The holidays are a time for family, joy, and sometimes... revelations. If your recent visits with your parents or a favorite aunt or uncle left you with concerns about their health or well-being, you're not alone.
As a Joint Commission-accredited care provider since 2011, BrightStar Care of Greater Hackensack brings together nurses, aides, and therapists who work as an integrated team with clients across Bergen County and Hudson County. But what we never forget is that this is personal: we're not just healthcare professionals – we're also sons, daughters, and grandchildren who understand these concerns firsthand. We never forget it's about family.
Noticing these things doesn't mean you're being critical or invasive. It's about caring and being proactive. At BrightStar Care of Greater Hackensack, we're here to help you understand what you've observed and determine the best way to support your parents. It's not about removing their independence – it's about finding ways to enhance their quality of life.
• Ask open-ended questions and listen: "How have you been feeling lately?" can open up a world of conversation. It's normal for parents to feel scared or resistant to change. Acknowledge their feelings and reassure them that you're on their side.
• Review medications and their management. Take note if there are more pills than expected since the prescription date – this might mean doses are being missed.
• Consider a nutrition assessment. Good news: Medicare often covers visits from a nutritionist!
• Check the bathroom for safety features like grab bars. Towel racks pull away with pressure. Grab bars are anchored to the studs.
• Ensure good lighting throughout the house.
• Look into community programs or senior centers.
• Consider companionship services and/or personal care assistance to complement when you can be there.
• We'll sit down with you and your parents to get to know them – their likes, dislikes, routines, and quirks.
• Love gardening? We'll make sure there's time for those tomatoes. Big sports fan? We'll find a caregiver who can talk Yankees stats all day long. Night owl? Early bird? We'll schedule care when it works best for them.
• Registered nurses who oversee care plans
• Skilled therapists who work alongside our care team
• Trained caregivers who provide personalized support
• A coordinated team that communicates effectively with families
We'll start slow – maybe just a few hours a week to let everyone get comfortable. We carefully match caregivers not just on skills but on personality, too. It's like matchmaking but for care! We're super flexible. As needs change, we can easily adjust the care plan. Family communication is key. We'll keep you in the loop every step of the way.
Remember, exploring care options isn't about taking away independence—it's about adding support to help your parents live their best lives. At BrightStar Care of Greater Hackensack, we're not just caregivers; we're like extended family (the kind you want to have around!).
Looking into caregiving services may be overwhelming, but with BrightStar Care, we make the process much easier for you. We are confident that our team of professionals will assist you in looking for the right caregiver to care for your loved one by keeping you in the loop and more.
We look forward to hearing from you soon!
As a Joint Commission-accredited care provider since 2011, BrightStar Care of Greater Hackensack brings together nurses, aides, and therapists who work as an integrated team with clients across Bergen County and Hudson County. But what we never forget is that this is personal: we're not just healthcare professionals – we're also sons, daughters, and grandchildren who understand these concerns firsthand. We never forget it's about family.
The Holiday Revelation: What You Might Have Noticed
Holidays are more than just festive gatherings and delicious meals—they're often when we see our parents after months apart. At BrightStar Care of Greater Hackensack, we know these reunions can sometimes reveal changes in our loved ones' well-being.Physical Changes: More Than Just Holiday Weight
Did you spot Dad struggling with the stairs more than usual? Or maybe Mom's hands were shaking while serving dinner? These little things aren't just holiday jitters. They could be signs that some extra support might be needed. It's not about being overly worried – it's about being observant and caring.Cognitive Shifts: Beyond Forgetful Moments
We all have those "Where did I put my glasses?" moments, but if you notice your parents forgetting essential dates or getting confused about family members' names, it might be worth a closer look. Remember, it's not about jumping to conclusions—it's about being aware and supportive.Emotional Wellbeing: Reading Between the Lines
The holidays can be emotional for everyone, but did you sense any ongoing sadness or irritability in your parents? Maybe Mom needed to be more excited about her favorite Christmas movie, or Dad seemed unusually quiet during family game night. These could be signs that they might need some extra emotional support.Changes in the Home Environment
Take a look around their living space. Was the usually tidy home a bit messier than usual? Were there unopened bills on the table or expired food in the fridge? These little details can tell a big story about how they're managing day-to-day tasks.
Social Interactions: More Than Just Holiday Small Talk
Did you notice if your parents were as engaged in family conversations as usual? Were they talking about recent outings with friends, or did it seem like they haven't been socializing much? Social connections are crucial for overall well-being.Noticing these things doesn't mean you're being critical or invasive. It's about caring and being proactive. At BrightStar Care of Greater Hackensack, we're here to help you understand what you've observed and determine the best way to support your parents. It's not about removing their independence – it's about finding ways to enhance their quality of life.
Time for a Heart-to-Heart: Having "The Talk" with Your Parents
Okay, you've noticed some changes in your parents over the holidays. Now comes the tricky part – talking to them about it. Let's break down how to have this conversation in a caring, respectful, and productive way.Setting the Stage for Open Conversation
• Choose a quiet, comfortable time to chat over a cup of their favorite tea or during a relaxed walk. The key is to make it feel natural, not like an interrogation.• Ask open-ended questions and listen: "How have you been feeling lately?" can open up a world of conversation. It's normal for parents to feel scared or resistant to change. Acknowledge their feelings and reassure them that you're on their side.
The BrightStar Care Checklist: Your Guide to Next Steps
Alright, you've had a heart-to-heart with your parents. Now what? Don't worry—we've got you covered with our handy checklist. We value making things simple and actionable. So, let's break down the next steps to ensure your parents get the support they need.Health and Wellness Check
• Schedule a thorough check-up with their doctor. Consider whether a set of planned physical therapy visits could jumpstart a new activity routine.• Review medications and their management. Take note if there are more pills than expected since the prescription date – this might mean doses are being missed.
• Consider a nutrition assessment. Good news: Medicare often covers visits from a nutritionist!
Home Safety Assessment
• Look for trip hazards like loose rugs or cluttered walkways.• Check the bathroom for safety features like grab bars. Towel racks pull away with pressure. Grab bars are anchored to the studs.
• Ensure good lighting throughout the house.
Social and Emotional Support Evaluation
• Assess their social connections and activities.• Look into community programs or senior centers.
• Consider companionship services and/or personal care assistance to complement when you can be there.
Exploring Care Options with BrightStar Care of Hackensack
We're happy to provide information about different levels of care, help determine what might be most helpful, and offer guidance on having that important conversation with your parents. At BrightStar, we don't do cookie-cutter care. Our approach is based on 15+ years of local experience but tailored to each family's unique needs:• We'll sit down with you and your parents to get to know them – their likes, dislikes, routines, and quirks.
• Love gardening? We'll make sure there's time for those tomatoes. Big sports fan? We'll find a caregiver who can talk Yankees stats all day long. Night owl? Early bird? We'll schedule care when it works best for them.
Our Comprehensive Care Approach
What sets us apart in Bergen County is our integrated care team approach:• Registered nurses who oversee care plans
• Skilled therapists who work alongside our care team
• Trained caregivers who provide personalized support
• A coordinated team that communicates effectively with families
How We Make the Transition Smooth and Comfortable
We know change can be challenging, especially for parents who are used to being independent. That's why we take extra care to make the transition to home care as smooth as butter.We'll start slow – maybe just a few hours a week to let everyone get comfortable. We carefully match caregivers not just on skills but on personality, too. It's like matchmaking but for care! We're super flexible. As needs change, we can easily adjust the care plan. Family communication is key. We'll keep you in the loop every step of the way.
Remember, exploring care options isn't about taking away independence—it's about adding support to help your parents live their best lives. At BrightStar Care of Greater Hackensack, we're not just caregivers; we're like extended family (the kind you want to have around!).
Looking into caregiving services may be overwhelming, but with BrightStar Care, we make the process much easier for you. We are confident that our team of professionals will assist you in looking for the right caregiver to care for your loved one by keeping you in the loop and more.
Contact BrightStar Care of Greater Hackensack Today!
Looking into caregiving services may be overwhelming, but with BrightStar Care, we make the process much easier for you. We are confident that our team of professionals will assist you in looking for the right caregiver to care for your loved one by keeping you in the loop and more. Contact us today to learn more about our in-home care services. Our offices are conveniently located in Emerson, NJ. Reach out to us at (201) 483-8490.We look forward to hearing from you soon!