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This podcast is for caregivers and families seeking advice and inspiration on caring for someone with a mental or physical disability. It is hosted by Best Care, a Minnesota-based home care agency that, since 2005, has provided home and community-based services. Join us to discuss ideas, tips, and educational resources to support caregivers and their families. The content on this podcast is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or ...
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There are many benefits of receiving homecare services. You get to enjoy the comfort of your own home while receiving quality support to perform daily tasks from a loved one or experienced PCA (personal care assistant). But how does the process of getting started with PCA services begin? In this podcast, we’d like to provide a few simple steps on h…
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Providing home care to a parent or grandparent is often a full-time job. In addition to you helping your loved one perform daily tasks and feel more independent, you also want to ensure he or she is eating well and making better decisions when it comes to daily health and nutrition. In fact, one major health concern that seniors experience is weigh…
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Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a group of inherited muscle disorders in which there is skeletal muscle weakness and muscle tissue loss. The cause can be a mutation of a protein which is responsible for muscle strength or some other reasons such as nutritional defects during pregnancy. MD is passed down and can run in families but some types develop out…
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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a type of developmental disorder which affects between 8-12 percent of children. It is characterized by behavioral problems such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a subtype of ADHD and lacks the hyperactive or impulsive features of ADHD. *The cont…
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In April 2024 Mary MacCarthy and Rashmi Kandwal focused on learning about care and innovation in Alzheimer's Disease. They talked with Kanada Yazbek who has been living with dementia for many years, Susan Perriott who is the CEO of the Alzheimer's Association of Minnesota and North Dakota and Dr. Joseph Gaugler, Director of the University of Minnes…
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Family caregivers juggle multiple responsibilities, and one of these tasks is often handling grocery shopping for home care recipients. With inflation and soaring food costs, it's become even more important to navigate buying groceries on a budget while ensuring nutritional value and affordability. *The content on this podcast is for informational …
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The ability to drive is significant, offering independence and freedom. But what happens when dementia begins to cloud the mind of someone we love? As we spend time with aging loved ones, we might observe subtle shifts in their cognitive function. This decline can change many things, including their ability to drive safely. The question is hard to …
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Taking care of loved ones at home takes immense love and dedication. It allows those we care about to stay in a familiar environment while receiving the support they need. We often hear terms like Personal Care Assistants (PCAs), Family Caregivers, Companions, and Home Health Aides, but what exactly do each of these roles entail? It's important to …
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When we consider protecting our health during winter, we often think about outdoor threats, like cold temperatures and icy sidewalks. However, the air inside our homes can also pose challenges, especially if that air is dry. Can dry air cause a sore throat? Can dry air make you sick? Indeed, dry air can lead to several issues affecting our well-bei…
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Spina bifida is a complex condition that affects every individual differently. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons: "Spina bifida is the most common, permanently disabling birth defect. The Spina Bifida Association conservatively estimates that 70,000 people live in the United States with the condition." *The content on t…
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Dive into a discussion on Colorectal Cancer, the 3rd most common cancer in the US and worldwide. In this episode of Patient Innovations, Rashmi and Mary speak with three remarkable guests: Meghan Wallace: A recent survivor, Meghan shares her journey from diagnosis to treatment and being cancer-free. Dr. Subree Subramanian: Professor in the Departme…
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Some terms are often used interchangeably when describing the roles and responsibilities of people who provide in-home care. Today, we'll cover the differences between a homemaker and a Personal Care Assistant (PCA). Though both play pivotal roles in ensuring the well-being of those they care about, their responsibilities and required skills vary. …
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Although Alzheimer's disease is a common condition for most families, dealing with a loved one's diagnosis can still cause uncertainty, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed. Late-onset Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of the disease, meaning the symptoms begin after the age of 60, although early-onset Alzheimer's can occasionally o…
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Lead poisoning is a serious medical condition that causes a growing concern about environmental pollution and occupational safety measures. Lead is a heavy metal that does not perform any useful function within the human body, but it causes a variety of harmful effects. Old water pipes, car battery factories, certain types of paint and other indust…
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Anxiety disorders affect 40 million Americans, with cases ranging from mild to severe, all playing a role in how you function in society. Examples of anxiety disorders include panic disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and specific phobias. Anxiety disorders can lead to physical illnesses, including …
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Seniors are often faced with the prospect of living alone. Their children have moved out and are raising their own families. Aside from the psychological effect of having been left behind by loved ones, they also struggle to cope with running errands and activities of daily living. *The content on this podcast is for informational or educational pu…
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Quadriplegia involves paralysis in all four limbs. Typically caused by a spinal cord injury, this condition leaves individuals needing to rely on a wheelchair for the rest of their lives. Performing everyday activities can be frustrating, tiring and depressing. In-Home care services for people with this condition can make life easier in a variety o…
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Walking is one of the most straightforward exercises for seniors. Unlike other forms of exercise, it does not require expensive and bulky equipment or a lot of effort, so seniors who are wary of physical activity need not worry so much about starting (or failing) an exercise regimen. *The content on this podcast is for informational or educational …
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Home care for a person suffering from delusional disorder is a complex task due to the nature of the condition. Delusional disorder is a mental problem in which a person experiences non-bizarre delusions that are persistent and negatively affect interactions with other people in their daily lives. A delusion is a false belief that cannot be effecti…
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Perhaps you have missed taking a pill or multivitamin for some reason. However, older people are particularly notorious for not sticking to their medication schedules. After all, they take more drugs than any other age group. According to Harvard Medical School, as much as 75 percent of the elderly population in the United States are non-compliant.…
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Bipolar disorder affects everyone slightly differently. With the right healthcare considerations, medications, and lifestyle changes, many people with bipolar disorder can manage to live successfully and independently. For some people, however, seeking home care services is a helpful step that helps keep their lives on track and running smoothly. P…
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While caring for a loved one with a chronic health condition is a serious endeavor, remembering to laugh and interject humor into your daily lives benefits both the patient and caregiver. *The content on this podcast is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcar…
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The most challenging thing about living with lupus is the cycle of symptoms flares, which tend to be unpredictable. When you need it during unexpected flares, depend on a PCA to be there. *The content on this podcast is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcar…
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When faced with a situation we did not expect, most of us either panicked or steadfastly declared that we could do it all, regardless of the burden. Asking for help is sometimes not that easy and not that cheap. When the need arises to get more people involved in the care of the loved one, you need to know what is available and the appropriate care…
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A week after the snow stopped falling, the majority of the east coast is still digging out from one of the largest blizzards in U.S. history. The record-breaking storm dropped as much as three feet of snow in areas throughout the Mid-Atlantic States and left hundreds of thousands of people without power for days. Blizzards like this can leave a win…
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It’s normal to hang onto sentimental keepsakes and memories from our lives, and this is even more true for older adults and seniors who have more precious times to remember! However, when it goes too far and leads to people living in extremely cluttered or dirty living situations, it could be a sign of hoarding. Here’s what hoarding is, what makes …
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Smartphones, TVs, computers, and tablets consumer our daily lives. In fact, Americans spend an average of 10 hours a day staring at a screen. Whether used for work or entertainment, technological devices have quickly become an integral part of our daily lives. Part of the allure of these devices is their ease of use and accessibility to nearly any …
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Best Home Care specializes in helping seniors and persons with disabilities or special needs find their ideal homecare services. With our expertise, network, and resources, we can help you find the best home healthcare services in Minnesota. *The content on this podcast is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute profe…
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Caregivers can help improve the lives of seniors by helping them achieve a longer period of independence and self-sufficiency. One way caregivers can do this is by teaching them how to navigate the world of technology. Technology doesn’t need to be frustrating for an older adult. It can actually improve their quality of life! For example, staying c…
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We’ve been fortunate this winter not to have any major storms hit the Twin Cities area. However, we all know the headaches a major winter storm can cause and the importance of planning ahead. A plan for winter storms is especially important for individuals who depend on daily in-home supportive services. Here are some ways personal care assistants …
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If you have elderly loved ones who are in need of home care, you might also need the ability to make legal, financial, medical, and business decisions on their behalf. To protect them and their interests, obtaining power of attorney rights is the first step to being able to advocate on their behalf and support them for whatever lies ahead. *The con…
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There’s an old joke about Minnesotans that goes: “Only crazy people would live in a place that requires a survival kit six months out of the year.” Any loyal Minnesotan could dispel this by sharing all the things that make this state great, but there is some truth to this statement. Minnesota winters are brutal and we are all one broken car away fr…
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There may be more truth to the saying “Laughter is the best medicine” than once thought. For years, scientists have marveled at the health benefits of a good chuckle. According to WebMD, humans change physiologically when we laugh. Our blood pressure and pulse elevate, and we breathe faster, pushing more oxygen into our tissues. Some researchers ev…
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It may be too early in the season to bust out a spirited rendition of jingle bells, but it’s not too early for seniors utilizing home care resources to think about winter safety. One of the most threatening hazards this time of year is the potential for extended home care patients to slip on a patch of ice. When snow begins to fall, don’t follow it…
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Smartphones, TVs, computers, and tablets consume our daily lives. Americans spend an average of 10 hours daily staring at a screen. Whether used for work or entertainment, technological devices have quickly become an integral part of our daily lives. Part of the allure of these devices is their ease of use and accessibility to nearly any content th…
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At Best Care, we understand the importance of finding an at-home care provider you can trust. Our mission is to provide the kind of service that gives you peace of mind that your loved ones are in good hands when you aren’t around. But the process of finding the right caregiver isn’t always a simple one, and if this is your first time looking for a…
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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. *The content on this podcast is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or co…
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Caregiving for another person is rewarding—but can also be exhausting and underappreciated work. Caregivers spend their time caring for family members, friends, or clients. *The content on this podcast is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals…
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It’s normal to hang onto sentimental keepsakes and memories from our lives, and this is even more true for older adults and seniors who have more precious times to remember! However, it could be a sign of hoarding when it goes too far and leads to people living in extraordinarily cluttered or dirty living situations *The content on this podcast is …
  continue reading
 
Heart disease is one of the biggest concerns for Americans, especially older adults. Some conditions, however, can also affect children and teenagers, such as hypertension. Here’s a look at what hypertension is and what support is available to those living with it. *The content on this podcast is for informational or educational purposes only and d…
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Many family caregivers don’t spend enough time on their physical and mental health, as they’re so caught up in being the best possible caregiver for their loved ones. The stress of being a family caregiver can wear on you, no matter how much you love your job! It’s a job done out of love, but still a job all the same—and one that you can’t do well …
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The role of a family caregiver can be a challenging and overwhelming experience. That's why respite care provides temporary relief to help you take a break from your responsibilities. Respite care is a vital resource for caregivers. It provides the necessary support and time off they need to care for their loved ones properly. Let’s cover some tips…
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As we approach the inevitably cold Minnesota winter months, cold and flu season comes along with it. Cold and flu prevention for seniors is essential, as a minor cold can quickly spiral into a life-threatening illness and have severe repercussions for them. *The content on this podcast is for informational or educational purposes only and does not …
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During these chilly Minnesota winters, we often find ourselves in the house more often. Anyone caring for kids knows you need plenty of indoor activities to choose from at times like these. And you’re in luck, thanks to today’s post. Baking is the perfect wintertime activity—and it can offer many benefits to children with disabilities. Here are som…
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When caring for loved ones at home, there is often a mix-up between "caregiving" and "caretaking." Some people interchange these terms because they sound similar, and the responsibilities can sometimes overlap. *The content on this podcast is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or consu…
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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. *The content on this podcast is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthca…
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Heart disease is one of the biggest concerns for Americans, especially older adults. Some conditions, however, can also affect children and teenagers, such as hypertension. Here’s a look at hypertension and the support available to those living with it. *The content on this podcast is for informational or educational purposes only and does not subs…
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The winter months are full of fun opportunities for children, with plenty of outdoor winter activities available right here in Minnesota. While many are focused on physical sports, which can be challenging for some children with either physical or mental disabilities, there are ways to adapt typical wintry activities to suit any child. Plus, there …
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Christmas is a beautiful time of year for so many. It's meant to be spent doing the things you enjoy with the ones you love most. Celebrating Christmas with family is the default for many, but that can be difficult for some. *The content on this podcast is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical a…
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