Travel Companion for Seniors

Posted on May 20, 2013 by FirstLight HomeCare

Can you believe it? Summer is almost here, which means vacations and family visits are on everyone’s minds.  If you or a loved one are desiring to travel this summer but are uneasy about making the trip alone, we completely understand, as traveling can be hectic to everyone these days. At FirstLight HomeCare we offer a special service called our, “Travel Companion Program.”

Our “Travel Companion Program” is designed specifically for clients in need of travel assistance. Whether they are traveling nationally or internationally makes no difference. Our travel companions are here to help you or your loved one travel safely and as stress free as possible. Maybe you are going on vacation but hate to even think about dealing with the hustle and bustle of airports, security, customs, boarding, or even layovers.  Or perhaps you wish to attend and enjoy a friend or family’s graduation, wedding, a family reunion or holiday. That’s okay- we can guide you or your loved one through all of those obstacles, making it easier to travel and putting your mind at ease.

Along with helping you arrive at your destination, we can also assist you with personal needs like bathing, feeding, hygiene, medication reminders, dressing and much more. We are able to get you safely to and from your destination, assisting you with every step along the way, making your stay even more care free, as well as guaranteeing to both you and your loved ones that traveling shouldn’t be a concern.

Our 2013 Travel Companion rates vary from an hourly rate to a monthly rate. For more information on our Travel Companion Program or more details about our rates, please visit our “Request More Information” form and a FirstLight HomeCare representative will answer you shortly. Or, you can give us a call at 866.985.4031.

Happy summer and safe travels!

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Care Giving Tips For An Only Child

Posted on May 11, 2013 by FirstLight HomeCare

If you are an only child caring for elderly parents, you know it can be a handful.  In this case. you may feel the stresses of care giving are all on you. It may even start to define your livelihood.  As much as you love your parents and know they deserve the best care possible, it is okay, and will be better for all, if you continue to have a life too and feel comfortable delegating others to help.  Here are a few tips to consider.

  1. Don’t be afraid to ask other relatives for help. Many times, other family members and friends are ready to step in when needed.  This may require you
    to ask for help since they may not want to feel as if they’re imposing.  Even if it’s a simple drive to the grocery store once a week.
  2. Understand your parent and seek professional help. If your parent is suffering from Alzheimer’s or other age related diseases, it would be in their best interest to spend time with those experienced in the issue.
  3. Dive into their financial needs.  The relationship between you and your parents will be at advantage if you speak of financial needs. Understand how much your parents’ need to continue medical care and every day living and how much they need your help in budgeting.  If this amount is greater than you are comfortable with, seek out a trusted financial advisor.
  4. Maintain safety measures for your parents. It is a good idea to make sure their home is built and set up for aging parents.  You may not feel like you have to be there all the time, if you know they are in a safe spot.  Have someone, or if you’re handy, do it yourself, go through the house fixing any areas that could cause falls or any type of injury.  If your parents are unfit to live alone, find a reputable assisted living center in your area.
  5. Don’t feel guilty. Easier said than done, but guilt is an emotion that is not beneficial to you or your aging parents. Do everyone a favor and channel your emotional energies into something more productive. You are only one person!

Continuing a positive relationship with your parents will only help them through the aging process. If your caretaking responsibilities add stress to this relationship, it will only hurt all involved.  It is important to make sure your parents receive proper care but to also be okay with letting go and getting help when needed.

 

 

 

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No One Can Take Of Your Mother Like You Do

Posted on May 9, 2013 by FirstLight HomeCare

But FirstLight HomeCare comes very, very close.

There is no doubt that as our mothers begin to age, it can be tough on sons, daughters and other family members to provide the level of care she needs. Whether you live close or far away, suddenly the roles are reversed and the dynamics of the parent-child relationship changes – in many cases, you take on the role of caretaker.

You have to make sure your Mom is taking her medication and gets to doctor appointments. You may be responsible for meal preparation, financial arrangements, and household chores, the day-to-day activities that keep your Mom safe. And most importantly, you want to give back all the love and attention she provided for you growing up. You fret, you worry, you feel guilty that you are not doing enough.

And the tricky part is chances are like many seniors, Mom wants to remain in her home. This can create a conundrum: how do you make sure she stays safe, happy and healthy? How do you make sure she is not alone?

The Quality Of Our Senior Caregivers

This is where FirstLight HomeCare comes in. Our senior
caregivers are compassionate, treating your Mom as if she were our own Mom.
They often become very attached to your Mom and quickly take on the role of a
surrogate family member. For our caregivers, providing home care is not a
career, it’s a calling. They are passionate about providing the best in home
care to give your Mom and you the peace of mind you deserve.

With FirstLight HomeCare, it’s not just about physical
care – it’s about emotional care as well.

Long or Short Term Care – FirstLight Home Care Is There!

Whether your Mom needs help on a short term basis – for a
couple of hours a week or on a long term care basis with 24/7 home care–
FirstLight HomeCare has the caregiving staff to keep you covered.

Companionship, Personal Care and More

Simply having a visitor from time to time can make all the difference in
the world to your Mom. From sharing a conversation to sharing a meal,
FirstLight HomeCare means a home care companion and something—or
someone—to look forward to.

At FirstLight HomeCare, you can rest assured your Mom will be in good hands with our senior care program. After all, she deserves the best? And we’ll deliver!

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Tips for Elderly Fall Prevention

Posted on May 2, 2013 by FirstLight HomeCare

The risk of falling increases with age and is greater for women than for men. Two-thirds
of those who experience a fall will fall again within six months.  A decrease in bone density contributes to falls and resultant injuries.  Failure to exercise regularly results in poor muscle tone, decreased strength, and loss of bone mass and flexibility.

At least one-third of all falls in the elderly involve environmental hazards in the home (K.R. Tremblay Jr., and C.E. Barber1 (12/05).  With those alarming facts it is important that we take the time to learn proper ways to prevent falls among the elderly,
whether it is yourself or someone you take care of.  Most risk factors of falling are preventable by being aware of the risks and knowing some strategies to decrease your own risk.

  1. Work on strength.  As you age, your muscles and bones begin to weaken.
    Continue to stay active and work on simple and complex motor skills.  Take your time doing things you are unfamiliar with.  Also, make sure you are getting enough vitamin D for your bones.
  2. Follow all medication directions.  Many medications may make you drowsy or unable to process thoughts easily.  Understand the medications you are on and how they make you feel.  Do not put yourself in dangerous situations such as driving when taking certain medications.
  3. Check your eyesight.  Make sure you are wearing glasses especially the proper strength. Continue to have frequent eye checkups for diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts.  If you already are aware of a vision problem, use color and contrast around the house.
  4. Be aware of environmental hazards.  Most falls happen by tripping over objects in your home.  Keeping your house safe for you and others that may frequent can easily prevent this. Some things you can do is repair cracks, install handrails, keep small areas, such as hallways clear of clutter, and make sure you have adequate lighting throughout your house.

Falls are the leading cause of death from injury in adults 65 years of age and older.  This is not something that should ever be taken lightly.  As we age, it is easy to dismiss the common risks for falling by believing we do not fit into these categories.  However, being aware of the risks will only give you the opportunity to feel younger longer.  It is much more difficult to bounce back from an injury as you age then to do what is needed to prevent a fall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Reducing the High Cost of Hospital Readmissions

Posted on April 27, 2013 by FirstLight HomeCare

Millions of Americans go to the hospital each year for reasons that are often necessary and unavoidable. Whether we fall, get sick, or hurt ourselves in a number of different ways, going to the hospital for medical care is something that we simply can’t avoid.  However, the same cannot be said for a substantial fraction of people who are readmitted to hospitals each year.  Hospital readmission is not only extremely costly and harmful to the patient, it can be easily avoided with proper care and precaution. Although there are many factors that can play into the need for a hospital readmission, the most common reasons for them are poor discharge and transition processes, improper home care, and a lack of patient support.  For the elderly, hospital readmissions are much too common and can lead to future health complications.

So how can you prevent costly and harmful hospital readmissions for your aging
parents? The answer is easier than you may think. Below is a brief list of tips
that you should follow in order to reduce costly hospital admissions for your
aging parents.

Before you leave the hospital
As your parents prepare for discharge at the hospital, make sure you are educated in the health status of your parents before they go home.  Many hospitals are over crowded and may discharge parents before they are ready. Make sure your parents health is stable enough for home recovery before you take them home. Once your parents health is stable enough for discharge, speak with the medical professionals to ensure you understand the status of their health, as well as what you need to do once they are home.  This may seem straight forward, but many people do not receive a sufficient amount of information about their parents before they go home.  You can never ask too many questions, and the worst situation you can find yourself in is not knowing what to do when there is no one there to help you.

What to do once you are home
Next, ensure that your parents have proper home care during their recovery.  Aging adults are often readmitted to hospitals as a result of complications that arise after their
discharge from the hospital.  This means that understanding how to care for your parents at home can play a vital role in their health and can be the difference between a healthy recovery and readmission.  Don’t know what to do? Get help from home care professionals such as the FirstLight HomeCare caregivers.  The simple act of having a little extra help can make a big difference in your parents recovery, and it can help ease the worry that is involved with taking care of ailing parents.

Additional Tips from a Certified CNA:

1. Follow directions the doctor
gives you

-   Administer medications at the same time each day

-   Perform treatments and exercises as directed

2. Keep area of wound sterile to
avoid infection

-   Actively change bandages with sterile hands

-   Monitor the wound and take notes on how it is healing

3. Limit patient’s movement after serious injuries

-   Don’t rush the recovery as it will only aggravate the
injury

- Play on the safe side when performing new exercises making sure  your parents are healthy enough to perform them

 

 

 

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Pairing Seniors and Teenagers

Posted on April 22, 2013 by FirstLight HomeCare

We all know that the teenage years can be tumultuous. We also know it can be prime time for trouble. So at FirstLight Home Care, we’d like to share with you some stories where teens can learn from senior citizens and vice versa. Maybe it will inspire you to start an
intergenerational program in your area!

Think about it. Many senior citizens have trouble with their mobile devices and computers. What better person to teach them than a teenager who is never far away from their favorite technological gadget? Teenagers can text faster than most of us can talk! Many cities across the United States have programs where teenagers can get class
credit for helping seniors with their computers. How great is that?

Or how about People Helping People, a volunteer program run by the Duarte Teen Center in California? Teenagers help seniors with errands, lawn work and enjoy long chats over lunch. Too often in our busy lives, we don’t take the time to really listen to a teenager’s concerns. The senior citizens take the time to listen and offer advice. And because the advice is coming from someone other than their parents, it is often welcomed!

Think about it … there is much about “been there done that” that teenagers can learn from seniors. In fact, the idea that teens and seniors can help each other also drives the Elder
Wisdom Circle, a national organization based in Walnut Creek, CA. Founded in
2001, the program uses technology to connect younger people who seek advice and
inspiration with older people who can share the benefits of their experience.
In September 2006, some 600 senior volunteers responded to 3,500 requests for advice
submitted anonymously at www.elderwisdomcircle.org. The “Dear Abby” of the older generation!

Senior centers and elementary schools in Berkeley have also participated in an
intergenerational exchange program. Once or twice every week, the school kids practice their language and reading skills on seniors at the North Berkeley Senior Center by reading stories aloud.  And once a week, as many as three dozen senior volunteers travel into classrooms around Berkeley, ready to help children improve their reading and
language skills.

In fact, whole communities are being built around seniors and teenagers helping each other. The premise is that seniors can help earn a little money while babysitting, whereas working families will feel more comfortable with a babysitter who they know. In fact,
this is exactly what The Related Companies did when they built The Windsor Court which contains one apartment complex for seniors and one for family’s side-by-side. “It helps keep seniors youthful to be with younger people, and it gives younger people an appreciation of the value that older people bring to life, with their experience and knowledge and worldly wisdom” says Don Anderson, community development director for the City of Westminster.

Or many seniors have problems getting outside, but miss the images found only in nature. That’s exactly what the Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society (“HOBAS”) had in mind when developing its program called “Connecting Teens and Seniors, Bridging the Generation Gap Through Nature”. The HOBAS Youth Outreach Committee (“YOC”) visits nursing homes to present programs on birds in order to help re-connect seniors to the natural world. Pairing teenagers with seniors through nature education builds mutual respect between generations.

Do you have a great idea for a multigenerational program? At FirstLight Home Care, we’d love to hear about it!

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Meditation and Aging

Posted on April 8, 2013 by FirstLight HomeCare

For thousands of years, meditation has served as an excellent
source of stress relief and relaxation. Through active practice, people can even see improvements in their health, including reduced blood pressure, a slower heart rate, and a stronger immune system.  But did you know that it might also help reduce the process of aging?

Recent studies have found that people who practice mindful meditation (focusing on the present) had improved telomere health.  For those who aren’t neuroscientists, telomeres are the protective ends of our DNA that prevent the ends of chromosomes from fusing with nearby chromosomes or deteriorating.  The healthier the telomere, the greater its ability to fight off this deterioration, which is the cause of aging.  Through the process of active, mindful mediation, the body is able to strengthen its telomeres leading to a reduced aging process.

According to NaturalNews.com, the study, which was conducted by the University of California at San Francisco, studied 239 healthy women between the ages of 50 and 65 to see how the body reacts to thinking in the present versus letting their mind wander.
The study revealed that the women who let their mind wander had shorter
telomeres.  Although the study is not conclusive, it does arise a new theory on how mindful meditation can help strengthen the body’s telomeres, ultimately leading to a decreased aging process.

So how can you reap the anti-aging benefits of mediation? First, you must find yourself in a quiet room free of distractions.  Close your eyes, breath slowly, and try to focus on nothing but the moment you are currently in.  The anti-aging benefits of mediation come
through the process of removing all thought from your mind that does not
reflect the present.  If you find outside thoughts enter your mind, don’t fight them, as this will only make them grow stronger.  Instead, accept them for a moment, then let them go.  Once you have more practice with meditation, these thoughts will enter your mind less
frequently. Meditate whenever you can find free time and need to relieve the
stress in your life, and you may also see the benefits of a reduced aging
process.

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Four Effective Ways To Ask For Help For Seniors

Posted on April 1, 2013 by FirstLight HomeCare

Taking care of an elderly parent or a person with a chronic
illness can become too much. You have your own family, job and
responsibilities, and can easily become overwhelmed. Don’t be too proud to ask
for help – from other family members, friends, people in your church or
community organizations. You’ll be amazed at how many people volunteer and will
love helping seniors!

  1. Help with Meals. Too often, seniors neglect their nutrition and eat poorly. This can result in weight loss or serve as a precursor to illnesses such as diabetes.
    Round up a group of people to provide meals for one day/week each. They can
    make the meals in advance and freeze them so all the senior has to do is pop
    them in the microwave!
  2. Help With Health. Many times, doctors, mobile dentists and podiatrists will visit seniors in their home at no extra cost. This makes it much easier for seniors
    to get the healthcare they need without having to leave the convenience of
    their home.
  3. Help With Finances. Depending on their situation, your parents may be eligible for financial assistance. Start by contacting the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) (the federal agency responsible for Medicare) and SHIP – the State Health Insurance Counseling & Assistance Program, which provides counseling to families on Medicare or Medicaid. Also research other benefits available to veterans.
  4. Help With Transportation. Many times seniors can no longer drive. Check out the local transportation companies that provide deep discounts to seniors who need to get to doctor appointments or run errands. Many are able to accommodate wheelchairs.

The main thing to realize is you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you and  seniors who want to stay at home. There are organizations such as ours — FirstLight HomeCare – that provide in home caregivers on an hourly or 24/7 basis. We can bring peace of mind to families who are struggling to help seniors maintain their
independence.

If you have a question related to seniors, FirstLight HomeCare’s own Nurse Gina is a valuable resource. She is both an RN and geriatric care manager who can help provide information on senior care.

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Depression In Seniors

Posted on March 20, 2013 by FirstLight HomeCare

Depression is common amongst aging parents.  As parents begin to age, they also begin to
recognize the realities of their mortality through physical and mental
limitations.  Signs of depression should never be taken lightly-there are a number of important issues in regards to depression amongst the elderly.  Please
make sure to address these issues with those around you, all care takers, and
your parents.  Depression is not something that is easily spoken of but imperative that it be for the health and safety of your parents.

 

  1. Know the warning signs of depression.  Take the time to be aware of the warning
    signs of depression.  Everyone goes through a feeling of “down in the dumps” as they age.  However, if this is temporary, you should be able to regain some emotional balance. Those with clinical depression will not be able to bounce back. Knowing when depression has become this grave of an issue is difficult in the aging since the variables are more widespread. However, the warning signs are all the same, and become more worrisome the longer they stay.  Some signs
    include, lack of sleep, crying, not eating, being irritable, no desire to
    involve themselves in daily activities, and discussion or attempt of suicide.
  2. Be aware of violence.  Depression in aging can cause your parents to
    lash out, and if dementia has set in, them being upset may turn into
    violence.  Learn supportive ways to work with your parents if this becomes a problem. Do not fight back, yet learn to manage such situations with relative
    calmness and understanding of their situation.
  3. Medicine is a beneficial treatment.  Those aging with depression seem to respond
    well to depression medicines.  There are many excellent medications that can help with mood and daily activities.  Most doctors will start with the most
    conservative dose of antidepressants and go from there in coordination with
    your parents’ needs.  It is wise to have them involved in therapy alongside their medication, so they have someone to talk to.
  4. Research Respite Care in your area.  Respite Care consists of adult services that
    gives you, the caretaker, some time away, but also enables your parents to have
    time to work on themselves and to better their health as they age.  There are many respite care services that focus on depression issues and work with the aging on this matter.

Remember, depression as your parents age can become more prevalent, and prevalent is the key word. Aging isn’t always fun, and many feel down when they begin to be limited
in their daily physical and mental activities. However, this doesn’t always mean clinical depression.  Either way, it is important that your parents receive the care they need either temporarily while they are having sad thoughts or long term if the issue of depression seems more permanent.

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Helping Seniors Move

Posted on March 18, 2013 by FirstLight HomeCare

When my parents moved from a 6,000 square foot home in Florida to a two bedroom condo in Arizona, it was a nightmare. What I considered “junk” suddenly became a priceless memory. Although my parents were not hoarders, they had accumulated 20 years of “stuff”, various collections and enough photos to fill a museum.

From my own experience, the #1 tip I can give you if you are moving your aging parents to a new location is patience. Whether the move is voluntary or involuntary, there are many
emotions involved. Emotions are running high as they get very sentimental about
leaving.  Take the time to listen to their stories because behind many belongings are great memories. What may seem like a rickety table to you is a cherished remembrance from one of their vacations. Try to make packing as fun as possible – my Mom and I set up a “white elephant” pile that we later named the “what were you thinking pile” … we giggled every time we went past!

Here’s some other advice for helping seniors move:

  1. Take it room by room. Packing the whole house seemed like an insurmountable task. Therefore, we went through the items
    room by room. We separated the items into two categories – “keep and “giveaway”.  Fortunately, there was a Goodwill center near my parent’s home and it seemed like I made daily trips. However, I tried to spread the wealth around by contacting different charities for pickups so my parents could see their items would be going toward good use. Every box was clearly labeled with the name of the room and a description of the items inside. There were many things they didn’t want to get rid of, but I knew would never fit in their new home. I labeled them in boxes called “storage” and arranged for a storage space near their new home in Arizona. They will let go of these items when the time is right for them.
  2. Start a redecorating fund. Because my parents were downsizing, I knew that many of heir large furniture pieces would not fit in their new home. I helped them sell it at consignment shops and on Craig’s List. I then took the proceeds and started a “redecorating fund” for their new home. This gave my Mom something fun to look forward to – a new TV whose back wasn’t as big as a boat!
  3. Get bids. Some moving companies who will try and take advantage of seniors. I not only got them three bids, but I read the fine print. A few items were broken in the move and I helped them file claims with the moving company.
  4. If possible, help them unpack. Helping parents transition from one home to
    another is easier of you can help them unpack on the other end. They need
    someone or something familiar in their new location. First of all, don’t let
    them lift heavy boxes despite their protests – hire some college kids who are
    young with strong backs to help them move the furniture around! I immediately
    put up some pictures to make their new place seem more like home.
  5. Familiarize them with their new community. When we weren’t unpacking, we went on jaunts through the neighborhood. I made sure they knew the locations for the grocery stores, post office, hospitals, doctor’s offices and restaurants. I introduced myself to their neighbors and gave them my phone number in case of emergency.

My best house warming present to my parents? My time and
labor.  It was two weeks well spent!

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