Imagine a family member goes to the hospital for a routine outpatient procedure. During the visit, your loved one encounters some unexpected complications, like their blood pressure rising or the doctor discovers something else during the procedure, and the hospital decides to keep your family member overnight for additional testing and monitoring. While many might think this person has been admitted as an inpatient, this person may actually be put on “observation status.”

Why Does Observation Status Matter?

The distinction between inpatient versus observation status can have a significant impact. Financially, for patients on Medicare, they are considered outpatients when on observation status, meaning there may be greater copays and other uncovered out of pocket expenses. Further, since outpatient status is not considered a hospital admission, this means patients won’t qualify to go to a rehab facility following their hospital stay. Only those formally admitted for three overnights are covered by Medicare for follow up care in a skilled nursing facility. Yet, these patients who were put on observation status may still require support at home, especially since the first 48 hours after discharge from a hospital are critical to their safety and health. That’s where home care can make all the difference.

Enter Family & Nursing Care

Regardless of status, Family & Nursing Care helps patients receive the crucial care they need as they transition home from the hospital. During the first 48 hours post discharge, when there is the most confusion and misunderstanding of needs and instructions and there are often delays in the start of Medicare or Medicaid services, there is a dramatic difference in successful transitioning between patients who utilize home care services and those who do not.

As a regional leader in providing access to compassionate and reliable home care services since 1968, Family & Nursing Care’s Hospital to Home program helps ease the transition for patients after a hospital stay in the following ways:

• Easy and quick access to experienced and compassionate caregivers can provide clients a safe and comfortable environment for recovery at home.
• Family & Nursing Care liaisons are available to visit with patients and their families while the patient is still in the hospital to help them understand their options for coverage and care at home.
• Support can be obtained on a short-term basis to help with the transition home or on a longer-term basis as needed.
• No up-front deposits or long-term commitments are required.

Family & Nursing Care is always willing and ready to help people even at a moment’s notice when they leave the hospital. With responsive and supportive staff and access to compassionate and reliable caregivers, Family & Nursing Care can truly make a positive difference in older adults’ lives while offering their families peace of mind.

The Family & Nursing Care Difference

With 75% of Family & Nursing Care clients needing in-home care within 48 hours, we pride ourselves on being nimble enough to get a caregiver in the door within that immediate timeframe. These caregivers can help in many ways, including:

• Managing tasks of daily living, such as errands, medication pick-up, groceries, meal preparation, bathing, dressing and support for those who may be at risk for a fall, as well as helping clients digest all the information thrown at them upon discharge from the hospital.
• Assisting with specific client needs by ensuring they adhere to a special diet, practicing breathing techniques and required exercises, reminding them to take medications on time, and more.
• Using their knowledge and to recognize “red flag” symptoms, such as edema, shortness of breath, and fever.

The bottom line is regardless of whether a patient is on observation status or considered inpatient, when they are discharged from the hospital, Family & Nursing Care stands ready to provide the resources needed to help them recover in the comfort of their own home because when hospital readmission statistics are lowered, everyone benefits.

To learn more about how Family & Nursing Care can help clients with their transition home from the hospital, visit the Home Care Services page on our website.

As home care needs increasingly become more urgent and unpredictable, families often find themselves grappling with the challenge of securing reliable caregiving assistance at a moment’s notice. With the home care industry evolving into a 24/7, 365 days-a-year necessity, the demand for swift, effective crisis care solutions has never been more critical.

At Family & Nursing Care, nearly 75% of individuals reaching out to us are urgently seeking a Caregiver within the next 48 hours, particularly following a hospital discharge or after a fall occurs. Recognizing this growing need, we pride ourselves on being equipped with the staffing, resources, and services to respond promptly and proficiently in any situation. In fact, in January 2024 alone, we provided 55 clients with access to a Caregiver within 24 hours. Some of these clients needed assistance for a few days, others for much longer, all of which we accommodated.

“In a landscape where the need for crisis care continues to escalate, Family & Nursing Care strives to go above and beyond in our response to clients and their family members facing crisis – from the first point of contact with us and throughout the entire care journey,” says Mitch Markowitz, Vice President of Business Development at Family & Nursing Care. “Our unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with our strategic approach to supporting clients, ensures that families receive the assistance they need regardless of the situation.”

Addressing the Urgent Need

At Family & Nursing Care, we understand the urgency and stress that accompanies the quest for immediate caregiver support. That’s why we offer unparalleled care solutions and a diverse set of teams to address any home care need, especially the escalating demand for crisis care:

• Expansive Caregiver Network: With over 1,500 experienced Caregivers in our pool, Family & Nursing Care offers families an extensive selection to choose from. Each Caregiver undergoes rigorous screening to ensure they possess the skills and compassion necessary to deliver exceptional care.
• Dedicated Coordination Team: Our robust team of Care Coordinating Managers is adept at managing complex scheduling demands and swiftly matching Caregivers with families based on their unique requirements. From coordinating last-minute placements to facilitating seamless transitions, our Coordinators are committed to delivering personalized support every step of the way.
• Client Services Managers: Our Client Services Managers work closely with families to understand their preferences, values, and specific care needs. By fostering strong relationships and open communication, they ensure that client expectations are not only met, but exceeded.
• Comprehensive Intake Process: Our intake team is trained to ask the right questions and gather essential information to assess each client’s situation comprehensively. By understanding the nuances of their needs and preferences, we can tailor our care solutions to provide the highest level of support and comfort.

The Family & Nursing Care Difference

We specialize in navigating the complexities of crisis situations with precision and efficiency, and our approach is rooted in strategic planning, rapid response, and effective coordination. Outside of our unparalleled strategy, we encompass a holistic approach to enhancing quality of life and fostering independence. Whether it’s providing access to Caregivers to assist with daily activities, companionship, or medication reminders, Family & Nursing Care is dedicated to empowering individuals to live life on their own terms, in the comfort and familiarity of their homes.

With a vast network of experienced Caregivers – in addition to our Care Coordinating Managers, Client Services Managers, and Intake teams – Family & Nursing Care can mobilize quickly to meet urgent care demands. Whether it is providing round-the-clock assistance following a hospital discharge or helping to address unexpected health complications, we work to help ensure that families receive the support they need, when they need it most.

To learn more about Family & Nursing Care’s crisis care offerings or any other services, contact us or visit our Home Care Services webpage.

As a trusted and leading home care resource for over 55 years, Family & Nursing Care has been steadfast in its commitment to providing access to top-notch, personalized care to older adults in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Now, the company is proud to announce its continued expansion into Howard County and Baltimore, with plans to soon bring its services to Pennsylvania.

Even before its expansion into Central Maryland, Family & Nursing Care has been partnering with Allyson Stanton of Stanton Aging Solutions for nearly 20 years. Previously as a social worker, and now as an aging life care manager, Allyson works with Family & Nursing Care frequently, reaching out to coordinate care for her clients. She sees the company’s growth in the area as nothing but a major positive for the families with whom she works and other older adults in Howard County and Baltimore. “I think it’s a fantastic idea,” she says. “They have a proven track record of helping people. I trust them implicitly, and their expansion means more families will have access to exceptional home care.”

As for what families themselves think about the Caregivers who work with Family & Nursing Care, Allyson notes the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. “Communication is seamless, scheduling is a breeze, and families don’t have to worry about a thing,” she says. “The Caregivers are not only skilled but also compassionate, making them a perfect fit for our clients.” Allyson also noted that, since she is a care manager, she represents her clients and not a specific organization. “When we refer to a company, it’s a vetted experience we trust. There are over 2,000 companies registered in Maryland to choose from, so for us to trust Family & Nursing Care speaks volumes.”

The Family & Nursing Care Difference

As Family & Nursing Care continues to expand its reach – whether in Central Maryland or soon in a new area altogether in Pennsylvania – we remain dedicated to our core values of compassion, integrity, and excellence in care. With a network of highly trained Caregivers and a client-centered approach, we strive to set the standard for home care in the region. Here’s more of what sets us apart:

• For 55 years and counting, we’ve assisted tens of thousands of families by providing access to Caregivers who help with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, mobility assistance, errands, meal prep, light housekeeping, medication reminders, companionship, and more.
• Our longstanding relationships with hospitals, senior living communities, skilled nursing facilities, and long-term care insurance companies allow us to liaise in the coordination of what can often be an overwhelming process for clients and families. Whether it’s coordinating home care when a sudden need arises or supporting families following a hospital discharge, our team stands ready to support them 24/7, 365 days a year.
• Only the top 8% of Caregivers who apply meet our unwavering standards of excellence, ensuring every Caregiver we work with is the best-of-the-best.
• Given Family & Nursing Care’s record as a nine-time winner of Bethesda Magazine’s Best of Bethesda Readers’ Poll, an A+ rated company by the Better Business Bureau, and a Circle of Excellence recipient by the National Business Research Institute, it’s no wonder why more than 25% of Family & Nursing Care employees have been with the company for over 10 years.

To learn more about Family & Nursing Care’s leading offerings, check out our Home Care Services webpage.

As we age, our bodies undergo numerous changes, making it increasingly vital to prioritize physical activity for overall health and well-being. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, older adults are at a higher risk for chronic health conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, falls are a prevalent concern, with one in three older adults experiencing a fall each year, often resulting in serious injuries. With winter fading away and spring blossoming, now is the perfect time to re-focus on the importance of physical activity for older adults.

Staying active plays a crucial role in promoting longevity and enhancing quality of life as we age. Rachel Sanford, a Registered Nurse and Director of Nursing for Family & Nursing Care Select, emphasizes the significance of maintaining an active lifestyle.

“The less active we are, the more difficult it becomes to stay motivated to engage in activities,” she says. “Decreased physical activity can lead to muscle loss, poor exercise tolerance, and increased risk of falls or injuries.”

Engaging in regular physical activity not only benefits older adults physically, including cardiovascular health, but also contributes to their mental and emotional well-being. Increased physical activity, with which Caregivers can assist, can help boost someone’s mood, decrease stress, and enhance alertness. Sanford also underscores the importance of recognizing age-related changes and embracing assistive devices or Caregiver assistance. “Falls in the older adult population can be catastrophic,” she warns. “Utilizing any resource available to minimize the risk of falls is vital to allow older adults to remain injury-free and living independently.”

When it comes to choosing activities, low-impact exercises tend to be most appealing for older adults. Swimming, chair yoga, seated exercises, and wall Pilates are excellent options that minimize strain on aging bodies while still providing significant health benefits. Sanford recommends that clients work on their mobility as often and as safely possible, ideally daily. She also stresses that everyone has unique needs and, while going for a long walk or to the gym may work well for one person, standing from a seated position 10 times a day or changing positions in bed frequently may work better for another person. When it comes to exercise, Sanford likes to quote Newton’s First Law of Motion, “An object at rest will stay at rest, and an object in motion will stay in motion, so let’s get moving.”

At the end of the day, prioritizing physical activity for older adults is not just about staying fit — it’s about preserving independence, enhancing quality of life, and reducing the risk of falls and injuries. With help from qualified and supportive Caregivers, clients can receive the encouragement they need to stay active, in addition to other services, such as assistance with bathing, dressing, errands, meal prep and light housekeeping, medication reminders, and companionship.

For more information on how Family & Nursing Care can help, check out the Mobility Assistance webpage.