Keeping a Healthy Heart Through February

February is the month of hearts with Valentine’s Day just around the corner. How-ever, while we all try to win the hearts of our loved ones, we can not forget the most important heart of all: our own. February is also American Heart Month serves to bring attention to one’s cardiovascular health and the risk of heart disease. In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women. Coronary heart disease, the most common type of heart disease, affected over 360,000 people in the United States alone in 2019. 1 Risk factors such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and smoking have a huge impact on whether someone is at risk for heart disease or not. Assistance in Home Care encourages you and a loved one to take the following lifestyle changes to ensure you maintain a healthy heart throughout the month of February.

Healthy Eating Leads to a Healthy Heart

We’ve all been the victim of stress eating. The pandemic, work, and other external stress factors may make us eat more “less-than healthy” comfort foods, however unhealthy responses to stress can be hard on one’s body. 2 Hence why trying to eat more nutrient-rich foods will kick start your journey to a healthier heart. To help reach your daily nutritional goals, follow these simple rules:2

Eat vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
Include fat-free, or low-fat dairy products, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and vegetable oils
Limit sugar sweetened drinks. Try making your own tea!

Some habits can be hard to break. To make it an easier process, make changes gradually. Maybe start off by adding an additional serving of vegetables a day or eat a piece of fruit with your breakfast.

Minimize Stress

The pandemic, work deadlines, and financial struggles haven’t made it easy to relax and take a deep breath recently. Your body naturally reacts to the stress you feel: in-creased heart rates, narrowing your blood vessels, and overtime these small factors can build up to negatively affect your health. For instance, chronic stress makes it more likely for one to have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and poor sleep. Luckily, As-sistance in Home Care knows a few exercises to help you and a loved one de-stress.2

Meditation is among one of the most studied methods in managing stress. Find a quiet location, get in a comfortable position, and focus on your breathing for 10-15 minutes.
Having a Self-Care Routine can ensure that you schedule out part of your day for you. Whether it be face masks, going on walks, or even cooking a meal, find a self-care routine that works best for your needs.
Quit Smoking. Old habits die hard, but if you or a loved one are still smoking, it’s time to quit. A smoke-free life has many benefits including improved circulation, reduced risks of certain types of cancers, and overall feeling more energetic.

Preventing Heart Disease One Change at a Time

The effects of risk factors become more evident as you age; high blood pressure and high cholesterol increase your chances of having a stroke or developing a heart dis-ease. As a result, controlling and preventing risk factors become that much more important for you or a loved one. American Heart Month should be a reminder for all of us to take care of our bodies and health as we all age. It’s never too late to make the change towards a healthier lifestyle.

Assistance in Home Care provides in-home care services for individuals living with chronic conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Our caregivers are trained to work with such individuals and understand that caring for a loved one with chronic conditions can be stressful and overwhelming. Learn more about our personalized care plans and schedule a free home assessment today.

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/heartdis-ease/american_heart_month.htm
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/amer-ican-heart-month
American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/en/around-the-aha/february-is-american-heart-month

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The Benefits of In-Home Dementia Care vs. Facility Care

July 21, 2025

When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, one of the most important decisions a family faces is choosing the right type of care. Two of the most common options are in-home dementia care and facility-based care, such as assisted living or memory care centers. While both can provide valuable support, in-home care offers distinct advantages in comfort, familiarity, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Understanding the differences between these options can help you make the best decision for your family. 1. Comfort and Familiarity In-Home Care: One of the most significant advantages of in-home dementia care is that your loved one remains in a familiar environment. Being surrounded by their own furniture, photos, and routines provides comfort and stability that can reduce confusion and anxiety. Familiarity is essential for people with dementia, as new or unfamiliar surroundings can be overwhelming and disorienting. Facility Care: Residents must adapt to new surroundings, schedules, and caregivers in a care facility. Even in specialized memory care units, the environment is shared and may feel impersonal to some. While many facilities offer structured care, the transition can be difficult for someone with memory loss. 2. One-on-One Attention and Continuity of Care In-Home Care: In-home caregivers provide personalized, one-on-one attention. Care plans are tailored to the individual's needs, preferences, and routines. Families can expect more consistency, often with the same caregiver providing support regularly. This continuity helps build trust and reduces stress for the individual and their family. Facility Care: In facilities, staff members rotate between multiple residents. While care is available around the clock, it is often divided among many individuals. This can lead to less personal attention and less consistent caregiver relationships, which can be challenging for those with dementia who thrive on routine and familiarity. 3. Flexibility and Family Involvement In-Home Care: Families have more control over the schedule, type of care, and level of involvement with in-home care. You can adjust hours, responsibilities, and even integrate care with other healthcare providers or hospice services. Loved ones can remain a part of daily life and participate more fully in the care process. Facility Care: Facilities operate on set routines and regulations. The administration typically manages visiting hours, care plans, and staff access. This can limit how and when families can participate in care decisions or visit loved ones. 4. Cost Comparison In-Home Care: In-home care costs can vary depending on the number of hours needed, but they are often more affordable than full-time residential care, especially in the early and middle stages of dementia. Families can start with part-time care and increase support as needs grow, making it a flexible and cost-effective option. Facility Care: Residential care facilities typically charge a flat monthly rate that covers room, board, and basic services. Costs can rise significantly based on the level of care required, and some facilities charge additional fees for medication management, personal care, or special accommodations. For many families, these expenses can exceed the cost of in-home care. 5. Emotional and Mental Well-Being In-Home Care: Remaining at home often contributes to better emotional health. Familiar surroundings can reduce feelings of fear, confusion, and loneliness. The ability to continue with long-standing habits—watching a favorite show, tending to a garden, or eating home-cooked meals—can improve quality of life and help slow cognitive decline. Facility Care: While many facilities offer enriching activities, some individuals may struggle to adjust to group settings and shared routines. The change in environment and loss of independence can sometimes negatively impact emotional well-being. Which Option Is Right for Your Loved One? Every family’s situation is unique. In-home dementia care is often preferred for those seeking comfort, flexibility, and personalized support. It allows your loved one to age in place while receiving high-quality care tailored to their needs. Facility care may be more suitable for individuals requiring intensive medical attention or no longer safe in a home environment. Assistance In Home Care offers compassionate, customized dementia care that evolves with your loved one’s needs. Our experienced caregivers are trained to provide support at every stage of dementia, all in the comfort of home. Ready to explore in-home care options? Call us today at (844) 490-9755 or schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help your loved one stay safe and supported at home.

Understanding the Stages of Dementia and How Care Needs Change

June 10, 2025

Dementia is a progressive condition that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It impacts not only the individual but also their family and support system. While each person's journey is unique, dementia typically follows a pattern of progression—from mild memory lapses to significant cognitive and physical decline. Recognizing the signs at each stage and understanding how care needs evolve can help families plan effectively for their loved ones. In-home care plays a vital role in maintaining comfort, safety, and dignity through every phase. Early Stage: Mild Cognitive Changes What to Expect: Occasional forgetfulness (e.g., names, appointments) Difficulty finding words or concentrating Trouble with planning or organizing Mood changes, including anxiety or irritability How In-Home Care Can Help: In the early stage, most individuals are still independent and aware of their diagnosis. However, they may benefit from structured support: Help with scheduling and reminders (e.g, medications, appointments) Light housekeeping and meal preparation Companionship to reduce isolation and depression Transportation for errands and social visits Guidance with setting up routines and safety measures at home Establishing a caregiver early can also build familiarity and trust, making the transition into deeper care smoother later on. Middle Stage: Increasing Confusion and Dependency What to Expect: Noticeable memory loss and confusion, especially with recent events Difficulty recognizing familiar people or places Repetitive speech or questions Struggles with dressing, bathing, or cooking Wandering or becoming lost Behavioral changes like agitation, suspicion, or aggression How In-Home Care Can Help: At this stage, supervision and hands-on support become essential. A trained in-home caregiver can provide: Daily assistance with personal care and hygiene Structured routines to reduce confusion and stress Redirection and reassurance during moments of agitation Fall prevention and home safety modifications Help with meals and monitoring nutrition Respite care to give family members a needed break Middle-stage dementia is often when families begin to feel overwhelmed. In-home care can ease the burden while preserving the individual's sense of home and a sense of belonging. Late Stage: Full Dependence and Decline What to Expect: Significant memory loss and limited communication Loss of mobility and incontinence Trouble swallowing and increased risk of infection Full dependence on others for all activities of daily living Increased need for comfort and palliative care How In-Home Care Can Help: In the final stage, comfort and quality of life are the highest priorities. In-home caregivers provide: Complete personal care, including bathing, feeding, and toileting Bedside assistance to prevent bedsores and maintain mobility Gentle companionship and sensory stimulation (music, touch) Pain management and coordination with hospice or medical teams Emotional support for family members during end-of-life care Even in the late stage, home can offer a peaceful, familiar setting that promotes dignity and calm. Adapting Care as Needs Evolve Dementia care is not one-size-fits-all. Needs change over time, and care plans should be regularly evaluated and adjusted. With the help of a dedicated in-home care team, families can navigate each stage with greater confidence and compassion. At Assistance In Home Care , we specialize in dementia care that evolves with your loved one. Our caregivers are trained to meet the unique challenges of each stage and are committed to providing respectful, personalized support throughout the entire process.