both families, schedule holiday visits on different days or separate times of the day, allowing for downtime in-between visits.What time of day are mom and dad at their best? For example, is a noon meal preferable instead of waiting until 5 p.m. when a parent may be tired or sundowning?Alternatively, ease holiday stress by scheduling a family gathering around dessert instead of all of the effort involved with making a big meal and cleaning up.Designate an extra bedroom or room for nap-time or play for young children separately from aging parents who may experience stress or behaviors resulting from too much noise and excitement.Avoid family discussions or interventions about the care needs of aging loved ones. Instead, schedule a meeting outside of the home to discuss investigating options to support loved ones and family caregivers.Make memories that will last by scheduling a photographer to take family and individual photos. Record videos, share family recipes, tell stories, and create new traditions.If you are a family caregiver, celebrate the holiday on any day you choose. Work with an in-home care agency to schedule an in-home caregiver visit so that you can plan a day out each week to run errands or treat yourself. Socializing with friends is essential for caregiver well-being. Find a reason to celebrate each monthespecially every November for National Family Caregivers Month.Family and friends can offer support on the holidays and throughout the year for loved ones and the primary caregiver. For example, consider gifting regular in-home care services, housekeeper, or yard service for a loved one and an occasional treat for the family caregiver like a massage.Learn how BrightStar Care's independently owned and operated agencies can provide in-home care services to support family members caring for a spouse, aging parents, grandparents, and others.About Pamela D. WilsonPAMELA D WILSON MS, BS/BA, NCG, CSA is a national caregiving expert, author, advocate, and speaker educating family caregivers, older adults, professionals, groups, and corporations. Since 1999, Pamela has been an entrepreneur and business owner providing direct service: in-home care, care management, and legal and financial appointments. In addition, she consults about elder care, care navigation, caregiving services, and caregiver support programs with families, health and care providers, attorneys, and financial planners.  2021 Pamela D Wilson, All Rights Reserved.