One You Love Home Care of Houston

06/11/2026

I recently visited one of our hospice clients to update her care plan and make sure everything she needed was in place.
Before the visit, I reached out to her daughter, who lives out of town, and asked if there was anything specific she wanted me to address. During my visit, I was pleased to see that some needed equipment had arrived, the client appeared more comfortable, and I coordinated with the hospice agency to obtain additional supplies. I sent the daughter an update afterward, and she was grateful for the report.
As I was getting ready to leave for my next appointment, I paused.
Something prompted me to send one more message.
“Would you like to FaceTime with your mom?”
A few minutes later, mother and daughter were connected through a phone screen. There were countless “I love yous.” Mom reached toward the phone as though she wanted to touch her daughter’s face. Her daughter reassured her that she would be in town over the weekend and asked me to repeat once more how much she loved her.
Later that evening, our client passed away.
Although she was receiving hospice care, her passing was unexpected.
That FaceTime call became their goodbye.
Moments like these remind me that our work is not just about care plans, assessments, documentation, or skill checks. Those things matter, but what families remember are the moments when we slow down enough to see what is needed beyond the task at hand.
Sometimes the most important thing we do is pause.
Pause long enough to ask one more question.
Pause long enough to make one more call.
Pause long enough to create one more moment of connection.
Compassion is what transforms care into something meaningful. It is what separates a service provider from a trusted partner during some of life’s most difficult moments.
In healthcare, the pause is often where the real care happens.
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06/10/2026

It frustrates me to see individuals living with dementia being denied access to inpatient rehabilitation—not because they cannot tolerate therapy, but because they are assumed to be unable to follow directions.

The reality is that dementia does not eliminate a person’s ability to benefit from rehabilitation. It simply requires a different approach.

A busy, overstimulating therapy gym may not be the right environment. These individuals often need a quieter space, specialized coordination among the care team, and therapeutic interventions tailored to their cognitive needs. Instructions may need to be simplified, repeated, and broken down into smaller, manageable steps.

When therapy is adapted appropriately, people with dementia can make meaningful gains in mobility, function, safety, and quality of life.

Let’s stop asking whether people with dementia can benefit from rehabilitation and start asking how we can better deliver rehabilitation to meet their needs.

05/28/2026

In my line of work, I have changed in ways I never expected.

Most of my clients are elderly, and every day I witness a level of resilience that deeply humbles me. They are navigating so much — illness, hospitalizations, loss of independence, grief, moving into new homes, communities, or nursing facilities — and yet they continue to show gratitude, kindness, humor, and grace.

Many of them once dreamed of retirement filled with travel, relaxation, and spending precious time with their children and grandchildren. Instead, some are now caring for a spouse through illness, while others are facing serious health challenges of their own.

It touches my heart more than I can explain.

Sometimes I sit and wonder: if I were faced with so many changes and challenges later in life, would I be able to carry myself with the same strength and dignity they do?

Our elderly population deserves so much respect. They have lived entire lifetimes, endured hardships many of us cannot imagine, and still find ways to smile, love, and appreciate the little things.

Being part of their journey is truly an honor, and they inspire me every single day.

05/22/2026

As a home care provider, we often see firsthand how small daily habits can have a much bigger impact on older adults than many people realize — and alcohol is one of them.

Alcohol affects aging bodies differently.

What may feel like “just a glass of wine” can contribute to increased confusion, dizziness, dehydration, medication interactions, poor sleep, and a much higher risk of falls. We often see situations where alcohol becomes part of a cycle: less stability → more falls → less confidence → more dependence.

In home care, we also notice changes that families may not immediately connect to alcohol — more bathroom accidents or loss of continence, greater confusion, slower recovery after illness, disrupted routines, and increased fall risk.

One concern that deserves more conversation is how common alcohol-centered social activities have become in some senior living communities. Happy hours and social events can absolutely create connection and enjoyment — and social engagement matters. But when alcohol is offered frequently or without thoughtful limits, it may unintentionally increase risk for residents who are already managing balance challenges, memory concerns, chronic conditions, or multiple medications.

This isn’t about taking away independence or enjoyment.

It’s about awareness.

Families, caregivers, and senior communities can help by:
• Encouraging moderation and hydration
• Reviewing alcohol use alongside medications
• Watching for subtle changes in balance or cognition
• Offering social options that don’t always center around drinking
• Having open, respectful conversations about risks

Healthy aging includes enjoying life — but it also means recognizing that our bodies change, and what worked at 50 may not work the same way at 80.

As caregivers, our goal is always to support safety, dignity, and quality of life.

05/20/2026

Capgras Syndrome can be one of the most heartbreaking experiences for families caring for a loved one with dementia. Imagine hearing someone you love say you are “not really you” or believe you’ve been replaced by an imposter. 💔

These moments are not intentional — they are symptoms of the disease. Behind the confusion is fear, disorientation, and a brain struggling to make sense of the world.

For caregivers and families, it can feel exhausting, isolating, and deeply emotional. But you are not alone. Compassion, patience, education, and support make all the difference. 🤍

At One You Love Homecare, we honor the strength of caregivers and the dignity of every person living with dementia.

05/19/2026

responsibility of financial caregiving.

The conversation reinforced several important lessons:

• Financial caregiving can quickly become a second full-time job.
• Dementia care often brings staggering long-term costs that many families underestimate.
• Essential documents like power of attorney and healthcare proxies matter far more than most people realize — especially before a crisis occurs.
• The emotional burden of making decisions for a parent can be just as difficult as the financial one.
• Early conversations about wishes, care preferences, and finances can prevent enormous stress later.

What stood out most to me is that financial planning isn’t only about wealth accumulation — it’s also about preparing to care for the people we love with compassion and clarity.

Highly recommend this book and interview for anyone navigating aging parents, caregiving responsibilities, or long-term planning conversations.

05/19/2026

Celebrating the wisdom, strength, and contributions of older adults this Older Americans Month 💜 This year’s theme, “Champion Your Health,” reminds us that healthy aging starts with connection, wellness, and community support. At One You Love Homecare, we’re proud to honor and support older adults every day. 🏡✨

05/18/2026

05/18/2026

As a physical therapist, home care agency owner, geriatric advocate, and aging-in-place advocate, it breaks my heart — and honestly frustrates me — when older adults are automatically referred to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) after hospitalization without even considering inpatient rehabilitation simply because of their age.

I work with many clients in their late 80s and 90s who are living independently and thriving. Then a fall, hip fracture, cardiac event, or hospitalization suddenly changes everything. Too often, discharge decisions are made based on age instead of functional potential.

It’s important to understand the difference between inpatient rehab and SNF care:

➡️ Inpatient Rehab (IRF)

* Intensive rehabilitation focus
* Physician oversight and daily medical management
* Typically for patients who can benefit from multiple therapy disciplines
* Therapy can build gradually and includes PT, OT, and speech therapy
* Goal: maximize recovery and return to independence

➡️ Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)

* Primarily nursing and custodial care
* Appropriate for patients needing ongoing medical or wound care
* Lower therapy intensity and frequency
* Often longer recovery timelines

And yes, people love to quote the “3-hour rule” for inpatient rehab, but there is nuance:
✔️ Patients can build tolerance gradually
✔️ Therapy can be spread throughout the day
✔️ Speech therapy counts toward those hours too

Older adults deserve individualized consideration — not assumptions based on age alone.

Families: ask questions.
Providers: advocate harder.
Patients: know that age alone should never determine rehab potential.

We need to stop underestimating what older adults are capable of.