Hospice News: CareFor Unveils New Hospice Program

July 2, 2026July 2, 2026 by Alicia M

We are proud to share that CareFor was recently featured in Hospice News, highlighting the launch of our hospice program. The coverage dives into our long-standing commitment to our clients, providing continuity of care to ensure their wishes are carried out until the true end. Read on to learn how CareFor Hospice came to life, what sets our approach apart, and what this means for the clients and families we serve.

How to Help Aging Parents Stay Independent at Home Longer

June 11, 2026June 2, 2026 by Alicia M

You start to notice small things. The house isn’t as clean as it used to be. The mail stacks up on the counter. Your dad repeats the same story twice in one conversation, and your mom laughs it off when she mentions she “almost fell” last week. Nothing feels urgent. Nothing feels like a crisis. … Read more

Introducing CareFor Hospice Services for Greater Austin

May 15, 2026May 15, 2026 by Alicia M

CareFor Hospice now provides comprehensive symptom management, emotional support, caregiver education, and 24/7 on-call clinical coverage with our team of highly trained nurses, social workers, chaplains, aides, and volunteers to Greater Austin

Crafting a Blueprint to Age Your Way

April 16, 2026 by Jeff Rose

April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day, a reminder that the best time to plan for your future care is before you need to. At CareFor, we believe everyone deserves to age their own way, and that starts with a blueprint.
Our latest blog post walks through the three stages of advanced planning and why starting early makes all the difference

Are the Benefits of Exercise for Seniors Comparable to Medicine?

September 21, 2022September 7, 2022 by M Lawhon

If you made a resolution in January to work out more this year, hopefully you’re continuing to stay with it! Adding extra physical activity to your everyday activities is one resolution we should all be putting into action. For seniors, many of whom take a variety of medications for various health problems, this is particularly true. As the top provider of in-home care services in Austin and surrounding areas, we’re excited to share research that shows new benefits of exercise for seniors.

Tips for Moving an Elderly Parent Into Your Home

September 21, 2022August 23, 2022 by M Lawhon

COVID-19 cases in nursing facilities and assisted living facilities were devastating, as the virus spread like wildfire throughout our most vulnerable population in such close quarters. Because of this, many families made a decision to move their elderly parents home, which raised a number of challenges to be overcome.

Try the SMILE Concept to Make Personal Care for Seniors More Comfortable

March 4, 2026July 19, 2022 by M Lawhon

Stop for a moment, close your eyes, and imagine yourself like this: You have spent most of your life taking care of and assisting others – as a mother or father, in your workplace, through volunteering in your community, and as a grandparent. After all that time spent living independently and being in control of all of your decisions, you have suddenly aged to the point that now you are the person in need of assistance with bathing and other hygiene tasks. Consider the sense of fear, loss, and vulnerability.

Helpful Tips for Managing Aging Skin Care Issues

September 21, 2022July 12, 2022 by M Lawhon

It isn’t a facet of senior personal care that is as commonly discussed as other tasks, but is essential to keeping older adults healthy nonetheless. Aging skin care issues can cause a variety of difficulties for seniors, including discomfort, bruising, dryness, itching, and more.

Fall Prevention Exercises Help Improve Safety at Home

September 21, 2022June 22, 2022 by M Lawhon

The CDC shares that as many as one in three older adults fall each year, and surprisingly, less than half of them discuss those falls with their physicians. When a senior falls, even if it does not lead to serious injury, they can develop an enhanced fear of falling, which can result in limited activities, reduced mobility, less exercise, and eventually, a greater risk of another fall.

Prevent Senior Falls with Simple Home Modifications

October 6, 2022June 7, 2022 by M Lawhon

Falls can be painful, but for seniors, a fall can cause catastrophic effects, such as a fractured hip, something that can lead to even more health concerns. As many as one in four seniors who experience a fractured hip lose their lives within six months of the injury – a terribly disturbing, yet preventable fact. For these reasons, it is crucial to take measures in the home to help prevent senior falls.

Is It a TIA or Stroke?

September 21, 2022May 24, 2022 by M Lawhon

Numbness on one side of the body. Slurred speech. Confusion. Appears to be a stroke, right? Then again, if those stroke-like signs subside rather rapidly and seem minor, they may be caused by a TIA (transient ischemic attack). But prior to breathing that sigh of relief and getting back to life as usual, it’s important … Read more

Caring for a Loved One with Dysphagia

March 4, 2026May 11, 2022 by M Lawhon

On a hot summer day, there is nothing more satisfying than a tall, cold drink, but for someone with dysphagia, this simple pleasure can be downright dangerous. Dysphagia – or difficulty with swallowing – affects millions of older adults, because of weakened mouth and/or throat muscles. Alzheimer’s, MS, cancer, and stroke are typical root causes … Read more

Understanding and Managing Compassion Fatigue

March 4, 2026April 20, 2022 by M Lawhon

Caregivers dedicate so much of themselves to the ones they care for – both emotionally and physically. It’s common to become wiped out and to start to experience feelings like indifference, exhaustion, and a withdrawal from the person in your care. Referred to as compassion fatigue or secondary traumatic stress, it can be detrimental to your own wellbeing but can also influence your ability to be as nurturing, warm, and caring as you should be for the person you’re caring for.

Tips for Reducing Family Caregiver Stress

March 4, 2026April 7, 2022 by M Lawhon

Family caregiver stress is inescapable, and in reality, not necessarily always a bad thing. Basically, as they say, “A diamond is just a piece of charcoal that handled stress exceptionally well.” Yet especially for family caregivers, the level of stress can rapidly escalate and become overwhelming, and if not handled effectively, result in serious health concerns.

Investigating Incontinence Myths and Facts

September 21, 2022March 22, 2022 by M Lawhon

Urinary incontinence is an awkward issue for those who experience it. The stigma behind the condition commonly contributes to people having either a lack of facts or a belief in some common misconceptions about incontinence. The following are just a few incontinence myths and the facts to be aware of instead: Myth: Urinary incontinence is … Read more

Understanding Senior Incontinence

September 21, 2022March 9, 2022 by M Lawhon

Incontinence, or decreased bladder control, is a distressing and delicate issue, particularly for older individuals. It can trigger a variety of problems from skin sores to social isolation for individuals who are afraid to leave home in case of an “accident.” Yet, while bladder leakage causes approximately 25 million people in the U.S. to struggle with complications, the affliction hardly ever gets the attention and conversation it needs. With the lack of communication and facts about senior incontinence, many seniors and those who provide their care feel as though there is nothing that can be done about it.

Helpful Steps for Relieving Family Caregiver Guilt

September 21, 2022February 22, 2022 by M Lawhon

Family caregivers give a tremendous amount of themselves to take care of their loved ones, frequently giving up their own desires and needs along the way. It may seem normal, then, to presume that caregivers would feel great about themselves, with a high level of self-esteem and sense of purpose.

You’re Doing Your Best: Tips for Managing Caregiver Guilt

March 4, 2026February 10, 2022 by M Lawhon

A lot of us are trying to juggle numerous assorted responsibilities, and for family caregivers, it can feel similar to juggling flaming swords and knives. It’s natural for family members to become overloaded and to experience feelings of caregiver guilt when wanting to provide the best care for a member of the family. Guilt … Read more

Technology for Seniors: Tools That Help Promote Independence

March 4, 2026January 20, 2022 by M Lawhon

When our parents were younger, telephones were affixed to walls, mail was only the paper variety, and if adult children lived far away from their parents, checking in on them was as simple as asking someone nearby to stop by to visit. If someone were unable to leave home as a result of sickness or frailty, isolation could rapidly set in. Social circles were smaller, and long-distance family members frequently felt powerless if they weren’t able to be there in person to help. But life has drastically changed since those times, and technology has evolved how we communicate and manage the everyday activities of living.

The Importance of Maintaining Senior Independence

March 4, 2026January 5, 2022 by M Lawhon

Throughout the course of life’s stages, our yearning for independence is fulfilled in a variety of ways. There are significant events, such as moving out of our parents’ home or getting married, and less significant occasions, like accomplishing a difficult task on our own. Later, as we age, preserving independence becomes the focus – the capacity to stay in our own home safely and securely. This wish to age in place at home is frequently the greatest desire for older adults, regardless of their state of health or ability to function independently, even in the midst of injury, sickness, or chronic health conditions.

‘Tis the Season to Celebrate: Holiday Tips for Seniors

March 4, 2026December 14, 2021 by M Lawhon

Even though the holiday season is usually viewed as a time that is joyful, abundant with visiting loved ones who are near and dear to us and selecting the perfect gifts, for older people, it can be far from merry and bright. A combination of lost loved ones, memories of holidays past, health problems, and more can hit older adults with emotions of lonesomeness and sorrow.

Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Holiday Outings for Seniors

March 4, 2026December 8, 2021 by M Lawhon

The holiday season is loaded with get-togethers, celebrations, and parties. However, holiday outings for seniors may necessitate a little additional planning. Try these recommendations from the Austin senior home care specialists at CareFor to enjoy fun and relaxed outings with loved ones of all ages this season.

Fall Safety Tips for Prevention and Injury Reduction

September 21, 2022November 23, 2021 by M Lawhon

Senior falls happen all too frequently and many times lead to serious consequences. If you’re taking care of aging parents at home, fall prevention is key and can be helped by fall safety measures. This includes assessing the home for fall risks, such as throw rugs or other tripping hazards, insufficient lighting, and a lack … Read more

Respectful Communication When Caring for a Loved One

March 4, 2026November 11, 2021 by M Lawhon

Did you ever walk into the office or a get-together with family or friends and had someone say to you, “You look so tired today!” While you may have felt pretty perky until that moment, suddenly you really DO feel tired and worn out. The words we say to one another, along with the way we interpret them, are powerful. So if you’re a caregiver for a senior you love, or even just talking with someone who has a chronic health concern, it’s important to carefully think about what to say and, even more importantly, what NOT to say to help the person feel their best. Respectful communication can help pave the way to a better relationship between you and your loved one.

Seniors Can Age at Home Safely with These Tips

March 4, 2026August 26, 2021 by M Lawhon

The great majority of seniors are set on staying at home throughout aging, rather than relocating to an assisted living facility or nursing home – close to 9 out of 10 of them, according to research done by AARP. And who can blame them? The comfort of familiar surroundings, the freedom to go wherever, whenever … Read more

Safety Tips for Seniors Who Use Wheelchairs

March 22, 2025August 11, 2021 by M Lawhon

Home is where we’re most comfortable, and it’s for that reason so many older adults make the choice to remain at home through their golden years. But oftentimes wheelchairs come to be a part of life when seniors or those with specific disabilities experience decreased mobility. This can be a unique challenge when it comes … Read more

Thoughtful Responses to Common Difficult Behaviors Due to Alzheimer’s

March 22, 2025July 28, 2021 by M Lawhon

Alzheimer’s is a complex condition that often presents overwhelming issues for those providing care. As the disease continues into later stages, those with Alzheimer’s become increasingly dependent on communication through behavior rather than speech, and oftentimes these behaviors are of an inappropriate nature. For instance, someone with more advanced Alzheimer’s disease may present the following:

When Caring for Someone with Dementia Becomes Stressful for Family Caregivers

March 22, 2025July 15, 2021 by M Lawhon

Picture how it would feel to awaken in an unfamiliar location, not able to remember how you arrived there or even what your name is. Progressing into complete disorientation, then quickly leading to anger and fear, you might find yourself lashing out at the unknown person positioned beside your bed, talking to you in a quiet voice.

My Loved One Needs Professional Help at Home. So, What’s Next?

March 4, 2026June 24, 2021 by M Lawhon

You’re beginning to become concerned that Dad may possibly be in need of some professional help at home, and so obviously, you know just where to go for assistance, right? No? Take heart – you aren’t alone. Millions of people in the U.S. are facing the same predicament, and most people don’t know a lot about home care services until the need for care arises.

Contact us online or call us at (512) 338-4533 for professional home care services.

Enhancing Independence for Older Adults is Easier When Partnering with CareFor

March 4, 2026June 9, 2021 by M Lawhon

As we get older, it is common to begin to encounter challenges with daily activities, including showering, dressing, planning and preparing meals, or even driving a vehicle. This can lead to concerns that these challenges suggest that we’ll have to give up not just our self-reliance, but our home as well. However, there is encouraging news for seniors: home care services, such as those provided by CareFor, can help actually enhance independence for older adults and help them continue living at home safely where they’re most comfortable.

If You’re a Caregiver for an Older Adult, Consider Adding Music to Your Routine

September 21, 2022May 13, 2021 by M Lawhon

These days, music is more available than ever before. For those who bring smartphones or tablets with them everywhere they go, hundreds of thousands – if not tens of millions of tunes – are just a few taps or finger swipes away. If you are a caregiver for an older adult, your smartphone may become one of the most helpful tools in your possession in helping tap into the benefits of music. This widely circulated video clip from the Alive Inside documentary demonstrates just how incredibly effective music can be for seniors with limited capabilities and dementia.

The Benefits of Respite Care Services for Family Caregivers

March 22, 2025April 28, 2021 by M Lawhon

Meeting the care needs of an elderly or disabled loved one is a physically and emotionally strenuous responsibility, and it’s vital for family caregivers to take routine breaks to rest and relax. These are the benefits of respite care. Respite care services provide relief from the everyday duties of caregiving, allowing family caregivers to also care for themselves.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late! Learn How Respite Care Services Alleviate Family Caregiver Burnout

September 21, 2022April 13, 2021 by M Lawhon

Caregiving for an aging loved one, though incredibly fulfilling, can also cause family caregiver burnout. The 24/7 pressure of taking care of a loved one’s needs can rapidly escalate to a high level of stress which can lead to a loss of patience and emotionally charged outbursts, affecting not just the caregiver personally, but his/her senior loved one as well.

Care From a Distance: Choosing Care Management During COVID-19

March 4, 2026March 23, 2021 by M Lawhon

caregiver assisting senior woman with paperwork

The COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly concerning for older individuals and their family members. Seniors are disproportionately affected by the virus, especially those with underlying health concerns like COPD and heart issues. In order to maintain social distancing and decrease contact with potential contagions, many older adults have become progressively isolated from their loved ones. Without routine socialization and attentive care, loneliness and depression as well as memory issues linked to dementia and other diseases can creep in. In response to these challenging circumstances, many seniors and their families are choosing to seek the help of care management during COVID-19.

How Care Management Can Help Seniors Managing Chronic Health Needs

March 4, 2026March 10, 2021 by M Lawhon

caregiver discussing medication with senior man

Managing the numerous medical appointments, treatments, tests, prescriptions, lifestyle adjustments, and more is a way of life for the many older individuals with chronic health needs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as 85% of seniors have at least one chronic health care need, and 60% are living with two or more. The difficulties can seem overwhelming. But there’s one essential element to help seniors managing chronic health needs: care management.

Benefits of a Heart Healthy Diet for Seniors

September 21, 2022February 24, 2021 by M Lawhon

Our senior care professionals in Austin understand that it’s tough to make the right dietary choices when guidelines appear to constantly change. We had been told that saturated fats from options like butter, red meat and fried food were harmful and could potentially impact a person’s odds of developing heart problems, but later research revealed there isn’t enough evidence that people who gave up these delicacies improved their heart health – and so, we went back to our old ways due to the go-ahead to opt for butter over margarine.