BrightStar Care of Walnut Creek / Oakland / Lafayette

12/12/2025

Creating a safer, more supportive home doesn’t have to be complicated. Smart-home devices can make daily life easier for older adults by improving accessibility, enhancing safety, and supporting independence. If you’re exploring ways to help a loved one age comfortably at home, this Wirecutter guide is a great place to start.

Find out more here: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/smart-home-for-seniors/

12/11/2025

Thoughtful gift giving begins with truly understanding what brings comfort, joy, and ease into the lives of the older adults we care about. This Wirecutter guide offers well-researched, practical, and meaningful ideas that support everyday routines, spark connection, and show genuine appreciation. If you are looking for gifts that feel personal, useful, and considerate.

Check out the guide here: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-gift-gifts-for-older-adults-20251024/

12/10/2025

Looking for a festive way to brighten your week? The Ruth Bancroft Garden’s Garden of D’Lights is back and more beautiful than ever. This illuminated outdoor experience transforms the garden into a glowing landscape of color, creativity, and holiday magic.

It’s a wonderful event for families, caregivers, and anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful winter evening close to home. The walk is easy and accessible for most mobility levels, with plenty of places to pause, enjoy the displays, and take in the beauty of the season.

If you go, tag us in your photos. We love seeing our community enjoying moments of joy and connection.

Garden of D’Lights – Walnut Creek, CA
Learn more at ruthbancroftgarden.org

12/09/2025

Want your loved one to stay home safely?

Our team specializes in helping families make aging in place possible. With customized care plans, trained caregivers, and Registered Nurse oversight we focus on safety, comfort, and independence. From daily support to high-acuity care we are here to help your loved one stay right where they want to be home.

12/08/2025

Caring for someone you love is one of the biggest responsibilities a family can take on, and no one should have to do it alone. At BrightStar Care, our team provides dependable, compassionate support that helps your loved one stay safe, comfortable, and connected at home. From everyday assistance to more complex needs, we are here to make life easier for your family and to ensure your loved one feels truly cared for every step of the way.

12/06/2025

Holiday gatherings should feel warm and comforting, not risky. If you’re expecting a visit from a senior family member this season, check out our holiday safety checklist in the comments below to ensure they stay safe from falls and other health hazards.

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving! We’re grateful for family, friends, and all of the wonderful people who make life brighter. Wishing you a warm and joyful holiday!

11/25/2025

Big or small, every moment of gratitude matters. Share with us in the comments — what are you most thankful for right now

11/22/2025

Holidays are about togetherness. But what happens when old age makes family traditions harder? Here's how to honor roles, reduce stress, and keep the love alive with thoughtful adjustments for your senior loved ones: https://www.brightstarcare.com/about-brightstar-care/resources/family-tradition-holidays/

11/19/2025

Caring for someone with dementia can feel overwhelming, but meaningful connection is still possible. BrightStar Care’s latest guide shares dementia-friendly activities — from creative projects to gentle movement — to help nurture joy, purpose, and well-being. Learn more: https://www.brightstarcare.com/about-brightstar-care/resources/dementia-activities-seniors/

11/18/2025

Caring for a loved one receiving hospice services can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.

BrightStar Care partners closely with local hospice teams to provide additional in-home support for comfort, safety, and peace of mind. Our caregivers and nurses help with personal care, mobility, meals, companionship, and ongoing communication with hospice clinicians.

Together, we ensure your loved one receives the highest level of compassionate care at home, while giving families more time to focus on moments that truly matter.

BrightStar Care of Lafayette 💛
Here for you through every step.

11/14/2025

A little movement each day can go a long way in preventing falls. Even gentle activity helps improve balance, strength, and confidence; all key to staying safe at home.

Here are a few easy ways to add movement into the day:
• Take a short walk around the living room or hallway
• Do light stretches while seated or standing
• Practice sit-to-stand exercises using a sturdy chair
• Roll shoulders, ankles, and wrists to keep joints mobile
• March in place for 30–60 seconds at a time

Small, consistent movements can make a big impact.

If you or a loved one needs support at home, our care team is here to help.

11/14/2025

Caring for a child with special medical or developmental needs can be overwhelming. In this guide from BrightStar Care, we walk you through how in-home pediatric care can offer comfort, consistency, and expert support where it matters most. Find out more: https://www.brightstarcare.com/about-brightstar-care/resources/pediatric-home-care-guide/

11/13/2025

Kindness begins right here in our own backyard.

With SNAP benefits being reduced and many families struggling to meet basic needs, there’s a growing need in our community for support — not just abroad, but here at home.

If you’re looking to help:

• Donate food or funds to Alameda County Community Food Bank — they need volunteers to sort fresh produce, pack emergency boxes, and support partner agency distributions. Link: https://www.accfb.org/get-involved/volunteer/

• Or get involved with Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano — open volunteer shifts (daytime, evenings, Saturdays) available this week.
Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano
https://volunteer.foodbankccs.org/volunteer-sign-up

Let’s lift up our local neighbors together and make sure no one in our community goes without.

11/11/2025

At BrightStar Care, the need for compassionate caregivers is greater than ever. CHRO Heather Brazik Smith is helping fill that gap with a remarkable group — veterans. “They bring an incredible level of empathy when caring for fellow veterans,” she says.
Learn how industries nationwide are turning to veteran talent to meet workforce shortages. https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/militarykind/2025/05/26/industries-actively-seeking-veterans-to-fill-the-labor-gap/83115005007/

11/11/2025

We are forever grateful to the Veterans in our community and across the nation. Your bravery and sacrifice inspire us every day. Thank you for your service.

11/08/2025

We’re honored to support our Veterans—not just with thanks, but with ACTION. Discover how BrightStar Care is dedicated to addressing the unique care needs of our veterans in our comprehensive guide, located in the comments below.

11/01/2025

Happy Halloween! From costume parties to cozy nights in, may your evening be filled with laughter, good company, and just the right amount of spooky!

10/31/2025

🎃 Wishing our clients, families, and community a fun and safe Halloween!

Whether you’re trick-or-treating, handing out candy, or enjoying the festivities from home, stay safe and enjoy the spooky season. 👻

Happy Halloween from all of us at BrightStar Care!

10/28/2025

October is Physical Therapy Month!👩🏻‍⚕️🩵

We’re celebrating our wonderful Physical Therapist, Flora, who helps our clients regain strength, confidence, and independence every day.

Here’s what Flora shared about her passion for the field:

What inspired you to pursue physical therapy?
“Between my fascination with the human body, physiology, and anatomy, the desire to help others, and my love for athletics, pursuing physical therapy was the perfect fit for me. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

What do you enjoy most about your work?
“I enjoy the clinical part of working with patients the most. Helping patients with my knowledge and compassion brings me so much gratification and satisfaction every day.”

How has being a PT impacted your life or perspective?
“Working with older adults and people with different injuries or ailments has made me appreciate my own health and never take it for granted, and to never judge someone unless you’ve walked in their shoes.”

We’re so grateful for Flora’s care, expertise, and compassion. She truly embodies what Physical Therapy Month is all about.

10/27/2025

Halloween is right around the corner! 👻 Whether it’s the costumes, the candy, or the spooky décor, we want to know—what’s your favorite part of Halloween?

10/21/2025

Think Halloween is just for kids? Think again! Our latest blog is packed with fun, festive ideas—from pumpkin bowling to spooky charades—that are perfect for older adults (and anyone young at heart). Ready to get the party started? Read more:

Memory games can help keep seniors' brains sharp by challenging them in a fun way. BrightStar Care is here with some fun Halloween games for seniors.

10/11/2025

Caring for a child with Down syndrome takes love—and a plan. From infancy through adulthood, this caregiving guide can help you understand your child's unique needs, establish helpful routines, and create a care plan with healthcare professionals. Learn more: https://www.brightstarcare.com/about-brightstar-care/resources/caring-for-child-with-down-syndrome/