News and Resources

Medication management and compliance are significant challenges faced by the elderly population. The complex nature of medication regimens, cognitive decline, physical limitations, and the lack of proper support contribute to medication-related issues. Frequently, seniors require the assistance from family or services to manage with the burden of medication management.  This article explores the common problems encountered by older adults regarding medication management and compliance. Additionally, it highlights the crucial role that home care agencies can play in addressing these challenges and ensuring the well-being of elderly individuals as well as restrictions imposed by state regulations that significantly limit what home care agencies can do.  Home health agencies have substantial latitude to assist with medication management under the orders of a prescribing physician.

Managing homecare services for aging parents can be a complex and demanding task for adult children. When Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis or stroke hit home, big changes are ahead.  Challenges include finding reliable homecare agencies, coordinating communication, ensuring continuity of care, and balancing financial considerations. Thorough research, seeking recommendations, and conducting interviews are essential in selecting reliable homecare providers. With all this being new, it is difficult to know what questions to ask.  Effective communication channels and technology can aid in coordinating care and managing schedules. Creating contingency plans and sharing detailed care plans with the homecare agency can help ensure continuity. Financial planning, exploring insurance coverage and assistance programs, and seeking professional advice are crucial for managing the financial aspects. With careful planning and coordination, adult children can provide the environment for quality homecare for their aging parents.

At BrightStar Care of Sacramento, Carmichael and Roseville we pride ourselves of ongoing, in-person training for our homecare caregivers.  While all caregivers are hired with at least one year of experience or Certified Nurse Assistance training, ongoing training is important to refresh their minds, especially in the case of specific clients that have fallen or are at high risk of falling.   We assist clients with activities of daily living, which includes ambulation support.  Many of our clients are at risk of falling.  We prepare our caregivers for those incidents.

Helping a client get up safely off the floor after a fall is a critical skill for home care aides and all caregivers. While the concepts of training can be obtained on the internet and by watching videos, there is no substitute for in-person training and live practice of these homecare skills.

Herein we provide detailed instructions on how to best assist a client if a falls occurs.

Homecare caregivers, or Home Care Aides (HCAs) as they are called in California, are authorized to provide a range of essential services to support individuals in their homes, particularly those who require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). These services are governed by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and the Home Care Services Bureau (HCSB).   The list of activities includes Personal Care Assistance, Meal Preparation and Nutrition, Medication Reminders, Mobility Assistance, among others described herein.  Some activities are expressly not allowed including Diabetic insulin shots, Catheter care, Bedsore treatment, Physical therapy and Glucose readings (blood sugar) among others which require services from a licensed healthcare professional.

At BrightStar we pride ourselves of providing homecare for elderly individuals in the comfort of their own home. We do this with love and compassion as if it were our own parent.  But for adult children of the elderly, this can be a very conflictive time. Caring for aging parents presents adult tests emotional resilience and patience. Witnessing the physical and cognitive decline of once-vibrant individuals can be emotionally taxing. The role reversal, where children become the caregivers, is a profound shift that a huge adaptive effort.   Additionally, bridging the generational gap becomes a delicate task, requiring empathy and understanding. The emotional toll of witnessing a decline in health, coupled with the anticipation of inevitable loss, can lead to feelings of grief and helplessness.  Moreover, the demands of caregiving often coincide with the adult children's own family and professional responsibilities, creating a juggling act that induces stress. Navigating this intricate web requires support networks, open dialogue, and self-care strategies. 

BrightStar caregivers are at the forefront of providing compassionate and professional care to elderly and disabled individuals in need of homecare. Our commitment to ensuring the well-being and safety of our clients is evident in the tools and techniques we use, with gait belts being an essential part of our caregiving arsenal in the provision of homecare services.  Gait belts are simple yet invaluable devices designed to assist caregivers in safely transferring and mobilizing clients.  BrightStar caregivers are well-trained in the proper use of gait belts, making them an integral part of the care team. Gait belts play a crucial role in achieving this goal.  When clients need to be transferred from one location to another, such as from a bed to a chair, gait belts provide an extra layer of security.  Caregivers can assist clients in standing, walking, and repositioning while maintaining a firm grip on the gait belt.  Using gait belts is not only about the physical aspects of transferring and mobilizing clients; it's also about building trust and maintaining effective communication

Fifteen years ago, I was introduced to the world of franchising through BrightStar Care.  I had previously worked in the healthcare industry for 12 years, but I was eager to make a career shift.  Home heath sounded very attractive and I leaped at the opportunity of merging my passion of working in healthcare with my desire to own a business. Over the course of 15 years, my talented team has provided more than 1.7 million hours of home care service to the communities across Placer County and Sacramento County. I have also employed nearly 2,000 care givers and we have served almost 2,500 clients.   In addition to the outstanding care that we provide our clients, we are very involved with our community and passionate about providing resources through various community support groups, seminars, and training.  We look forward to continuing to improve the lives of our clients and their families, while simultaneously contributing to the community and providing our caregivers, nurses, and therapists a desirable place of employment. 

BrightStar Care is committed to veteran care and is enhancing the quality of skilled nursing home health and therapy services through the integration of specialized speech pathology services. Our approach is designed to provide comprehensive home health care to veterans, ensuring their overall well-being and improved quality of life. Additionally, BrightStar Care provides home health aide service to fully round the care in the home.
At BrightStar Care, we offer a wide range of skilled nursing services that encompass:

Our nation's veterans have made immense sacrifices to protect our freedom and way of life. As they age or face health challenges, BrightStar Care of Roseville and Sacramento/Carmichael stands at the forefront of delivering exceptional home health and homecare services tailored specifically for veterans. With a deep commitment to honoring and supporting our veterans, BrightStar Care Agency goes above and beyond to ensure their well-being and comfort in the familiar surroundings of home.

Living with dementia can be a challenging experience for both patients and their loved ones. As the disease progresses, individuals with dementia require support and engagement to maintain their quality of life. This article explores the power of presence and the importance of supporting dementia patients through home engagement. By understanding the needs of those with dementia and implementing effective strategies, caregivers can create a positive and meaningful environment for their loved ones.