Home Instead

09/09/2026

Have you ever felt like something was different with someone you love, even if you could not explain exactly why?

Dementia can affect much more than memory. Changes in communication, judgment, mood, behavior, or problem-solving can sometimes appear before significant memory loss.

Trust your instincts. If something feels different, it is okay to ask questions and seek support.

Learn more at homeinstead.com 🫂

09/04/2026

🌟 Care Pro of the Month – September 2026 🌟

Please join us in congratulating Maria Luna, our September Care Pro of the Month! 🎉

Maria joined Home Instead on May 8, 2025, and has made a wonderful impact on the lives of many clients and their families. She is caring, extremely conscientious, and, above all, a genuinely kind person who approaches each client with compassion and a sincere desire to make a difference.

Maria has cared for many clients with a variety of needs, including a client who requires around-the-clock care. No matter the situation, Maria approaches her responsibilities thoughtfully, always keeping the comfort and well-being of her clients at heart.

When asked what motivated her to become a Care Pro, Maria shared that caring for her own parents inspired her desire to care for others in need. That personal connection to caregiving shines through in the warmth and dedication she brings to her clients every day.

When we asked Maria what she enjoys most about caregiving, her answer said it all:

❤️ “EVERYTHING! Taking them out, getting to know them, and making their day-to-day a little easier.”

Maria truly represents the heart of caregiving—building meaningful relationships, bringing joy to everyday moments, and making life a little easier for those who depend on her.

🎉 Congratulations, Maria! We are so grateful to have you as part of our Home Instead family and proud to recognize you as our September Care Pro of the Month!

💐 A special thank you to Miller-Jones Mortuary & Crematory for generously sponsoring our Care Pro of the Month program and helping us recognize the exceptional individuals who dedicate themselves to caring for seniors in our community. We truly appreciate your continued support and partnership!

09/04/2026

Have you ever wondered if a loved one’s changes were “just part of getting older?”

Dementia is not a normal part of aging.

If you have noticed changes in someone you love and are carrying questions you do not quite know how to ask, you are not alone. We are here to help families find support and take the next step when they are ready.

Learn more at homeinstead.com 🫂

09/03/2026

Have you ever heard “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s” used as if they mean the same thing?

It is understandable. But dementia is an umbrella term for symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and everyday life. Alzheimer’s disease is one specific type of dementia.

Learning the language around a diagnosis can help families feel more prepared for the road ahead.

Learn more at homeinstead.com 🫂

08/31/2026

Caring for a parent can bring up a lot of complicated emotions, especially when the relationship has been difficult.

In this Caregiver Chats conversation, Dr. Lakelyn and licensed mental health counselor Rebecca Johnson explore the often unspoken experience of caring for a narcissistic parent, with compassion for the boundaries, grief, and mixed feelings that can come with it.

If this is part of your story, you are not alone. 💚 Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts: https://bit.ly/3V3ebtc

08/27/2026

08/21/2026

Dr. Lakelyn welcomes audiologist Dr. Debbie Abel for an important conversation about hearing loss and why recognizing it early can make a tremendous difference in health, relationships, and quality of life.

Listen to the full episode here: https://bit.ly/4xoaUml

08/19/2026

As a gerontologist, I’ve seen firsthand the difference professional caregivers make for older adults and their families. It’s time we recognize caregiving for what it is: an essential profession deserving of respect, investment and opportunities for growth. - Lakelyn Hogan Eichenberger

08/19/2026

Yvette Nicole Brown recounts her father's Alzheimer's journey and shares an important lesson: Hiding from a diagnosis only prolongs discomfort. Once her family knew what they were up against, her father could get the care he needed, and she could begin the process of acceptance. 🫂

🎧 Watch the full conversation on Caregiver Chats podcast: https://bit.ly/4xKM4NF

08/14/2026

Struggling to hear may be the cause of chronic fatigue in older adults. Listen to the latest episode of Caregiver Chats to learn more: https://bit.ly/4xoaUml

08/12/2026

Congratulations to Virginia, our August Care Pro of the Month!

Virginia has been a valued member of the Home Instead family for an incredible 11 years, and during that time, she has provided care and companionship to 52 clients. Her dedication, dependability, and genuine love for caregiving have made a lasting impact on the many lives she has touched.

When asked what motivates her and what she loves most about caregiving, Virginia shared that she treasures the opportunity to become involved in her clients' lives—learning about the things they love, hearing their stories, and discovering all they have accomplished throughout their lives.

For Virginia, caregiving also means being there through every season of a client's journey. She finds meaning in sharing the good times and providing comfort, compassion, and a reassuring presence during life's most difficult moments, including being there for clients at the end of their lives.

Virginia is deeply invested in the people she cares for and approaches her work with tremendous thoughtfulness and compassion. After 11 years and 52 clients, she continues to demonstrate what it truly means to be an exceptional Care Pro.

Congratulations, Virginia, and thank you for the heart, dedication, and compassion you bring to Home Instead and to every client fortunate enough to have you by their side!

08/07/2026

Do you have a loved one who is withdrawing due to hearing loss? Try these tips for better communication. 👂🏼✨

Listen to the full episode of Caregiver Chats with our host Dr. Lakelyn and guest audiologist Dr. Debbie Abel: https://bit.ly/4xoaUml

08/05/2026

When someone living with dementia does something unexpected, our first instinct is often to blame the person.

Instead, blame the disease.

In this clip from Caregiver Chats, geriatric social worker Mindy Crouch shares a simple mindset shift that can help families—especially children—respond with empathy instead of confusion or embarrassment.

By separating the person from the disease, we can protect their dignity, reduce fear, and create more compassionate moments together.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of Caregiver Chats:

Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4gJIrlU
Spotify: https://bit.ly/4pt1m6E
YouTube: https://bit.ly/4pu8Bv7

08/03/2026

It’s hotter than a pepper sprout out there! 🥵

And while we’re all reaching for iced drinks and fans, older adults need a little extra care to stay safe in the summer heat.

Here’s your caregiver-approved summer safety toolkit for aging loved ones:

💧 Hydrate with variety – Water is essential, but try chilled fruit, herbal iced tea, smoothies, or even popsicles to keep it fun and refreshing.

👒 Dress smart – Light, breathable clothing and wide-brimmed hats help regulate temperature and protect sensitive skin.

🌬️ Cool it down – If there’s no AC, use fans, cold washcloths, or even a bowl of cool water for hands and wrists to provide quick relief.

🌿 Time outdoor activities wisely – Early mornings or evenings are safest. A short stroll, porch chat, or birdwatching can bring joy without overheating.

👂 Connect with care – Sometimes, just being present — listening, sharing a memory, or sitting together — is the best form of comfort.

Let’s keep our older adults safe, seen, and supported this summer.

🔁 Share this post to spread the word about senior summer safety.

07/31/2026

How can we help kids understand the end of life?

In the latest episode of Caregiver Chats, Dr. Lakelyn sits down with geriatric social worker and author Mindy Crouch to explore how caregivers can have honest, age-appropriate conversations with children about death, dying, and grief.

Drawing from nearly two decades of supporting older adults and families, Mindy shares practical guidance for helping children process loss, ask difficult questions, and feel supported through life's hardest transitions.

🎧 Listen to Caregiver Chats wherever you get your podcasts:

Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4gJIrlU
Spotify: https://bit.ly/4pt1m6E
YouTube: https://bit.ly/4pu8Bv7

07/29/2026

"Every parent want's to protect their child from hurt. Unfortunately, that's not life."

In the latest episode of Caregiver Chats, Dr. Lakelyn sits down with geriatric social worker and author Mindy Crouch to explore why helping children understand dementia can reduce fear, strengthen family connections, and build healthy coping skills that last a lifetime.

Drawing from nearly two decades of supporting older adults and their families, Mindy shares practical, age-appropriate strategies for talking with children about dementia, grief, and the changes they may see in someone they love.

If dementia has touched your family, this conversation offers thoughtful guidance on how honesty, compassion, and open communication can help every generation navigate the journey together.

🎧 Listen to Caregiver Chats wherever you get your podcasts:

Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4gJIrlU
Spotify: https://bit.ly/4pt1m6E
YouTube: https://bit.ly/4pu8Bv7