Category: !CAI

My path to home care is shaped by both my professional and personal experiences. During my nearly thirteen years at Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge—first in Marketing and then as Director of Resident Services—I worked closely with older adults and their families, helping them navigate the changes that come with aging. Those years taught me how to build trust, advocate for meaningful support, and understand the emotional complexity that families face during this stage of life.

That understanding deepened in my own family. I watched my dad care for my grandmother in our home for five years, seeing both his tenderness and the toll it took on him. More recently, losing my mom and supporting my dad as his health declined brought the realities of caregiving even closer. I know what it feels like to try to make the “right” decisions while juggling grief, responsibility, and love. These experiences gave me more than empathy—they gave me purpose.

That purpose is what led me to Care Advantage as a Home Care Specialist. I believe strongly in the importance of aging in place and in providing families with the support they need to feel less alone. Every day, I approach my work with a commitment to dignity, compassion, and practical guidance—because I’ve seen the difference it makes, both professionally and personally.

My journey into healthcare has been both personal and purposeful. I began working with Care Advantage over 15 years ago, and after some time away, I returned in June 2025 because I know this was where I truly belonged. This industry isn’t just my profession—it’s part of who I am. I’ve always been the kind of person others turn to for support and guidance, both professionally and personally, and I’m deeply committed to helping people receive the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve.

My passion for this industry was shaped by experiences within my own family. My mother passed away at just 55 after battling an aggressive form of breast cancer, and in 2023 my father was diagnosed with vascular dementia. I cared for him through his final year until his passing in 2024 at the age of 90. These losses have fueled my commitment to serve others with the same compassion, dignity, and respect I would want for my own loved ones.

When I’m not working, I’m very involved in my church community, spending quality time with my family, traveling, and—when I get the chance—doing a little shopping. These moments recharge me and keep me grounded in what truly matters.

Returning to Care Advantage felt like coming home, and every day I’m reminded why I chose this path: to make a real difference in people’s lives.

Take a moment to read the following testimonial relayed by our Vice President of Sales, Misti Zirk:

Back in July, we received a phone call from “Mrs. W” that reminded us why we do what we do. On the other end of the line was a wife, weary but determined, caring for her husband who had been diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy—a rare and devastating neurological condition.

As we spoke, her voice carried the weight of exhaustion, love, and quiet resilience. She is already in the field of nursing, so not only does she do it as a job, she also comes home to care for her husband. She shared how overwhelming it had been to juggle caregiving responsibilities while trying to hold on to small pieces of her own life. She wasn’t calling for herself, though—she was calling to make sure her husband had the best care possible.

Unfortunately, this family fell in between of being able to afford care and not being approved for Medicaid – a problem many families encounter. While listening to her story, we were able to identify a couple of respite grants she qualified for. These grants would allow her to receive much-needed respite services—precious time to rest, recharge, and simply breathe.

When we shared the news, her relief was palpable. It wasn’t just about financial assistance; it was about knowing she wasn’t alone, that someone was standing beside her in the journey. This family caregiver stated, “The resource grants we received is amazing… it has allowed me to get much needed time for myself as a caregiver and that’s worth a million bucks!!”

That phone call was more than just paperwork or problem-solving. It was a reminder that behind every call, every case, every referral, there is a family doing their best in impossible circumstances. And sometimes, the most meaningful thing we can offer isn’t just care, but hope.

Staying Safe and Having Fun in the Summer Heat: A Guide for Seniors

Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors, spend time with friends and family, and soak in some sunshine, but it also brings serious heat-related risks, especially for older adults. As we age, our bodies don’t adjust to temperature changes as efficiently, which makes seniors more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Fortunately, with a few simple precautions, you can stay safe while still enjoying all that summer has to offer.

Smart Tips for Staying Safe in the Heat

1. Watch the Clock

Timing is everything when it comes to beating the heat. Try to plan outdoor activities for early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is less intense. Between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., the sun is at its strongest, and it’s best to stay indoors or in the shade during those hours.

2. Dress for Comfort and Safety

Choose lightweight, light-colored, and breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking materials that help keep sweat away from your body. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses can also protect your face and eyes from the sun.

3. Stay Hydrated

Hydration is key during hot weather. Drink several cups of water before heading outdoors and continue sipping throughout your time outside. Avoid drinks that dehydrate you, such as coffee, tea, and alcohol. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, your body still needs water.

4. Take Frequent Breaks

If you’re gardening, walking, or doing any physical activity, be sure to take regular breaks. Find a shaded or air-conditioned area, sit down, drink some water, and rest before continuing.

Know the Warning Signs

Being able to recognize the symptoms of heat-related illness can save your life or someone else’s. Two main concerns are heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion:

• Headaches
• Cool, pale, and moist skin
• Fast, weak pulse
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Muscle cramps or weakness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fainting

If you notice these signs, immediately stop all activity, move to a cool place, and begin cooling down. Splash your skin with cold water and drink water slowly. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical help.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke (Call 9-1-1 Immediately):

• Body temperature of 103°F or higher
• Hot, red, dry or damp skin
• Fast, strong pulse
• Headache, dizziness, confusion
• Nausea
• Fainting

Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency. If you or someone else shows these signs, call for emergency help right away and take steps to cool the body while waiting for medical personnel.

Fun and Safe Summer Ideas for Seniors

Even on hot days, there are still plenty of ways to stay active and enjoy summer while keeping cool:

• Early morning or evening walks at a local park or along shaded trails
• Indoor hobbies like crafting, puzzles, or reading in a cool, air-conditioned room
• Water activities like swimming or water aerobics at a community center
• Picnics in the shade, with plenty of cold drinks and light snacks
• Visits to air-conditioned museums, libraries, or senior centers

The summer sun doesn’t have to slow you down—just remember to plan ahead, stay cool, and listen to your body. By following these simple guidelines, seniors can enjoy a safe, active, and joyful summer season.

Stay cool and have fun!

As I drive between hospitals, rehab centers, and retirement communities across Northern Virginia in my position at Capital City Nurses, I see the real-world impact of specialized care every day. One thing I’ve learned? Parkinson’s care isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our clients living with Parkinson’s and other movement disorders benefit tremendously from our caregivers and nurses who bring years of hands-on experience to the table. Our team members aren’t just familiar with Parkinson’s – they understand how symptoms can change from morning to evening and how to adjust support accordingly. That kind of expertise simply can’t be taught overnight.

My conversations with healthcare partners throughout the day often turn to how we can better serve clients with progressive conditions like Parkinson’s. Whether I’m meeting with a discharge planner at a hospital or chatting with the wellness director at a retirement community, the goal is always the same – helping people maintain their independence and dignity at home. I love being able to say, “Yes, we have caregivers and nurses who specifically understand Parkinson’s care” and seeing the relief on their faces. It’s those moments that bring purpose and meaning to our work.

Of course, my door is always open for a conversation about how Capital City Nurses or any of our other care companies might be able to help. As we were recently reminded during Parkinson’s Awareness Month, this disease affects an estimated 1.1 million Americans, with a further 90,000 being diagnosed each year. While Parkinson’s Awareness Month comes once a year, it is important to keep it front-and-center, and our commitment to providing high-quality care for those living with this condition is year-round. It’s what gets me out the door each morning, ready to connect the right care with the people who need it most.

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Nearly 90,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with Parkinson’s each year. Scientists believe a combination of environmental and genetic factors are to blame. There is currently no cure for this disease, so raising awareness is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment, improving quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s, and funding research for a cure.

James Parkinson is credited as having first identified the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease more than 200 years ago. Since then, we have made considerable progress towards understanding what causes the motor symptoms we most associate with this disease. We now recognize a spectrum of non-motor symptoms as part of Parkinson’s that were not originally associated with that disease.

But what is Parkinson’s? You may have heard of people with Parkinson’s having dementia-like symptoms; is it a form of dementia?

Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder of the nervous system. It was originally described based on a set of motor symptoms such as tremor while at rest, increased muscle tone and rigidity, and slowness of movement. Over time, Parkinson’s patients may develop problems walking, talking and swallowing. They may experience fatigue, sleep disorders, as well as memory and cognitive problems.

Here are some early signs of Parkinson’s. Remember, no single one of these symptoms means you should worry. But if you have multiple symptoms, talk with your doctor.

1. Tremors, often in the hands or fingers.
2. Small handwriting.
3. Loss of smell.
4. Trouble sleeping.
5. Trouble moving or walking, including stiffness and balance problems.
6. Constipation.
7. A soft or low voice.
8. Facial Masking, meaning a reduction of facial expressions.
9. Dizziness or fainting.
10. Stooping or hunching over.

To help Parkinson’s patients manage their symptoms, here are some tips:

• Build Your Care Team: Taking a patient-centered approach to healthcare is essential. No two Parkinson’s patients are the same, so it’s important to build a healthcare team that understands and helps manage your symptoms and quality of life.
• Exercise: People with Parkinson’s who exercise for 2.5 hours per week experience a slowed decline in quality of life. Aerobic activity, stretching, strength training, and balance/agility/multi-tasking exercises can keep you moving well.
• Medication: Since most Parkinson’s symptoms are caused by a lack of dopamine in the brain, many Parkinson’s drugs are aimed at either temporarily replenishing, or mimicking the action of, dopamine.
• Diet & Nutrition: Food! What you eat, how much and when, can impact how you live well with Parkinson’s.

Due to the common memory and cognitive problems, which affect about half of all Parkinson’s patients, the term “Parkinson’s disease dementia” has been adopted. The term dementia means that a person has “permanent cognitive changes that are significant enough to impact daily living.” The combination of movement and cognitive impairments can be particularly challenging and may limit a Parkinson’s patient’s ability to participate in social settings and perform basic activities.

Changes in the structure and chemistry of the brain can cause memory and thinking problems in Parkinson’s patients. Alpha-synuclein, a protein that is central to Parkinson’s, forms sticky clumps, called Lewy Bodies, that can disrupt normal brain functioning and lead to dementia. Because of this, the term “Lewy Body dementia” may sometimes be used.

Lewy Body occurs first in higher brain regions, causing problems with attention, memory and hallucinations, before the common motor symptoms of Parkinson’s may even develop.

Lewy Body dementia includes two different types of related dementias, distinguished by which symptoms start when:

1. Parkinson’s disease dementia: diagnosed when a person living with Parkinson’s experiences significant cognitive decline after a year or more of motor symptoms.
2. Dementia with Lewy Bodies – diagnosed when cognitive decline is the earliest symptom, or when cognitive decline and motor symptoms begin and progress together.

A lot of people ask me what the difference is between Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s or other dementias. As I learned a few years ago when obtaining my dementia advisor certification, “all Alzheimer’s is dementia but not all dementias are Alzheimer’s.” The advanced cognitive changes that impact daily living in both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s mean they are BOTH different types of dementia.

• Alzheimer’s causes declines in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. Alzheimer’s is diagnosed by physicians, neurologists, neuropsychologists, geriatricians, and geriatric psychiatrists.
• Parkinson’s disease dementia tends to be less disabling than Alzheimer’s disease. People with Alzheimer’s disease have language difficulties earlier than people with Parkinson’s, and they are unable to form new memories unlike in Parkinson’s.
• While Alzheimer’s disease is the most well-known form of dementia, there is also vascular dementia, Lewy Body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Some patients develop multiple types of dementia, which is known as “mixed dementia.” There are also rare types of dementia, caused by diseases and medications.

The Parkinson’s Foundation offers resources to aid in a patient’s Parkinson’s journey:

1. Helpline: Call PF’s Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) for answers to your Parkinson’s questions, provided by nurses, social workers and health educators.
2. Newly Diagnosed Guide: Designed to help people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones get started on their PD journey, learn more about PD and prepare for a doctor’s appointment.
3. Genetic Testing and Counseling Study: PD GENEration: Mapping the Future of Parkinson’s Disease is a global research study that provides genetic testing and counseling at no cost for people with Parkinson’s.
4. PF Library: Explore books, podcasts, fact sheets, videos, and more.
5. Hospital Safety Guide: This guide is a resource for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners, filled with useful tools to prepare for a hospital stay, either planned or unplanned.

I would be remiss in highlighting Parkinson’s Awareness Month if I did not also mention the Guide Program, of which Care Advantage is the personal care provider for Medicare in Virginia! The “Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience” (GUIDE) Model is a pioneer program announced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in 2024, designed to support people living with dementia and their caregivers. The goal is to improve the quality of life for those affected by dementia while also easing the burden on caregivers.

Thinking about Parkinson’s, and often the related dementia symptoms, the Guide Program could provide much needed respite benefits for Parkinson’s patients and their families!

To qualify for the Guide Program, a patient must be:

• Showing signs of a decline in mental functioning or formally diagnosed with a disease that impacts cognitive abilities.
• Receiving support from family or friends that could benefit from relief.
• Enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B with Medicare as primary payer (patients enrolled with Medicare Advantage plans, Pace, or hospice are not eligible).

To learn more about Care Advantage’s role in the Guide Program and how your loved one might qualify, please call our Client Services at 866.323.9464 or visit us at www.careadvantageinc.com.

I come from a very large family that prides itself on taking care of each other. My parents raised me with an emphasis on how important Character is. To this day, I believe if you are going to do something, you do it to the best of your ability. Put others first and meet them where they are at. Follow through on what you say you will do. Treat everyone with the same respect you would want to be shown yourself, even in difficult situations. I believe that being raised in this way, and seeing it modeled by my parents and extended family, is a huge contributor to where I am today and the success I have achieved in healthcare over the past 12 years.

My background is in Marketing. When I had to choose an area to start my career in, I knew that I would sleep best at night if I spent my days helping people. I didn’t want to push anything on someone that they don’t want or need. I want to provide people with something that will make a difference in their lives. That is where I find fulfillment. So, I reached out to like-minded friends and family and was encouraged to get into healthcare. It was the best advice I could have been given.

I started out as Director of Marketing and Admissions for a skilled nursing community here in Virginia. Every day I would get to meet with people in need of both long- and short-term care. I was amazed at the strength of the relationships I started to build with the residents and how much I enjoyed hearing their stories. They had accumulated a lot of wisdom over the years, and I began to realize how important it was for them to have someone to share it with.

After some time, I was missing my large family and was able to find a job in medical sales back in New England. When my grandfather suddenly passed in 2018, it left my grandmother alone in her home. They have huge gardens and a house heated by a woodstove that made it hard for my grandmother to keep up, as hard of a worker as she is. I felt the urge to move in with her to be able to help in any way that I could. During that time, it made me realize how much I missed the connections I had working closely with seniors who didn’t have access to the strong family support that I have been lucky enough to have.

I got married in 2020 to the most amazing woman and we both felt like we needed to move back to Virginia. This gave me an opportunity to get back to the connections that I so missed. I was able to move into a role as a Director of Marketing and Community Relations of an amazing senior living community. Again, I found myself in a position to help those in need. Most people don’t think about what life will look like for senior citizens until it is an emergency and help is needed immediately. I love being able to bring peace to those situations, and I find fulfilment in being a guide in those times.

In 2022, I was able to become a part of the team of Care Advantage—and what an opportunity it has been. I don’t just get to help seniors in one community, but I get to help people wherever they call home. I get to meet people exactly where they are and can help navigate whatever circumstances they are facing. Care Advantage is the best company I have ever worked for because they understand how important every person on our team is in meeting the needs of everyone we care for. They set all of us up for success and make sure our needs are met so that the entire team can go out and be the best version of themselves for our patients. This is a company of Character. We make a difference in people’s lives. We put others first. We follow through on what we say, and we treat everyone with respect in all situations. It has been extremely fulfilling to be a part of a team like this.

SOCIAL WORK MONTH 2025

Social workers serve others. They do so while respecting the other person, recognizing the importance of human relations and social justice. And that is why Social Work Month, observed every March, is a great time to recognize and highlight this important field of work!

So let me start this out by saying THANK YOU! Thank you for all that you social workers do, today and every day, this month and every month, all year long. Social workers are out there making a difference by doing the hard work all the time, making a difference in our world. They care and put that care into action for patients, clients, families, groups, and organizations. Thank you for persevering to do this vital work!

The 2025 Theme for Social Work Month is “Social Work: Compassion + Action.” What a great theme for highlighting the caring and action of every day in the life of a social worker!

A Google search of the word “compassion” results in “sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with the desire to alleviate it.” This goes beyond just having empathy for someone; it is the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another person, and working to alleviate that suffering. Wow!

Many social workers specialize in helping specific populations of people. Most of the social workers we work with at Care Advantage focus on patient care and support for older adults. They help patients and families understand diagnosis, what it means for their future, and what support there may be available. They utilize resources to help them, like making referrals to health care agencies, finding support groups, or even connecting them with construction companies that do home modifications.

Social workers in a hospital or skilled nursing facility are often referred to as discharge planners. They work with patients and families on the next steps. This could be a discharge to another facility for continued rehabilitation or to a senior living community, such as assisted living or memory care). Or it could be a discharge to home with agencies to support them, like either home health, palliative care, hospice care, and/or personal care (by Care Advantage!).

You will encounter social workers in many aspects of health care, schools, and in community program settings. You may have spoken with one but just never realized the importance of their role!

Not only is March Social Work Month, but March 18th is World Social Work Day. The International Federation of Social Workers has designated the theme of social work day as “Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Well-Being.”

If you are a social worker, what do these themes mean to you? How do you maintain that compassion over the years of a career, and how are you passing it to future generations of social workers? We would love to hear from you!

Join me in saying another THANK YOU to our wonderful social workers!

Meet Lindsay Sackett, a Home Care Coordinator on our Care Advantage Client Services team. Lindsay plays an essential role in establishing relationships between clients and the caregivers that serve them. We asked Lindsay a few questions to get to know her better, which you can read below:

In twenty words or less, describe your job:

Assisting elderly individuals to continue to stay in their homes.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

Providing peace of mind to families through reliable in-home care for their loved ones and offering relief to family caregivers through in-home assistance.

In twenty words or less, what is the best advice you were ever given?

Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.

In twenty words or less, what profession, other than your current, would you choose to do and why?

Architect or stay-at-home dog mom.

In twenty words or less, why did you choose to work for our company?

The ability to gain experience in sales and continue to help people.

What celebrity would play you in the movie of your life?

Rachel McAdams.

In twenty words or less, what are the top 3 reasons you would recommend our company to others (to work for or to receive services)?

A supportive team environment, recognition of achievements, and opportunity to help those in need.

What is your favorite sport to watch and what team to you root for?

College football – University of Miami.

What is a hobby that you would love to do?

Live music.

What motivates you at work?

Friendly competition and clear and defined goals.

Meet Erica Schmude, a Coordinator on our Client Services team at Care Advantage. As a Coordinator, Erica is key to the process of connecting our clients to care. We asked her to answer a few questions about her personal and professional journey. Take a few moments to learn more about Erica below:

In 20 words or less, describe your job.

I intake possible clients to help service in-home care.

What is one song you have completely memorized?

Pink Pony Club by Chappell Roan.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

The people as well as the help I can provide for people in need.

What is the best advice you were ever given?

The sun will rise tomorrow. A new day means new possibilities.

What’s your hidden talent?

I play the saxophone.

What is something (either professionally or personally) that you are proud of?

Being able to multitask. I am very good with juggling multiple things at once. Working under pressure is my specialty.

In ten words or less, what are the top 3 reasons you would recommend our company to others (to work for or to receive services)?

We are reliable, dedicated, and diligent.

If you could only have 3 apps on your smart phone, what would they be?

Discord, Spotify, and Candy Crush.

What is a hobby that you love to do?

I love reading and playing video games.

If you could add one thing to the company office, what would it be?

Animals! We need an office bunny or dog or cat.