Caregiver Connection

At Best Care, we will always be advocates for independence and dignity in caregiving. Part of the role of a caregiver is to support recipients of care to live life how they want to and on their own terms. Occupational therapy is one way of doing that, as it works to help empower people to both mentally and physically regain control over areas of their lives that they might be missing out on. In ho...

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...

Being a parent is a life-changing responsibility that presents both joyful and stressful challenges. If your child has special needs or is living with a medical condition that requires round-the-clock care, the role of parenting can quickly become overwhelming—especially if you have other children in your family to support. According to the National Organization on Disability, approximately one-fi...

As a caregiver, you constantly juggle responsibilities, striving to provide the best care for your loved ones. Cooking is an essential part of your responsibilities.  But have you thought about what to do with food waste? It's easy to overlook the amount of food that goes uneaten, but it adds up over time, leading to wasted financial resources, too.  April is Earth Month, which reminds us of our s...

Caregivers are truly indispensable! They provide essential, ongoing support and comfort to those who need it. Recognizing their efforts through caregiver appreciation gestures is a nice way to boost morale and strengthen the caregiver-client relationship. Let's explore caregiver appreciation ideas and gift options that will help you convey your heartfelt thanks. Thoughtful Caregiver Appreciation G...

Caring for a loved one with needs - whether due to age, illness, or disability - can be overwhelming. Respite care providers play an important role by offering relief to these primary caregivers. But what are respite care services? Let's talk about respite care providers so you can understand their importance, what respite care services are, and how you can benefit from them. *The content on this...

The need for excellent home care for people with multiple sclerosis is clear. Nearly 1 million people are living with MS in the United States,  according to a study funded by the National MS Society , and this number is growing.  There are unique challenges to caring for people with MS and their families are looking for help in dealing with these difficulties. The unpredictable nature of this debi...

Family caregiving is becoming increasingly common. Middle-aged adults are finding themselves providing home care for their baby boomer parents while raising children of their own. Add to this a full-time work schedule and endless other commitments, and it's easy for family caregivers to find themselves overworked and overwhelmed. Home caregivers in these situations will often fall victim to caregi...

 There are many challenges faced by family caregivers and Personal Care Assistants (PCAs). Caregiving can be a lonely and demanding job, and it's no secret that caregiver burnout  is a common concern.  At Best Care, we've heard caregivers voice their exhaustion with concerns like,  "I am so tired of being a caregiver"  and feeling as if  "being a caregiver is killing me."  We understand where you'...

According to UCI Health , by 2030, the total number of hip replacements performed in the United States is expected to have increased by more than 600% since 2005. Over 300,000 surgeries are carried out every year in this country. Considering that so many people will undergo this procedure, a personal care assistant (PCA) helping a family member may need to factor hip replacement recovery into thei...

The ability to prepare food is one of life's most basic activities, and can be a wonderful hobby for improving the home health of seniors. Cooking is a rewarding activity that doesn't require much physical exertion and a great way for seniors to maintain a sense of independence. Though many people struggle to make a meal on occasion, seniors are at an even greater disadvantage in the kitchen. Heav...

February is Heart Health Awareness Month. So, the  team at Best Care  wants to share some tips on heart health for seniors. According to the  CDC , one person dies every 36 seconds in the United States from cardiovascular disease. However, there are some ways that you can reduce the risk of heart disease and support seniors through heart-related procedures. *The content on this podcast is for info...

Vision loss and different types of eye problems afflict many Americans of all ages. Seniors are particularly affected, with about half the number of blind people being 65 years of age and older according to the  National Federation of the Blind .  There is a fair chance you have a good friend or relative with some type of eye condition. But thankfully, with modern technology and medical support, t...

A sad trend over the last decade is the prevalence of financial fraud by home healthcare providers. Hundreds of millions of Medicaid dollars are paid for unnecessary or unprovided home care services each year. In 2024, it is estimated that fraudulent home care charges totaled $60 million of taxpayer dollars in Minnesota alone. *The content on this podcast is for informational or educational purpos...

Food poisoning can be a serious health issue for older adults because  they have a higher chance  of developing complications and a severe illness. Caregivers who  provide care  for seniors need to be aware of the risks and take steps to prevent food poisoning from happening.  *The content on this podcast is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medica...

According to the  National Institute of Mental Health , over 18% of American adults suffer from a mental disability. Even more surprising is that 1 in 5 children (age 13-18) have had a seriously debilitating mental disorder at some point in their life. Over the last two decades, cases of mental disorders have consistently risen in the United States. This growth is expected to continue, especially...

Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that affects millions worldwide, presenting unique challenges for both individuals and those who care for them. According to the National Institute for Mental Health , bipolar disorder... "...is a mental illness that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration. These shifts can make it difficult to carry...

Caring for someone who is experiencing spiraling depression can feel overwhelming. This condition affects not just the individual dealing with their mental health issues, but also the caregivers and loved ones who support them. If you've ever wondered how to live with someone with depression or how to help someone who is spiraling, it's essential to be equipped with the knowledge and tools needed...

Navigating daily life can be challenging for individuals with disabilities, especially when it comes to getting around the community to run errands, attend appointments, and enjoy recreational activities. Family caregivers are often tasked with arranging safe, reliable, and accessible transportation for their loved ones, which helps ensure their well-being and independence.  In today's podcast we'...

At Best Care, we understand the importance of maximizing the quality of life for people with physical or mental disabilities. For many families, service dogs can be a transformative resource for achieving this goal. These special companions provide valuable support and can help foster independence. Whether you're curious about how to get a service dog for free or eager to train your furry friend t...

Family caregivers often have expenses and responsibilities that can complicate their tax filing process. But the good news is that there might be a family caregiver tax exemption or even a caregiver tax credit that you might be eligible for! At Best Care, we do not provide professional tax services, so this information is just for your reference. You should always consult a qualified professional...

When it comes to pneumonia in older adults, recognizing the symptoms early can significantly influence their recovery and increase their likelihood of survival. As a caregiver, knowing how to spot the signs of pneumonia in elderly adults is crucial because their symptoms often differ from the classic indicators seen in younger populations. *The content on this podcast is for informational or educa...

In pediatric home care, creating an environment that  fosters play and recreation  is crucial for a child's overall well-being and development. While the child's special needs (as laid out in their  pediatric home service care plan ) often take priority, that doesn't mean fun should take a backseat! At Best Care, we understand families' unique challenges when caring for  medically complex children...

No matter which holidays you're celebrating this month, there's bound to be travel, extra events and commitments, shopping and volunteering, and opportunities to reconnect with loved ones.  Here at  Best Care , we treasure the moments we spend with our families at any time of year. But for those providing and receiving  personal care services , the family plays a very distinct and vital role this...

December is an exciting time of year. The air is filled with childish wonder as stores stock their shelves with the latest toys and stunning holiday decorations. Friends and family come from all over to celebrate together and plan for the new year ahead. It's certainly a wonderfully hectic time of year. The holidays are a time for parties and celebration, but they can also be stressful. This seaso...