News and Resources

Millennials: A younger generation caring for elderly loved ones 

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. 

Common Struggles Millennial Caregivers Face 

If you have become a caregiver as a 20- or 30-something, you probably encounter certain challenges every day. The struggles listed here are not necessarily exclusive to Millennial caregivers. However, your journey may be somewhat unique because of where you’re at in life when caregiving becomes your responsibility. 

• Navigating the healthcare system: HIPAA restrictions, insurance issues, and other aspects of our complex healthcare system make it difficult for young caregivers to advocate for their parents and grandparents. 

• Finding emotional and mental health support: While caregiving can be incredibly fulfilling, it also comes with emotional and mental health struggles. Many resources assume the caregiver is an older Generation Xer, not a Millennial with a young family of their own. As a result, burnout and stress are prevalent among young family caregivers. 

• Stalled career and delayed higher education: Millennials are more likely to still be in school or working toward career advancement because of their young age. If they suddenly become caregivers, this can lead to uncertainty about the future. Some Millennials feel pressured to delay their education or forego job promotions due to the new and challenging responsibility of being a family caregiver. 

• Financial instability: College tuition has more than doubled since the 1980s. The oldest Millennials who graduated college around age 22 in 2003 averaged $16,000 in student debt ($22,000 in today’s money). But the youngest Millennials who finished school in 2018 averaged nearly $30,000 in loans upon graduation. Saddled with more debt and spending an average of 27 percent of their income on caregiving expenses, it’s no surprise that so many Millennial caregivers struggle to achieve financial stability. 

Home Care Resource for Millennial Caregivers 

Always remember—you are not alone! In-home care providers can relieve some of your responsibility so you have more time to focus on your personal life, education, and career without feeling like you’re neglecting your elderly loved one. Respite care is also an option available to you that provides short-term, temporary relief from caregiving responsibilities. Whether it is 1 hour or 24 hours, we’re ready to meet your needs. Here are some of the additional services available: 

• Personal care 

• Companion care 

• Alzheimer’s and dementia care 

• Disability services 

• Transportation 

• And more 

 

Your loved one deserves nothing less than extraordinary care. That’s what makes the nurses, CNAs, and other professionals at independently owned and operated BrightStar Care agencies the right fit for you. We are pleased to offer the most professional, compassionate care possible while helping your loved one continue living in the comforting, familiar surroundings of home. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you. 

Traveling with seniors presents unique challenges you may not be used to when traveling by yourself or with peers. Taking a road trip with your aging parents can be stressful but rewarding and is an experience to be cherished rather than missed. Sometimes, people need to get away from their everyday lives and experience life out on the open road. Vacations can be enriching physically, emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually. And when traveling with senior loved ones, taking the proper precautions and planning makes the road trip experience smoother for all involved.
 
1. Get medical clearance for your aging parent to travel.

This may seem like an obvious place to start when planning a road trip with your aging parent. However, you may be surprised that some don’t clear travel with their loved one’s physician. Never attempt to take a road trip with a senior who may have medical issues without consulting their physician. There may be certain considerations you were not aware of that may impact how you should prepare or indicate traveling is not in the best interest of their health and safety. Always use your best judgment and err on the side of caution.

2. Ensure all of the accommodations are senior-friendly.

When making travel arrangements, be sure to ask about senior-friendly accommodations. If flying, call the airline and ask for tips about making seniors more comfortable during the flight and within the airport. Seniors may require assistance and extra time to get around in the airport, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to catch your flight without rushing them. If renting a car or booking a hotel or flight, address accessibility concerns. For example, if your parent has a wheelchair or requires oxygen, you’ll want to make sure the transportation and lodging can accommodate these needs.

3. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination.

When traveling with seniors, be sure to give yourself extra time to clear customs or make the road trip with additional rest breaks. Taking frequent restroom stops or time for your loved ones to take their medications with food is essential to alleviating their travel concerns. It will relieve stress on all of you. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends stopping at least once every couple of hours to get up and move around to keep the blood circulating and help reduce the risk of blood clots from lack of movement.

4. Bring medications and senior care necessities with you.

Be sure to pack your loved one’s medications, insurance and identification cards, and medical records in case of an emergency. We recommend taking an extra week’s worth of medications and copies of their prescriptions in case you’re delayed coming back for any reason, especially when traveling abroad. When traveling somewhere with changing time zones, be aware that you may need to make a few adjustments when administering your loved one’s medications. If they take time-sensitive medications, you may want to set a timer or keep a watch set to your home time, so their schedule isn’t interrupted. If your loved one requires senior care, get tips from their professional caregiver to continue this care.

5. Give seniors time to adjust to changes during vacations.

Remember to give your aging parent time to adjust to changes to their regular routine during your trip. Seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s may feel overstimulated or stressed in a new environment. Try to stick to their meal, medication, and bedtimes as closely as possible. If they usually watch specific TV programs before bed or are used to having a private bathroom, try to accommodate this. You may also consider bringing along familiar bed linens or puzzles, games, and books to enjoy together.

Get additional senior care advice from BrightStar Care®

BrightStar Care® specializes in providing in-home senior care with around-the-clock caregivers. We have agencies across the country, so if you’re traveling within the United States, you may be able to seek our professional support services once you get to your destination. 

Make a Difference in 6 Minutes: Parkinson's Awareness Month 

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month, a time to unite against this progressive neurological disease. A staggering statistic: someone in the U.S. receives a Parkinson's diagnosis every 6 minutes. But together, we can make a difference! 

Actionable Steps: 

Fight Back with Research - 

• Become a PD GENEration Hero: You can participate in a free genetic study for Parkinson's. Contribute to research breakthroughs!  

• Learn from the Experts: You can Watch informative Neuro Talk videos on Parkinson's research. Explore research studies you can join.  

• Donate for a Brighter Future: You can support the Parkinson's Virtual Biotech to accelerate development of life-changing treatments.  

Get the Care You Deserve -  

• Connect with Parkinson's Specialists: You can call the free Helpline (1-800-4PD-INFO) for referrals or exercise classes near you. 

• Find Your Parkinson's Care Team: You can use the zip code search to locate medical centers and local chapters. Order a hospital safety kit to advocate for your best care.  

Stay Informed, Get Involved -  

• Empower Yourself with Knowledge: You can read PD publications and register for PD Health @ Home events. Gain the tools to effectively manage Parkinson's.  

• Join the Parkinson's Community: You can sign up for the email list for the latest updates. Share our PD infographic to raise awareness.  

• Attend Local Events: You can connect with others who understand Parkinson's at educational or community events (in-person or virtual).  

• #ABCsofPD on Social Media: You can follow us as we explore Parkinson's complexity and symptoms throughout April. Share your story using #ABCsofPD! 

Light Up April with Hope -  

Your 6 minutes can truly make a difference. Let's raise awareness, accelerate research, and empower those living with Parkinson's. Together, we can create a brighter future where Parkinson's is better understood and managed.  

For more resources and information, visit the Parkinson’s Foundation! 

Light Up the Night, Light Up Hope: Go Blue for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shed light on this disease. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, affecting both men and women. One powerful way to raise awareness and show support is by participating in the #BlueForCRC campaign. By turning your city or town blue, you can make a significant impact in promoting awareness, encouraging screenings, and saving lives.  

Why Blue? 
The colon cancer ribbon is blue, making blue lights a striking visual reminder of the fight against this cancer. Seeing landmarks and buildings bathed in blue creates a sense of community and solidarity. 

How to Get Involved 

• Contact Your Local Officials: Reach out to your mayor, city council members, or parks department. Explain the #BlueForCRC initiative and ask if they'd be willing to illuminate a local landmark, building, or bridge in blue during March. 
• Spread the Word: Share the #BlueForCRC campaign on social media. Encourage friends, family, and neighbors to contact their local representatives. 
• Think Big (or Small): Don't be discouraged if you can't light up a major landmark. Even lighting up your own porch or asking local businesses to participate can make a big impact. 

Shine a Light on Prevention 
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but it's also highly preventable through regular screenings. Early detection is key to successful treatment. 

By participating in #BlueForCRC, you're not just raising awareness – you're helping to save lives. The more people who know about colorectal cancer and the importance of screenings, the more lives we can protect. 

Here are some additional resources: 

• The Colon Cancer Coalition: Colon Cancer Coalition: https://coloncancercoalition.org/ 
• Fight Colorectal Cancer: [Fight Colorectal Cancer organization ON Fight Colorectal Cancer fightcolorectalcancer.org] 

Let's turn our cities and towns blue this March and show colorectal cancer that we won't back down!