Caregiver Connection

According to the  Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry , about 30,000 people in the United States live with cystic fibrosis. Doctors diagnose about 1,000 new cases of this hereditary disease each year. In addition, the  Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh  reported that 10 million Americans carry the gene for cystic fibrosis but do not have the disease themselves.  While there is not a cure f...

The experience of feeling stressed isn't limited to people in the  sandwich generation  or those with high-pressure jobs. Stress in seniors is common—and often overlooked! Health changes, financial pressures, grief, and loss of independence can all weigh heavily on older adults, even if they don't always talk about it. Because stress can affect quality of life, learning to recognize the signs and...

Whether you're supporting an aging parent, a child with autism, or a loved one managing a chronic condition, caregiving demands emotional energy and physical stamina. The stress is real, and it's easy to get weighed down by your demanding responsibilities. But what if one of the most powerful tools for managing caregiver stress was also one of the simplest? Research consistently shows that there a...

Alzheimer's disease changes everything within a family, not just for the person diagnosed, but for everyone who loves them. If you're caring for a parent at home or supporting a loved one navigating Alzheimer's or dementia, you're facing one of life's most demanding responsibilities. The good news is that you don't have to navigate it alone! We support many Minnesota caregivers with training and r...

While many families are concerned about heart disease and cognitive decline in their loved ones, you should also pay attention to foot health. After all, feet are fundamental to independence,  mobility , and quality of life! Your loved one's feet carry them through daily activities, support balance, and can also signal early warning signs of broader health issues. Foot problems aren't just uncomfo...

Paying for home care shouldn't be complicated. If you live in Minnesota and need personal care services, you may be eligible for coverage through Medical Assistance, which is Minnesota's Medicaid program. Understanding your options helps you access the care you need without unnecessary stress about costs. Many families don't realize that for qualified individuals, Minnesota Medical Assistance cove...

As we age, the chances of developing arthritis  increase significantly . If you are caring for someone with arthritis, it's important to understand the physical challenges as well as the emotional impact of chronic joint pain. Whether your recipient of care is suffering from  juvenile arthritis , rheumatoid arthritis, or osteoarthritis, your support can help them maintain their independence and ex...

What does "the sandwich generation" mean? This phrase describes adults who find themselves simultaneously caring for aging parents and growing children/young adults. The Pew Research Center has found that this group makes up a large portion of the United States' population. Specifically: "Nearly half (47%) of adults in their 40s and 50s have a parent age 65 or older and are either raising a young...

Delusional disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by persistent delusions, which are beliefs that are not aligned with reality. Unlike schizophrenia, which involves a wide variety of psychotic symptoms, delusional disorder primarily affects an individual's perceptions and beliefs about reality without significantly impairing their overall functioning. *The content on this podc...

Understanding the types of caregivers and services available to your loved ones is critical to ensuring they get the support they need. At Best Care, we want to help you decide on the kind of care best suited to your family's needs. *The content on this podcast is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare pro...

"Dementia" is a general term that refers to a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with a person's daily life. It affects memory, thinking, and social abilities and is caused by various neurodegenerative conditions, with Alzheimer's disease at the top.  Nearly 7 million Americans  over age 65 are living with dementia. Caring for a loved one with dementia is challenging because...

Understanding the variety of cerebral palsy home care options available is vital for families navigating this journey, as no two will have the same experience. Cerebral palsy (CP), a group of disorders affecting muscle tone and movement, requires customized approaches to care. This comprehensive guide explores various options, with a focus on creating supportive, effective home environments.   *Th...

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in children is not just a phase they will outgrow; it is a mental health condition that requires careful management and support.  The International OCD Foundation estimates  that around one in every 200 children has OCD.  As a caregiver of a child with OCD, your role is crucial in helping children navigate the challenges of their disorder so that they can live a...

Caring for someone we love is an essential aspect of being human. For many families, this means they are experiencing one or more of the following scenarios: Providing long-term assistance to loved ones with  disabilities  (e.g., physical, emotional, or intellectual) Caring for those with  chronic health conditions Helping out a loved one in the short term as they recover from  surgery  or grapple...

Caring for your parents as they age presents unique challenges, especially if you're an only child. It can test your patience and resilience, and the responsibilities can feel overwhelming! However, there are  home care options available that can make this season in life smoother and more manageable for both you and your parents. *The content on this podcast is for informational or educational pur...

If you or a loved one is recovering from surgery or has a planned operation and will be facing some recovery time, today's article will help you navigate the ins and outs of post-surgical home care.  Post-surgical care is a journey that extends well beyond the walls of the hospital. While each patient's recovery process and timeline is unique, many people benefit greatly from getting in-home help...

Living with cataracts can be difficult for both the individual and their loved ones, but understanding more about cataracts and how they can be treated is the first step to getting more control over the condition. Read on to explore the facts about cataracts. What are cataracts? A cataract is a condition in which the lens of the eye becomes increasingly opaque, causing cloudy or blurred vision. Us...

At Best Care, we believe that providing quality home care extends beyond meeting physical needs. Quality care requires  understanding and respecting the unique cultural background of each person we serve . What does it mean to be culturally competent as a caregiver? Let's reference The Health Policy Institute's definition:  "The goal of culturally competent health care services is to provide the h...

Mother's Day is coming up and here at Best Care, we know how important it is to spend quality time with our family, especially as they enter their senior years. Whether your mother is more of a homebody or if she is more adventurous than you, here are some fun ideas of ways to spend time with mom this Mother's Day.   Take her out for lunch or dinner at her favorite spot! Or pick up take out and ha...

As parents and caregivers, we want to provide the best for our children, especially regarding their health and wellness. Ensuring kids with diabetes have access to tasty and nutritious snacks that won't impact their blood sugar can be challenging but not impossible.  In this article, we'll share healthy, kid-friendly diabetic snack ideas that your child will love. *The content on this podcast is f...

Over the last thirty years, the number of people in the United States living ninety years or more has tripled; reaching nearly two-million individuals in 2010. This number is expected to continue to grow in the coming years as the Baby Boomer generation ages well past retirement. This growing population of elderly individuals means an increased demand for senior home care services. Many families a...

When it comes to taking care of babies who arrive ahead of schedule, the path may include unexpected challenges, which can consist of chronic lung disease. Also known as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), this condition is defined as follows:  "...a breathing disorder in premature infants where the infants' lungs become irritated and do not develop normally. It occurs most often in low-weight infan...

Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that transforms round red blood cells into rigid, crescent shapes. The change in shape can hinder the cells' journey through the bloodstream. As a result, it can hamper oxygen delivery to the body's organs and tissues.  According  to the  Cleveland Clinic:   "Sickle cell disease affects about 100,000 Americans. The disorder occurs in about 1 in every 365 B...

Supporting a loved one during medical appointments requires more than just providing transportation. As part of being an  effective caregiver , you play a crucial role in ensuring these visits are productive and informative. Having an annual doctor visit checklist helps you stay organized on these visits, while making sure important health concerns are addressed effectively. Your role in the healt...

Taking care of an aging family member with sensory impairment can be challenging. Still, by using a compassionate and intentional approach, you can create a safe and supportive environment and keep their quality of life high.  What Is Sensory Impairment? Sensory impairment comes in various forms, including hearing loss, vision impairment, or a sensory disability associated with autism. Sensory imp...