News and Resources

A balanced diet plays a crucial role in health and wellness for everyone, but it’s especially essential for older adults. To help your loved one maintain a healthy diet, we partnered with Chef Wade from BrightStar Senior Living of Waunakee, our assisted living and memory care sister brand, to bring you a nutrient-packed meal (including starter and dessert!) your senior loved one will enjoy.

Did you know that nearly 7 million adults in the U.S. over the age of 65 are living with dementia? It's a growing concern for many families, as more than 11 million people in the US are unpaid caregivers for their loved ones. These caregivers provide an estimated 18 billion hours of care each year. If you or a loved one is affected by dementia, there are resources and support available. Educating ourselves about this disease is crucial in offering the best care possible.

Pneumonia is a Serious Illness

Did 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. 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 in the US have to go to the emergency room with pneumonia, and about 55,000 people die from this illness.

Cognitive health is something that we tend to take for granted, but it’s 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.

When it comes to home care, ensuring your loved one’s safety and quality of life is essential. A fall in the home can have serious health consequences. Each year, one in three adults 65 and older suffer a significant fall. To reduce the likelihood of falls in the home, it’s important to understand the most common causes. If you are aware of the risk factors, it is much easier to take preventative measures to help protect your loved one.

For many people, paying for in-home care can be a confusing and intimidating process. From determining the cost to navigating insurance regulations-it’s hard to know where your family should start. However, with the help of a trusted partner like BrightStar Care^®, you don’t have to go through this alone. We provide personalized guidance on how much in-home care your loved ones needs and offer tailored payment options that are easier and more affordable than ever before. Here is an overview of the different ways you can pay for your in-home care services. 

The Baby Boomer generation currently ranges in age from their mid-50s to mid-70s. As this population gets older, a growing number of Millennials (currently 25 to 40 years old) are assuming the role of caregiver for their parents or grandparents. In fact, an estimated 10 million Millennials in the US serve as the primary supporter for an aging loved one. This accounts for one in four family caregivers.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects a person's social interaction, communication, interests, and behaviors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ASD affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States. Families and caregivers of people with ASD often need support and resources to help their loved ones thrive. Here are six ways to get you started! 

When temperatures climb into the 90s, fans may provide comfort, but they won’t 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. 

The challenges associated with being a family caregiver are also numerous, and it’s important to learn how to manage the stress of family caregiving so that you don’t 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. Let’s look at some ways to relieve some of the pressure you may feel while caring for a family member.