Caregiver Connection

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a scientifically proven approach that uses positive reinforcement to encourage constructive social behaviors in children and adults living with developmental disorders. Psychology Today succinctly defines ABA therapy  as:  "A type of therapy frequently applied to children with autism and other developmental disorders that focuses on imparting skills in sp...

Whether your loved one has undergone an amputation as a result of a combat injury or as a result of peripheral vascular disease, your family member will need not only medical care and physical support, but also psychological and emotional support as he or she learns to live life without a limb. While caring for your family member is rewarding, it is also draining. A home health personal care assis...

Family caregivers often hear stories about the hardships their role; however, a recently published study found when done well, caring for a loved one has the potential to extend your life. The media is full of stories about the hardships endured by the "sandwich generation," or adults who find themselves caring for both their children as well as their elderly parents. Many of the stories of caregi...

When it comes to kids, every parent and caregiver wants the best. For some kids, an extra dash of attentive care can go a long way. For example, for children with disabilities or mental health issues, having support at home can greatly improve their quality of life and independence.  Attentive home care has a wealth of benefits for kids and families. At-home care provided by a qualified personal c...

Parents only want what's best for their children. But many don't realize what options are out there in terms of support and guidance. For example, home care for kids is not often the first thought for many parents, but it can be life-changing for the whole family. This is especially true for children with disabilities, including those with autism or those who require extra support for health chall...

Medical complexity refers to multiple chronic conditions in a child that requires ongoing medical management and coordination of care. These conditions may include the following: Physical Developmental Behavioral A medically complex child could spend a lot of time in the hospital, which often means specialized care must continue at home or in an outpatient capacity.   Children with medical complex...

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...

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common developmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. As a caregiver navigating the complexities of caring for a child with ADHD, it's essential to understand both the unique challenges and the strategies that can help children thrive. Parents and caregivers often face increased stress when managing these...

Autism speech therapy is a specialized service that helps individuals with autism improve both verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Speech therapy is typically tailored to each child's specific needs, and can focus on forms of communication such as: Verbal communication Speech clarity Non-verbal communication Body language Social interaction skills Understanding and using gestures Alternati...

As we age, maintaining proper nutrition can become challenging. Many people experience reduced appetites, lower activity levels, and slower digestive systems, so they aren't as inclined to eat their meals. But it's important to maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet for the sake of quality of life and overall health and well-being. The solution? In addition to  prioritizing healthy meals , nutriti...

At Best Home Care, we strive to stay up to date on the latest developments in providing the best quality home care possible, whether that is homecare for the elderly, pediatric homecare, or homecare for the disabled. When it comes to home healthcare services, we know that there are new innovative ideas springing up every day.   A new trend in senior home care is proving to be extremely successful!...

In early 2024, the U.S. government approved replacing Personal Care Assistance (PCA) services with a program called Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) as part of the Affordable Care Act. The CFSS program will also replace Minnesota's state-funded Consumer Support Grant (CSG) benefit. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is helping transition care recipients to this new model....

Spring is in the air in Minnesota!  As we start to enjoy the warmer weather, it's also a perfect chance to re-evaluate the activity level of your elderly home care client. The benefits of regular physical activity include an increased energy level, better emotional and social health, weight management, and even decreased pain as joints and muscles gain flexibility and strength.  Getting out and ab...

As your loved ones age, you will notice signs that they need extra care and assistance. Perhaps they're having trouble keeping up with household chores, or maybe an illness or injury makes it challenging for them to be alone for long periods of time. Many people think that a nursing home is the only option, but this isn't true! When thinking about home care vs. nursing home care, consider how much...

Caring for a stroke survivor at home requires patience, understanding, and proactive planning. Family caregivers can foster a supportive home environment that encourages recovery and independence for their loved ones. Here's how to care for a stroke patient at home effectively, enhancing their quality of life while reducing the risk of future strokes. *The content on this podcast is for informatio...

As parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it's natural to have concerns about how to provide the best home care for your child. Developing a nurturing and supportive environment is crucial for fostering their growth and well-being. Join the Best Care team as we cover essential strategies, resources, and tips to help you navigate the journey of home care for children with autism,...

As we age, maintaining proper nutrition can become challenging. Many people experience reduced appetites, lower activity levels, and slower digestive systems, so they aren't as inclined to eat their meals. But it's important to maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet for the sake of quality of life and overall health and well-being. The solution? In addition to  prioritizing healthy meals , nutriti...

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a scientifically proven approach that uses positive reinforcement to encourage constructive social behaviors in children and adults living with developmental disorders. Psychology Today succinctly defines ABA therapy  as:  "A type of therapy frequently applied to children with autism and other developmental disorders that focuses on imparting skills in sp...

At Best Care, we have immense respect and gratitude for the sacrifices made by our veterans, active service members, and their families. When it comes to our nation's heroes, they deserve to receive the highest standard of care. Many veterans may need in-home care for various reasons, from medical conditions to aging. Understanding the resources available can often seem overwhelming. While Best Ca...

While we hope you've been making the most of the beautiful spring weather, one necessary evil of springtime you may be dealing with is spring cleaning. Spring cleaning is very important, especially for seniors. Getting rid of unnecessary clutter helps to make for a cleaner environment to live in, which is important for the elderly as cluttered spaces can become a hazard in older age. We at Best Ho...

We've just made it through another holiday season, where you most likely found yourself spending extra time with loved ones. For many adults, it can be difficult to see our parents getting older. You may worry about your loved ones living alone at home and wondering whether it's time to talk to your parent(s) about senior care services. At Best Care, we specialize in setting up quality  home care...

Tax Day may be coming up, but it's never too early to start preparing your tax return. Tax rules for family caregivers can mean you could deduct certain costs from your taxes. These tax exemptions can save you some hard-earned money, too, so it's a smart idea to make sure you're clued up on what dependency rules might apply to you. There are certain eligibility criteria you'll need to fulfill to b...

One of the biggest challenges that caregivers face in their line of work is burnout. Caregiver burnout is a serious problem as it not only impacts the mental and physical wellbeing of family caregivers but also the ability to perform at their job. This week we'd like to discuss why respite care may be a beneficial solution to caregivers experiencing burnout and in need of a little bit of a break....

Finding the proper home care for yourself or a loved one can be challenging. Whether supporting a senior, a child with special needs, or an adult with a disability, choosing a service that best meets individual needs while providing comfort and quality of life is essential. Let's dig into our guide to understanding the different types of in-home care services, to help you determine which option mi...

As our loved ones age, they want to maintain independence by living at home, but safety becomes more of a concern. For seniors, a safe living environment is crucial to retaining well-being and preventing accidents. This comprehensive guide offers practical advice and home safety tips for older adults, aiming to make their homes safer, reduce possible risks, and provide peace of mind for family mem...