April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month — a time to better understand a condition that affects millions of individuals and families. If you or a loved one is navigating Parkinson’s disease (PD), having clear, reliable information can make a meaningful difference. At Assisting Hands West Austin, we believe in helping families…
Warning Signs a Family Is Struggling Nearly 1 in 4 adults in their 40s and 50s are caring for both children and aging parents. Often, this can lead to caregiver burnout, where caregivers report chronic stress, sleep disruption, and financial strain, among other symptoms. Here are some warning signs of…
Could It Be Parkinson’s? Diagnosing Parkinson’s disease (PD) is complicated. PD is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Symptoms generally develop slowly over years, and the progression of symptoms is often different from one person to another. Here are the 10 early signs of Parkinson’s: Download…
The 30-Day Danger Zone The weeks after rehab are one of the highest-risk periods for falls and rehospitalization. After surgery or therapy, seniors often return home weaker, fatigued, and unsure how to move safely in familiar spaces that suddenly feel risky. The 3 most dangerous moments after rehab include: Transitioning…
As Social Work Month comes to a close, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on what truly defines great care. Our recent feature in VoyageAustin Magazine highlights the journey of our owner, Emmie Knox, Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). But just as important, it points to something bigger:…
The First 30 Days Set the Trajectory Stroke recovery doesn’t end at discharge; it begins there. What happens in the first month strongly influences long-term independence, function, and quality of life. Here’s how family caregivers can struggle in this first month of recovery: Support at home changes outcomes. Download our…
Each March, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) leads the celebration of Social Work Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the professionals who advocate for individuals, strengthen families, and help communities thrive. These professionals play a vital role across healthcare settings, from hospitals and hospices to schools and community…
Discharge Is Not the Finish Line For many seniors and their families, going home from the hospital or rehabilitation facility feels like crossing the finish line. But in reality, the first week at home is often the most fragile and high-risk period of recovery. Healthcare experts note that a significant…
Managing More Than One Diagnosis Most seniors are not managing one condition. They’re managing several. Heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, COPD, cognitive changes, and vision loss often overlap, making daily life and care plans complex. This is where home care steps in. We help coordinate daily routines so that your complex…
Social Workers Transform Senior Care In senior care, social workers are the bridge, connecting healthcare, families, and community resources to help older adults live safely with dignity and purpose. Here’s what our social workers at Assisting Hands West Austin do every day to transform senior care: Download our free…
