First Choice Home Health and Hospice, 3098 Executive Parkway, Orem, UT (2025)

09/08/2025

While this clip is funny, actual falls are not. Did you know that according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other research:

1. Fourteen million, or 1 in 4 Americans age 65+, falls each year.
2. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults.
3. In 2021, falls caused 38,000 deaths among those age 65+, and emergency departments reported 3 million visits due to older adult falls.
4. The cost of treating injuries caused by falls among older adults is projected to increase to over $101 billion by 2030.
5. Among older adults who fall, over half receive care in a hospital.

In our next post we will talk about risk factors for falling. What have you done to prevent falls, either for yourself or a loved one? Share in the comments!

07/28/2025

Kathy left us this review: "I absolutely love First Choice Home Health. Everyone that came out was very friendly and thorough. They showed how much they cared about me as a patient and a person. I would absolutely recommend them to anyone who needs Home Health Care. I would absolutely go back First Choice Home Health Care if needed."

Thanks, Kathy! If you are looking for a home health and hospice company, give us a call today. We would love to talk about your options with you!

06/12/2025

Another thing you can do to help prepare for nurse, aide, and therapist visits is to put together a care binder and then keep it in an easily accessible place. Here’s what to include in a Care Plan Binder:

- Care schedules and visit logs
- Medication list and instructions
- Emergency contacts and provider info
- Notes from doctors or therapists
- Appointment calendars
- Insurance info and authorizations

Having it all together helps you communicate with providers, track progress, and reduce stress. It’s definitely a small step that makes a big impact!

06/09/2025

Is a nurse or therapist coming to visit your loved one at home? A little preparation can make a big difference! Here’s how family members can help get ready:

✅ Tidy the space — Clear pathways and ensure the area is clean and well-lit.
✅ Gather important info — Have a list of medications, recent hospital visits, and doctor contact info handy.
✅ Be available — If possible, be present to share insights and ask questions. Your input is valuable.
✅ Prepare your loved one — Let them know who’s coming and why. This reduces anxiety and builds trust.
✅ Create a quiet, comfortable space for the visit.
✅ Write down any concerns or changes you've noticed since the last visit—no detail is too small.
✅ Be on time and ready for the scheduled appointment so no care time is lost.
✅ Encourage open conversation between your loved one and the provider—trust starts with good communication.

Being prepared helps your loved one get the most out of each visit—and gives you peace of mind, too!

06/03/2025

When a loved one is recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or facing a serious illness, being at home can bring comfort—but it can also bring stress. Family members often find themselves juggling medications, physical care, medical appointments, and emotional support—all while trying to keep life running.

That’s where home health care steps in. We bring skilled, compassionate care into your home, so you and your loved one can focus on what matters most: healing, comfort, and time together. Here’s how home health care supports the entire family:

1️⃣ Care that comes to you. No need to arrange transportation, miss work, or wait in long medical offices. Our nurses and therapists visit your home on a schedule that fits your family’s needs, bringing hospital-quality care right to your living room.

2️⃣ Relief for family caregiver. We teach families how to safely assist with mobility, medications, wound care, and more. You’ll never feel like you’re figuring it out alone.

3️⃣ Clarity and confidence. We explain the “why” behind your loved one’s care plan, answer your questions, and walk you through each step. Our team helps you feel informed, empowered, and ready to advocate for your loved one’s health.

4️⃣ Coordination with doctors. No more playing phone tag between providers. We work directly with your loved one’s physicians and specialists to make sure everyone’s on the same page so your family doesn’t get stuck in the middle.

5️⃣ Faster healing and greater comfort. Research shows that patients often recover faster at home, with fewer complications. And emotionally, nothing beats the healing power of being surrounded by family, pets, familiar routines, and love.

6️⃣ Care and support for the whole family. Our nurses, therapists, and aides care deeply about your loved one and the people who care for them. We’re not just here to complete tasks, we’re here to bring peace of mind.

Reach out today to learn more about how we can support your family!

05/30/2025

At its heart, hospice is family-centered care. It’s about surrounding your loved one with expert support while also caring for the people who love them most—you.

Here’s how we support the entire family through hospice:

🔹 Emotional support for everyone. Caring for someone at the end of life brings waves of emotion—grief, fear, guilt, love, and everything in between. Our licensed social workers and chaplains offer counseling and compassionate presence to help families talk through those feelings, together or individually.

🔹 Help for children and teens. Young people process illness and loss differently. We provide age-appropriate resources, counseling, and support to help kids and teens understand what’s happening and express their feelings in healthy ways.

🔹 Spiritual care. Whether your family is deeply religious, quietly spiritual, or somewhere in between, our chaplains offer support rooted in your values and traditions.

🔹 Guidance through big decisions. From understanding what to expect to talking about your loved one’s wishes, our team helps families navigate complex decisions with clarity and compassion. We’ll never rush you—we’ll just walk with you.

🔹 Bereavement care after the goodbye. Our support doesn’t stop at the end of life. We stay with families for up to 13 months after a loved one passes, offering grief counseling, support groups, and check-ins to help you heal at your own pace.

We are honored to care not just for your loved one, but for the whole circle of people who love them!

05/27/2025

Did you know that First Choice supports your whole family?

When a loved one is dealing with serious illness, injury, or the challenges of aging, the impact reaches far beyond the patient. It touches everyone—spouses, adult children, grandchildren, friends, and caregivers. That’s why our home health and hospice services are designed to support the whole family, not just the individual receiving care.

Here’s how:

1. We provide emotional support for caregivers. We know caregiving can be exhausting and emotional. Our nurses, aides, social workers, and chaplains are here to listen, encourage, and provide a safe space to talk about the hard stuff.

2. We give education and guidance. We don’t expect you to become a nurse overnight. We teach you how to care for your loved one, explain what to expect at each stage of illness, and help you feel more confident in the care you're giving.

3. We offer spiritual and grief support. Whether you're facing a long road ahead or preparing to say goodbye, our team includes chaplains and bereavement counselors to walk with you through the emotional and spiritual journey.

4. We provide respite for family members. Sometimes, the best way to care for a loved one is to take care of yourself. We offer respite services so family caregivers can rest, attend appointments, or simply take a breath—knowing their loved one is in compassionate hands.

5. We offer you a team. We don’t just work for families—we become part of them. We’re here to answer your questions, listen to your worries, and walk with you through the good days and the hard ones.

💙 You’re not alone on this journey. Whether you need in-home nursing care, rehabilitation after surgery, or end-of-life comfort, we’re here to care for your loved one and support your entire family. Let us help carry the load! 🩵

05/01/2025

Setting boundaries with elderly parents can be one of the most emotionally complex parts of caregiving. Adult children often face unique challenges due to family dynamics, cultural expectations, and deeply ingrained roles. Here’s a breakdown of common challenges and how to overcome them:

1. Guilt and internal conflict.
- The Challenge: Adult children often feel guilty for saying no, worrying it means they’re failing their parents or being ungrateful.
- How to Overcome: Reframe boundaries as a form of love and protection—“I’m doing this so I can continue caring, not because I don’t care.” Remind yourself that burnout helps no one.

2. Parental resistance or pushback.
- The Challenge: Elderly parents may see boundaries as rejection, disrespect, or a loss of control.
- How to Overcome: Stay calm and repeat your boundary consistently.
- Use empathy: “I know it’s hard to rely on others, but this helps me be there for you long-term.” Offer options, not ultimatums, and collaborate when possible.

3. Role reversal tension.
- The Challenge: It’s uncomfortable when the “child” has to take on a more assertive or caregiving role.
- How to Overcome: Acknowledge the emotional shift. It’s okay to grieve the change in roles.
- Keep communication respectful to preserve dignity: “I respect everything you’ve done for me, and now I want to help in a healthy way for both of us.”

4. Fear of conflict or rejection.
- The Challenge: Some caregivers avoid setting boundaries because they fear emotional backlash or strained relationships.
- How to Overcome: Practice boundary-setting in small steps.
- Be assertive, not aggressive. “I can’t stay the night, but I can come by in the morning.”

5. Long-standing family patterns.
- The Challenge: Dysfunctional dynamics may have existed for decades, making new boundaries feel unnatural or disruptive.
- How to Overcome: Break the cycle with new habits. You can change your side of the pattern even if they don’t. Consider professional counseling for additional support.

6. Lack of family support.
- The Challenge: Siblings or relatives may criticize or dismiss your boundaries.
- How to Overcome: Communicate clearly with your family about what you can and can’t do. Invite them to share the load or understand your decisions. Don't forget to set boundaries with them, too, if needed.

Finally, remind yourself often that boundaries are not walls—they’re bridges that preserve connection without sacrificing health. It takes time, patience, and repetition, but setting and maintaining them is one of the most loving things you can do for both your parent and yourself!

04/28/2025

Here are some practical and compassionate tips for setting and maintaining boundaries with elderly parents, especially if you're a caregiver:

1. Be clear and honest.
- Why it matters: Clarity prevents misunderstandings.
- How to do it: Use kind but direct language like, "I need to leave by 6 p.m. so I can rest before work tomorrow."

2. Know your limits.
-Why it matters: Burnout often starts with overcommitting.
-How to do it: Make a list of tasks you're comfortable doing and where you need help. Share this list with family or a care team.

3. Stick to a routine.
- Why it matters: Predictability helps everyone feel more secure.
- How to do it: Set consistent times for meals, medications, visits, and rest. Don’t feel guilty about carving out your time too.

4. Don’t take guilt trips.
- Why it matters: Some parents unintentionally use guilt to maintain control.
- How to do it: Respond calmly with something like, “I understand this is hard, but I also need to take care of myself to be at my best for you.”

5. Use outside help when needed.
- Why it matters: You don’t have to do it all alone.
- How to do it: Bring in home health aides, respite care, or trusted family to help shoulder responsibilities.

6. Say "No" without explaining everything.
- Why it matters: You don’t owe long justifications.
- How to do it: A simple, respectful "That won’t work for me today" is enough.

7. Check in with yourself often.
- Why it matters: Boundaries are dynamic. What works today might not tomorrow.
- How to do it: Regularly reflect on how you're feeling and adjust boundaries as needed.

8. Use "I" statements. Keep conversations focused on your needs, not their behavior:

“I feel overwhelmed when I don’t have a break during the day. I’m going to start taking a walk every afternoon.”

What advice would you give other caregivers? What has worked for you?

04/24/2025

Caring for an aging parent is a deeply loving and meaningful act—but it can also be overwhelming without clear boundaries. Setting healthy limits isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Here are a few ways caregivers can protect their own well-being while continuing to provide great care:

1. Define your limits. Be honest about what you can and cannot do. It’s okay to say no to tasks that go beyond your capacity or training.

2. Schedule personal time. Block out time in your calendar for rest, hobbies, and social connections. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

3. Ask for help. Let family members, friends, or professional services like home health aides share the load. You're not alone.

4. Communicate clearly. Have open, respectful conversations with your parent and family about your needs and boundaries. This helps avoid guilt and resentment.

5. Respect your own space. If you live with your parent, create physical and emotional space where you can recharge.

Remember: Setting boundaries doesn’t mean you love them any less—it means you're creating a sustainable way to keep showing up with love. If you need support or want to explore in-home care options that can relieve some of the pressure, we’re here to help. Send us a message or call anytime!

04/21/2025

Caring for elderly parents can be overwhelming, but caregivers don’t have to do it alone. There are many people and professionals who can offer practical, emotional, and medical support. Here's a breakdown of who can help:

1. Primary Care Physicians
- Monitor and manage your parent's overall health.
- Coordinate care with specialists.
- Provide referrals to home health or hospice when needed.

2. Home Health Nurses & Aides
- Offer skilled medical care and personal support in the home.
- Assist with medication management, wound care, and daily living tasks.

3. Hospice Team (If Applicable)
- Includes nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers.
- Focuses on comfort, emotional support, and quality of life during end-of-life care.

4. Geriatricians - Doctors who specialize in the health and care of older adults. They help manage complex, age-related conditions like dementia, frailty, or multiple chronic illnesses.

5. Social Workers
- Help navigate care options, community resources, and emotional challenges.
- Assist with advance directives, long-term care planning, and accessing financial aid.

6. Caregiver Support Groups
- Offer emotional support, shared experiences, and encouragement.
- Can be local (in-person) or online communities for convenience and flexibility.

7. Family and Friends can provide practical help like running errands, preparing meals, or giving you a break. Emotional support from loved ones is essential to avoid isolation and burnout.

8. Eldercare Consultants / Aging Life Care Managers - Professionals who help plan and coordinate all aspects of elder care. They can assess needs, coordinate services, and advocate on behalf of the family.

9. Financial Planners & Elder Law Attorneys
- Help with long-term financial planning, insurance questions, and estate issues.
- Guide you on guardianship, Medicaid planning, and legal documents.

10. Community Resources & Nonprofits
- Many local agencies (like Area Agencies on Aging) offer transportation, meal services, respite care, and caregiver education.
- Faith-based or nonprofit groups often provide volunteers or friendly visits.

💙 Having a care team and a reliable support network can make caregiving more manageable and less stressful. You're not alone—and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Let us know if you'd like help building a care team plan or accessing resources! 💙

04/14/2025

When you are a caregiver, it's important to remember that there is a difference between caring and carrying. Setting boundaries is challenging and painful, but important so that you avoid burnout. Let's talk about that in the next few posts.

Here are some signs of caregiver burnout:

Physical:
- Fatigue: Chronic and overwhelming tiredness, even after rest.
- Sleep problems: Insomnia, sleeping too much, or experiencing disrupted sleep patterns.
- Changes in appetite: Weight loss or weight gain, or changes in eating habits.
- Lowered resistance to illness: Increased susceptibility to colds, flu, and other infections.
- Physical aches and pains: Headaches, stomachaches, muscle aches, and other physical discomforts.
___________
Emotional:
- Irritability and anger: Becoming easily agitated, impatient, and argumentative with the person being cared for and others.
- Anxiety and fear: Overworrying about the future, finances, or the person being cared for.
- Depression and sadness: Feeling hopeless, withdrawn, and lacking motivation.
- Feelings of guilt and inadequacy: Believing they are not doing enough or that their efforts are not making a difference.
- Loss of interest in activities: Withdrawing from social events, hobbies, and other activities they once enjoyed.
__________
Mental:
- Difficulty concentrating and remembering: Having trouble focusing on tasks, making decisions, or recalling information.
- Feeling overwhelmed and hopeless: Experiencing a sense of being unable to cope with the demands of caregiving.
- Neglecting self-care: Ignoring their own needs for rest, exercise, nutrition, and medical appointments.

Are you experiencing any of these? We have an amazing team that can help you. Give us a call today at (801) 434-4100.

First Choice Home Health and Hospice

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