Caregiver Connection

Caregiver Connection

This podcast is for caregivers and families seeking advice and inspiration on caring for someone with a mental or physical disability. It is hosted by Best Care, a Minnesota-based home care agency that, since 2005, has provided home and community-based services. Join us to discuss ideas, tips, and educational resources to support caregivers and their families. The content on this podcast is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals.

Episodes

July 18, 2025 7 mins

Maintaining healthy social and emotional connections is important for people of all ages, but as we age, this can become challenging.

Physical limitations, chronic health conditions, and mobility challenges can create barriers for many seniors. Plus, geographic isolation, loss of driving privileges, or the natural transitions in social circles that accompany aging can complicate maintaining connections.

However, research has shown ...

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Becoming a caregiver is often a labor of love. What other job allows you to help people each and every day, making sure they enjoy the best quality of life possible, and forming close bonds with the loved ones you spend time with?

However, it also brings with it a range of challenging caregiver responsibilities. Supporting your recipient of care is a serious task, not to be taken lightly. So, what really goes into it?

Whether you’r...

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Are you caring for a loved one? Did you know you can get paid to be a Personal Care Assistant (PCA) for a family member? Many people provide unpaid care for relatives without realizing they might qualify for compensation!

Important Program Update in Minnesota

As of October 1st, 2024, Personal Care Assistance (PCA) services have been replaced by Community First Services and Supports (CFSS). Anyone receiving PCA services will transit...

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Advancements in senior care technology have grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, offering new ways to ensure our loved ones remain safe, healthy, and independent. As family caregivers navigate the complexities of caring for aging relatives, these innovations provide practical solutions that enhance both the quality of care and family members’ peace of mind.

Let’s explore some ways the technology has improved, as well as some ...

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Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a scientifically proven approach that uses positive reinforcement to encourage constructive social behaviors in children and adults living with developmental disorders.

Psychology Today succinctly defines ABA therapy as: “A type of therapy frequently applied to children with autism and other developmental disorders that focuses on imparting skills in specific domains of functioning, such a...

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Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a scientifically proven approach that uses positive reinforcement to encourage constructive social behaviors in children and adults living with developmental disorders.

Psychology Today succinctly defines ABA therapy as: “A type of therapy frequently applied to children with autism and other developmental disorders that focuses on imparting skills in specific domains of functioning, such a...

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Whether your loved one has undergone an amputation as a result of a combat injury or as a result of peripheral vascular disease, your family member will need not only medical care and physical support, but also psychological and emotional support as he or she learns to live life without a limb.

While caring for your family member is rewarding, it is also draining. A home health personal care assistant can make this time of transiti...

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Family caregivers often hear stories about the hardships their role; however, a recently published study found when done well, caring for a loved one has the potential to extend your life.

The media is full of stories about the hardships endured by the “sandwich generation,” or adults who find themselves caring for both their children as well as their elderly parents. Many of the stories of caregivers who fall sick because of the s...

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When it comes to kids, every parent and caregiver wants the best. For some kids, an extra dash of attentive care can go a long way. For example, for children with disabilities or mental health issues, having support at home can greatly improve their quality of life and independence. 

Attentive home care has a wealth of benefits for kids and families. At-home care provided by a qualified personal care assistant (PCA) is one way to e...

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Parents only want what’s best for their children. But many don’t realize what options are out there in terms of support and guidance. For example, home care for kids is not often the first thought for many parents, but it can be life-changing for the whole family. This is especially true for children with disabilities, including those with autism or those who require extra support for health challenges. 

Many people view in-home ca...

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Medical complexity refers to multiple chronic conditions in a child that requires ongoing medical management and coordination of care. These conditions may include the following:

  • Physical
  • Developmental
  • Behavioral

A medica...

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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in children is not just a phase they will outgrow; it is a mental health condition that requires careful management and support. The International OCD Foundation estimates that around one in every 200 children has OCD. 

As a caregiver of a child with OCD, your role is crucial in helping children navigate the challenges of their disorder so that they can live a happy, fulfilling life. Let’s explor...

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common developmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. As a caregiver navigating the complexities of caring for a child with ADHD, it’s essential to understand both the unique challenges and the strategies that can help children thrive.

Parents and caregivers often face increased stress when managing these ADHD behaviors in their children, w...

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Autism speech therapy is a specialized service that helps individuals with autism improve both verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Speech therapy is typically tailored to each child’s specific needs, and can focus on forms of communication such as:

  • Verbal communication
  • Speech clarity
  • Non-verbal communication
  • Body language
  • Social interaction skills
  • Understanding and using gestures
  • Alternative communication methods
  • Langu...
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As we age, maintaining proper nutrition can become challenging. Many people experience reduced appetites, lower activity levels, and slower digestive systems, so they aren’t as inclined to eat their meals. But it’s important to maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet for the sake of quality of life and overall health and well-being.

The solution? In addition to prioritizing healthy meals, nutritional drinks have gained popularity as...

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At Best Home Care, we strive to stay up to date on the latest developments in providing the best quality home care possible, whether that is homecare for the elderly, pediatric homecare, or homecare for the disabled. When it comes to home healthcare services, we know that there are new innovative ideas springing up every day.

 A new trend in senior home care is proving to be extremely successful! College students in need of housing...

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In early 2024, the U.S. government approved replacing Personal Care Assistance (PCA) services with a program called Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) as part of the Affordable Care Act. The CFSS program will also replace Minnesota’s state-funded Consumer Support Grant (CSG) benefit.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is helping transition care recipients to this new model. CFSS will give care recipients mor...

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Spring is in the air in Minnesota! 

As we start to enjoy the warmer weather, it’s also a perfect chance to re-evaluate the activity level of your elderly home care client. The benefits of regular physical activity include an increased energy level, better emotional and social health, weight management, and even decreased pain as joints and muscles gain flexibility and strength. 

Getting out and about is easier in the spring and sum...

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As your loved ones age, you will notice signs that they need extra care and assistance. Perhaps they’re having trouble keeping up with household chores, or maybe an illness or injury makes it challenging for them to be alone for long periods of time.

Many people think that a nursing home is the only option, but this isn’t true! When thinking about home care vs. nursing home care, consider how much help your loved one actually needs...

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Caring for a stroke survivor at home requires patience, understanding, and proactive planning. Family caregivers can foster a supportive home environment that encourages recovery and independence for their loved ones.

Here’s how to care for a stroke patient at home effectively, enhancing their quality of life while reducing the risk of future strokes.

*The content on this podcast is for informational or educational pu...

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