The Family Caregiver Blog

Some people spend a lifetime building products. Bill Edwards has spent his building people. For more than 40 years, Bill has dedicated his career to Altec Industries, where he has become known not simply as a skilled welder, but as a teacher, mentor, and visionary. While many people count the years until retirement, Bill smiles and says he has no plans to retire at all. He still loves going to work because every week brings new opportunities to meet people and help them succe

There often comes a point when another trip to the hospital feels harder than staying home. Treatments become exhausting. Recovery takes longer. Families begin spending more time managing appointments and medical crises than simply being together. For many families, that’s when the conversation about hospice care begins.

Some people serve quietly for years without ever asking for recognition. For Martha Frank, helping others has simply become a way of life. That spirit of generosity and faith is exactly why Martha was selected as the April recipient of the Freudenthal Home-Based Healthcare Aging Well Award.

At Freudenthal Home-Based Healthcare, we believe aging well isn’t about slowing down—it’s about continuing to live with purpose, connection, and heart. That’s exactly why we’re honored to recognize Melody Smith as our March 2026 Aging Well Award Winner.

Caring for a parent can feel overwhelming—especially when trying to understand Medicaid home care options. Our newest guide walks Saint Joseph families through the step-by-step process of arranging Medicaid home care, including eligibility, documents needed, and how services begin.

The new year isn’t about becoming someone new—it’s about living well right now. For older adults, that means staying active, maintaining independence, and finding community along the way. At Freudenthal, we believe senior health is about more than exercise—it’s about connection, confidence, and quality of life. That’s exactly what Freudenthal Fit Club is all about.

As we welcome a brand-new year, it’s a natural time to pause and reflect on what truly matters. More than resolutions or fresh starts, the new year invites us to focus on the things that sustain us every day—our health, the hope that carries us forward, the friendships that surround us, and the love that brings us comfort. At Freudenthal Home-Based Healthcare, it is our privilege to walk alongside individuals and families throughout every season of life. Whether providing car

Research shows that more than 130,000 older people will eat Christmas dinner alone this year. For many seniors, the holiday season brings quiet homes, disrupted routines, and a sense of isolation that can be deeply painful. Yet small, consistent gestures—like a daily phone call or setting an extra place at the table—can completely change a senior’s holiday experience.

The first Christmas was celebrated simply—with quiet wonder and great love. This Christmas season, we are reminded that love is still found in the most meaningful moments: being present with family, caring for one another, and spending time with those who need us most. At Freudenthal Home-Based Healthcare, we are honored to walk alongside families during life’s most important moments—at home, where love lives. Merry Christmas from Freudenthal Home-Based Healthcare. May your h

Every November, organizations across the country take time to recognize the extraordinary professionals who make Home Health and Hospice care possible. At Freudenthal, this month holds special meaning because we see—every day—the impact these services have on seniors and families throughout our community.

At 92 years young, Erma Snodgrass still greets customers every day at her local Fast Gas station on Highway 36. After careers in teaching and daycare, she “just couldn’t sit still.”

Connie Hale, a longtime fitness instructor, is the September Aging Well Award winner for inspiring seniors to stay active, strong, and connected.

The August Aging Well Award honors a man whose retirement turned into a new calling. After 37 years of inspecting grain elevators, Joe...

Freudenthal Hospice recently had the honor of helping create a joyful, memory-filled day for Carla Meyers, a vibrant 57-year-old resident of Gower Convalescent Center. Once a beach and pool enthusiast, Carla has spent the past several years in a nursing facility due to health challenges. After her admission to Freudenthal Hospice, her daughters—Katie and Cassie, both employees at Gower Convalescent Center—shared how much she longed to be near the water again.

At 75 years old, George Szczepanik is proof that growing older doesn’t mean slowing down—it can mean stepping into a whole new calling. After a long and successful career in medical sales, George didn't retire in the traditional sense. Instead, he found new purpose in a completely different line of work...

Summer fun is here—and it’s not just for the kids! This summer, older adults across St. Joseph and surrounding areas can enjoy engaging activities—from arts classes and fitness to social meals and live entertainment. They’ll stay active, connected, and energized all season long!

Freudenthal Home-Based Healthcare is proud to recognize Stanley Jackson as our June 2025 Aging Well Award Winner. At 84 years young and still going strong as a custodian at Helena Elementary School, Stanley’s dedication, integrity, and love for children have made him a beloved figure in the community.

Freudenthal Home-Based Healthcare is proud to honor Kevin Talbot as our April Aging Well Award recipient. At 66, Kevin embodies what it...

As we age, many of us grow more aware of our physical health—but one silent issue often goes unnoticed until it's too late: insulin resistance. While it’s most often associated with diabetes, insulin resistance can also affect the brain, leading to memory problems and even cognitive decline. The good news? It’s not inevitable—and seniors can take real steps to reverse it.

With spring in full bloom and summer just around the corner now is the perfect time to get out and get some sun! There are many benefits...