If your parents are anything like ours, they've poured their hearts into creating a better life for you and their community. Now that they're in their golden years, they deserve to relax and savor the fruits of their labor.
However, as our loved ones age, the need for extra support around the home becomes evident, whether it's preparing meals or managing medications. When they can no longer care for themselves as they once did, worries about their safety and well-being arise. It's natural to think about their quality of life and how you can give back to them while balancing your own responsibilities.
Most seniors -94%, according to Forbes- prefer to remain in their homes as they age. If the senior in your life wants to stay at home as they get older, what's the best way to make that happen? For many families, non-medical home care offers a compassionate and affordable solution. In-home care is quickly becoming the first choice for older seniors because it supports your family while allowing your loved one to age gracefully in the familiar, safe surroundings they're used to.
If you're committed to keeping your mom, dad, or senior relative safe and happy at home, working with a home care agency might be the best way to achieve that goal.
When it comes to maintaining good senior health, early intervention is often key. Unfortunately, many adults with senior parents are stretched too thin to notice signs that their mom or dad needs help around the house. Wondering whether you really need to consider home care for you, your parents, or your loved ones? Keep these warning signs in mind.
As men and women get older, it's perfectly natural for them to have some aspects of mental decline. Age-related memory loss doesn't affect everyone, but when it involves your loved one, it can be a lot to digest. When forgetfulness begins to impact your parents' quality of life, it's time to take action.
Commonly referred to as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), this forgetfulness often arises from reduced blood flow to the brain, a phenomenon frequently associated with aging. Other contributing factors can include typical neural lapses and a decline in hippocampal function, which is a crucial area of the brain responsible for memory. These changes can lead to frustrating side effects, such as
Seniors showing any of these signs can greatly benefit from non-medical home care providers who can help them with their daily tasks. This support can include reminding them of scheduled appointments, preparing meals, light housekeeping, and assisting with reading and other essential activities. Professional caregivers can also incorporate healthy memory practices into your loved one's daily routine. Strategies may include social interaction, engaging in simple strategy games, maintaining a nutritious diet, and participating in light exercises like slow walks around the block.
As your parents or senior loved ones get older, they often have trouble completing dayto-day tasks that are fundamental to living a normal life. There are several activities of daily living, or ADLs, that senior citizens struggle with and include
A reliable caregiver from a trusted senior care agency in Novato, CA, can help make daily life much easier for your elder relative. If they have trouble putting on or tying their shoes, your caregiver is there to help them choose their shoes and put them on correctly.
If your senior citizen isn't eating healthy food, your caregiver can help create a nutritious meal plan and assist them in preparing the food they need for energy and daily activities. When searching for a home care agency, make sure they offer tailored care plans that address your loved one's needs, not someone who has similar issues.
If you notice that your loved one can't keep themselves clean and groomed, it could be a sign that their health is on the decline. It could also be a red flag that your senior may be experiencing the early stages of dementia. Other signs include:
The best non-medical caregivers are trained to attend to your loved one's needs and quality of life as they move through the Functional Assessment Staging test of Alzheimer's Disease, also known as the FAST Scale. If you believe your parent or relative might be in the early stages of dementia, it's absolutely critical to work with a home care business like ameriCARE that specializes in dementia care.
There's a reason why almost 12 million people in the United States rely on some type of non-medical home care. Working with the right home care agency and team caregivers can be life-changing for seniors who need help but don't want to live in a nursing home. Here are just a few of the most effective services that help older adults stay happy, healthy, and active as they age.
If you notice that the senior in your life can't or won't maintain their hygiene and health, hiring an experienced caregiver can help. They'll assist with daily tasks like:
Companion home care is a unique type of in-home support tailored for individuals who require help with daily living tasks while also benefiting from meaningful social interaction and emotional support. Unlike other care options that primarily focus on medical or personal needs, companion and lifestyle home care helps form strong personal bonds and improves the overall quality of life.
People who benefit the most from companionship and lifestyle home care include:
Veterans are a special breed. They're service members who have made sacrifices for our country and deserve dignified, respectful attention. In-home care gives Veterans customized, compassionate care when they need it most. Whether they have new health challenges after returning from combat or need an extra hand throughout the day, home care can make a meaningful difference for those who deserve the utmost respect and compassion.
In-home care can be very helpful for Veterans suffering from:
Taking care of someone with Alzheimer's can be quite challenging, as it involves managing a mix of complex and changing needs. Those living with the disease may face memory problems, mood swings, and difficulties in communicating. Alzheimer's care includes various services aimed at providing a supportive environment that helps maintain both physical and emotional well-being, even as the disease evolves.
Common Alzheimer's care services include:
Giving the older adult in your life the gift of in-home care can be a hugely positive decision on multiple levels. It not only gives them access to high-quality care in a place where they feel comfortable - it gives them the independence they crave and have earned over their lifetime.
Some of the most significant advantages of hiring a home care agency to help your senior loved one include:
Great in-home caregivers support your loved one's independence while providing the necessary assistance to ensure their safety and well-being. When you choose an agency that creates tailored care plans, your loved one can continue to live their lives on their terms, making choices about their daily activities and routines with the support of caregivers.
Receiving care at home offers a unique set of benefits that facility settings just can't match. Home care companies like ameriCARE offer personalized care services designed to cater to specific needs while allowing seniors to stay in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes.
Choosing non-medical home care in Novato, CA, can be a cost-effective solution, especially when compared to long-term, residential options like nursing homes. Care provided in facilities typically incurs significant costs for lodging and extra services. On the other hand, home care enables clients to receive tailored support at a much lower price.
Having you and other members of your family involved in your loved one's care process is integral. If you're on the hunt for a home care agency to work with, make sure to choose one that encourages your involvement. This collaborative approach allows for care that aligns with your family values, expectations, and overall goals.
When you work with a senior care agency that carefully selects caregivers and provides ongoing training to provide a range of services, your parent or relative benefits greatly. ameriCARE caregivers are seasoned professionals, dedicated to serving others in ways that often go unnoticed.
We know that choosing the best senior care agency for your loved is a top priority. Some key factors to consider include:
The agency you choose should have a proven track record and should be transparent when talking about caregiver credentials, training, and programs.
Working with a home care company that pushes open communication, transparency, and responsiveness keeps everyone in your circle informed about care plan updates and adjustments.
Look for a company that offers a robust range of senior care services and provides custom care plans that meet your senior's unique needs.
Inquire about the agency's caregiver recruitment process, including background checks, screening procedures, and ongoing training.
By taking these factors into account, you can make a well-informed choice when selecting a home care agency that provides the quality, compassion, and support necessary to improve the well-being and comfort of yourself or your loved one.
At ameriCARE, we understand that in-home care should reflect the individuality of those we assist. Our guiding principle focuses on creating a caregiving experience that is tailored, uplifting, and impactful. We aim to broaden and strengthen your care circle.
Our dedication to conscientious in-home care has helped establish our reputation for outstanding service. We believe that non-medical in-home care holds the potential to sustain and enrich one's quality of life, regardless of the challenges a person faces. By adopting a holistic perspective on care, we ensure our services are thorough, nurturing, and beneficial to our clients' overall wellness.
At ameriCARE, our goal is to deliver caregiving that is reliable, compassionate, and respectful. We are committed to positively influencing the lives of those we assist by making certain that our care is more than just a service - it's a source of comfort and empowerment. We aim to foster an atmosphere where each person feels appreciated, supported, and honored, thereby enhancing their capacity to live while improving their quality of life.
Our agencies are at the forefront of a new kind of in-home care that extends beyond traditional services. Unlike some home care companies, we believe in addressing the needs of the whole person.
To that end, we see care as a collaborative effort. Our caregivers are dedicated professionals who serve others in often unrecognized ways. We honor their commitment by providing top-notch training and career opportunities, ensuring they have the skills and support necessary to deliver exceptional care.
By going above and beyond to provide care that exceeds your expectations, we help ensure the best possible outcomes for you and your family. Seniors, their adult children, and other relatives choose ameriCARE because we're committed to:
Our care plans are customized to address the specific requirements of every individual and their family. We consider personal preferences, health issues, and family relationships to deliver care that is both personal and impactful.
We utilize cutting-edge technology to enhance your home care experience. With straightforward booking and payment methods, along with real-time updates and feedback, our technological solutions simplify and optimize care management.
If you're looking for help after surgery, a break from caregiving, or just someone to keep you company, our trustworthy caregivers are here for you. We provide a free care assessment with no strings attached to help you develop a home care plan that's just right for you.
The first step to seeing your loved one happy at home is to call ameriCARE for a free, no-obligation care assessment. Let us help you create a home care plan that brings your family peace of mind, comfort, and support. Request More Info today, and by tomorrow, you'll be closer to keeping your loved one safe and comfortable, no matter how many miles you may be apart.
Ready to learn more or need personalized support? Contact ameriCARE today! Our dedicated team is here to answer your questions, provide expert advice, and guide you through every step of the homecare journey.
Baseball season is back, and fans around Novato have plenty of ways to catch the action — whether that means meeting up at a local restaurant, heading to a nearby ballpark or supporting youth baseball close to home.Ready to get started? Here are a few ways to enjoy the season around Novato and the wider Marin County area.From neighborhood restaurants to lively bar-and-grill spots, there are several places around Novato where fans can grab a bite and follow the game.Finnegan's Marin Located in downtown Novato...
Baseball season is back, and fans around Novato have plenty of ways to catch the action — whether that means meeting up at a local restaurant, heading to a nearby ballpark or supporting youth baseball close to home.
Ready to get started? Here are a few ways to enjoy the season around Novato and the wider Marin County area.
From neighborhood restaurants to lively bar-and-grill spots, there are several places around Novato where fans can grab a bite and follow the game.
Finnegan's Marin Located in downtown Novato, Finnegan’s Marin blends the feel of an Irish pub with a classic American bar and grill, offering a full bar, outdoor patio and televisions for watching sports. It's a longtime gathering place where locals meet up for food, drinks and game-day conversation.
Vinny's Pizza & Cocktails Vinny’s Pizza & Cocktails in Novato has a sports-bar feel with multiple TVs, making it an easy place to grab food and drinks while keeping up with the game.
Toast Novato Toast Novato is a local favorite known for its relaxed atmosphere, creative menu and full bar — a good spot to meet friends and keep an eye on the game.
Fans around Novato also have easy access to live baseball throughout the Bay Area.
San Francisco Giants Just across the Golden Gate Bridge, Oracle Park in San Francisco is home to the San Francisco Giants and offers one of the most scenic Major League Baseball settings in the country.
Oakland Athletics The Oakland Athletics provide another nearby option for fans who want to catch big-league baseball within driving distance of Marin County.
Local leagues and community programs help keep baseball active for young players across Novato.
Novato Little League North Novato Little League North provides youth baseball opportunities for families throughout the community, offering competitive and developmental programs during the spring season.
Novato South Little League Novato South Little League serves players ages 4–13 and focuses on creating a fun, skill-building environment where kids can learn the game and grow as teammates.
From youth leagues and community fields to neighborhood restaurants and nearby major league ballparks, baseball remains an active part of life around Novato each season.
However you follow the game — at a bar, a ballpark or a neighborhood field — baseball season offers plenty of ways for fans around Novato to join in.
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A respiratory virus that doesn’t have a vaccine or a specific treatment regimen is spreading in some parts of California — but there’s no need to sound the alarm just yet, public health officials say.A majority of Northern California communities have seen high concentrations of human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, detected in their wastewater, according to data from the WastewaterScan Dashboard, a public database that monitors sewage to track the presence of infectious diseases.A Los Angeles Times data analysis fou...
A respiratory virus that doesn’t have a vaccine or a specific treatment regimen is spreading in some parts of California — but there’s no need to sound the alarm just yet, public health officials say.
A majority of Northern California communities have seen high concentrations of human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, detected in their wastewater, according to data from the WastewaterScan Dashboard, a public database that monitors sewage to track the presence of infectious diseases.
A Los Angeles Times data analysis found the communities of Merced in the San Joaquin Valley, and Novato and Sunnyvale in the San Francisco Bay Area have seen increases in HMPV levels in their wastewater between mid-December and the end of February.
HMPV has also been detected in L.A. County, though at levels considered low to moderate at this point, data show.
While HMPV may not necessarily ring a bell, it isn’t a new virus. Its typical pattern of seasonal spread was upended by the COVID-19 pandemic, and its resurgence could signal a return to a more typical pre-coronavirus respiratory disease landscape.
Here’s what you need to know.
HMPV was first detected in 2001, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s transmitted by close contact with someone who is infected or by touching a contaminated surface, said Dr. Neha Nanda, chief of infectious diseases and hospital epidemiologist for Keck Medicine of USC.
Like other respiratory illnesses, such as influenza, HMPV spreads and is more durable in colder temperatures, infectious-disease experts say.
Human metapneumovirus cases commonly start showing up in January before peaking in March or April and then tailing off in June, said Dr. Jessica August, chief of infectious diseases at Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa.
However, as was the case with many respiratory viruses, COVID disrupted that seasonal trend.
Before the pandemic hit in 2020, Americans were regularly exposed to seasonal viruses like HMPV and developed a degree of natural immunity, August said.
That protection waned during the pandemic, as people stayed home or kept their distance from others. So when people resumed normal activities, they were more vulnerable to the virus. Unlike other viruses, there isn’t a vaccine for human metapneumovirus.
“That’s why after the pandemic we saw record-breaking childhood viral illnesses because we lacked the usual immunity that we had, just from lack of exposure,” August said. “All of that also led to longer viral seasons, more severe illness. But all of these things have settled down in many respects.”
In 2024, the national test positivity for HMPV peaked at 11.7% at the end of March, according to the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System. The following year’s peak was 7.15% in late April.
So far this year, the highest test positivity rate documented was 6.1%, reported on Feb. 21 — the most recent date for which complete data are available.
While the seasonal spread of viruses like HMPV is nothing new, people became more aware of infectious diseases and how to prevent them during the pandemic, and they’ve remained part of the public consciousness in the years since, August and Nanda said.
Most people won’t go to the doctor if they have HMPV because it typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms that include cough, fever, nasal congestion and sore throat.
HMPV infection can progress to:
Anyone can contract human metapneumovirus, but those who are immunocompromised or have other underlying medical conditions are at particular risk of developing severe disease — including pneumonia. Young children and older adults are also considered higher-risk groups, Nanda said.
There is no specified treatment protocol or antiviral medication for HMPV. However, it’s common for an infection to clear up on its own and treatment is mostly geared toward soothing symptoms, according to the American Lung Assn.
A doctor will likely send you home and tell you to rest and drink plenty of fluids, Nanda said.
If symptoms worsen, experts say you should contact your healthcare provider.
Infectious-disease experts said the best way to avoid contracting HMPV is similar to preventing other respiratory illnesses.
The American Lung Assn.’s recommendations include:
Assistant data and graphics editor Vanessa Martínez contributed to this report.
NOVATO, CA — Novato may soon take a more targeted swing at some of its most pressing traffic, pedestrian and bike‑safety trouble spots.At Tuesday’s meeting, the Novato City Council signaled support for a new agenda item that would bundle a series of previously studied, shovel‑ready intersection, crosswalk and road‑safety improvements into a focused capital project.Councilmember Tim O’Connor proposed the idea, saying the city has already invested significant staff time analyzing problem locations across t...
NOVATO, CA — Novato may soon take a more targeted swing at some of its most pressing traffic, pedestrian and bike‑safety trouble spots.
At Tuesday’s meeting, the Novato City Council signaled support for a new agenda item that would bundle a series of previously studied, shovel‑ready intersection, crosswalk and road‑safety improvements into a focused capital project.
Councilmember Tim O’Connor proposed the idea, saying the city has already invested significant staff time analyzing problem locations across town.
“Over the years, a considerable amount of staff time has gone into analyzing a number of intersections, crosswalks and other safety improvements across Novato,” O’Connor said.
The new item would let the council look at the viability of a targeted approach that could move several of those projects forward in the coming budget cycle.
O'Connor suggested limiting the list to projects that are already studied, staff‑supported and vetted by the Complete Streets and Pathways Oversight Committee, often referred to informally as “shovel‑ready” projects.
“One of the things I found as we were working and advocating for Measure M is people have road safety, and pedestrian safety is front of mind for a lot of folks across the city,” he said.
Councilmember Pat Eklund called it a great idea but pressed for coordination with the Safe Routes to Schools committee, where she serves, to avoid duplication. She also asked for a clear look at funding tradeoffs.
“I think it would be helpful for us to have a discussion so that we can provide more direction to staff,” Eklund said. “I’d like to have an understanding about how much of Measure M would be devoted to this versus other projects.”
City Manager Amy Cunningham said staff could bring the item back as early as March, if there was council support, with a list of candidate projects and funding options.
NOVATO, CA — The Marin County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved the purchase an office building on Ignacio Boulevard, planning to move two departments there to achieve long-term financial savings, officials said.Two Marin County departments and their staff will soon move from a longtime leased facility into a County-owned building, a shift intended to reduce escalating long-term leasing costs, according to a County announcement.The supervisors approved the purchase of the 17,406-square-foot office building in south...
NOVATO, CA — The Marin County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved the purchase an office building on Ignacio Boulevard, planning to move two departments there to achieve long-term financial savings, officials said.
Two Marin County departments and their staff will soon move from a longtime leased facility into a County-owned building, a shift intended to reduce escalating long-term leasing costs, according to a County announcement.
The supervisors approved the purchase of the 17,406-square-foot office building in southern Novato's Ignacio neighborhood.
The plan is to relocate the Department of Agriculture / Weights & Measures and the Marin office of the University of California Cooperative Extension from their current 20-year home at 1682 Novato Blvd. in downtown Novato. The new location will be the commercial office building at 350 Ignacio Boulevard.
Several dozen County workers will ultimately work out of the new offices, the County noted. This includes 14 AWM staff members and 22 UCCE Marin staff members, which also features regional UCCE employees who serve neighboring counties. Furthermore, the Department of Health and Human Services is reportedly considering placement of some staff in the building to expand services within Novato.
The County paid $3 million for the building, which is situated near the intersection of Ignacio Boulevard and Alameda del Prado.
The Board initially authorized option agreements for the property in August 2025 and later approved notices of intent to purchase the property in December 2025, officials said.
With the lease at 1682 Novato Blvd. set to expire in October 2026, the County determined that continuing to lease the space was not practical over the long term, the staff reported.
In its staff report, the County said the current offices were overcrowded, outdated, and functionally obsolete. Proposals for expanding the space came with significant costs, officials stated. Landlord-proposed lease increases of 90 percent to 118 percent would have pushed total lease costs to more than $800,000 per year, according to the County.
Officials anticipate that ownership of 350 Ignacio Blvd. is expected to provide long-term cost stability and financial predictability.
Based on current analysis, the County anticipates reaching a cost break-even point within 10 years, after which continued use of the building will result in substantial savings compared to leasing.
Following the acquisition, staff expect to occupy the building after interior improvements are completed to ensure the space effectively supports public-facing services and day-to-day operations.
The work is expected to take place over the coming months, with occupancy anticipated during late fall. Renovations will focus on creating functional, accessible workspaces that meet the needs of the departments serving the community, while minimizing disruption, officials said.
Once employees move in, phone numbers for AWM and UCCE Marin workers will remain the same as their office lines at 1682 Novato Blvd.
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