At BrightStar, we know that it is the hard work, dedication, compassion and professional behavior of our caregivers that makes us the leader in providing quality private duty and staffing services in the greater  Chicagoland area. Our caregivers are wonderful, if we do say so ourselves! We are constantly amazed by some of the stories that we hear regarding our caregivers and the exceptional, over-the-top care that they provide. (more…)

This year I had the great opportunity to participate in the 31st Annual Senior Olympics hosted by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association. (more…)

If you take care of a loved one with diabetes, blood sugar levels are a key factor in determining what he or she can and can’t eat. When you think of managing blood sugar, many with diabetes obsess over everything they can’t have. While it’s important to avoid white, refined breads and pastas and fried, fatty, processed foods, knowing what you should eat is just as crucial. (more…)

Sure, all of us could probably attest to feeling uncomfortable when the thermometer hits 90 degrees at 90% humidity on a hot July day. But it’s those with diabetes, both Type 1 and Type 2, who are especially apt to health issues in the scorching summer weather because diabetes can cause an impaired ability to adjust to rises in temperature, which can cause dangerous increases in body temperature during the summer. (more…)

A recent post on AARP.com by Sally Abrams (pictured) discussed a recent study noting the increase of eating disorders in mid-life- -especially with caregivers and individuals that are grieving. (more…)

GlamourGals is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to inspire and organize teens to provide ongoing complimentary beauty makeovers and companionship to elderly women living in senior homes, and BrightStar is proud to support this amazing organization.  (more…)

“My mom was diagnosed with COPD.”

“What’s COPD?”

“It’s Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder.”

“Oh… What’s Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder?”

“Not sure, but my friend’s mom had it.”

(more…)

If you have a loved one that may need assistance, a family meeting is a viable option for weighing out what needs to be done. Almost nothing is more crucial in times of family crisis than having a family support system ready to act. Why a family meeting? Unless you are an only child and your parent has no living relatives, you owe it to yourself, your parent and your siblings to have the entire family actively involved in caring for your loved one. Family meetings can help family caregivers to delegate tasks and rally support around a loved one in need. (more…)