Elderly Care and Home Care Blog: Caregiver Help

March 4, 2021

FirstLight Home Care - Fight Kidney Disease with These Tips

Kidney disease affects around 37 million people in the U.S., or 15% of the adult population. However, most people who have it don’t even know it. In fact, the National Kidney Foundation estimates that only 10% of those with chronic kidney disease are diagnosed. Left unchecked, it can cause serious health problems. As we enter National Kidney Month, it’s a good time to learn about what the condition is and ways to prevent it. What is Kidney Disease? People are born with two kidneys on either side of their spine. These organs act as filters, getting rid of waste and…

How Respite Care Can Bring Relief

February 25, 2021

Caring for a loved one can be incredibly rewarding. It can also be enormously challenging. After all, you’re wearing a lot of hats: daughter or son, assistant, shopper, housekeeper, cook and more. It’s why more than one-third of family caregivers say their job is highly stressful emotionally, according to AARP. It’s also where respite care can help. Respite Care, Defined Respite care is simply providing support for a family caregiver for a short-term period of time. The purpose is to give you a break so that you can get some time to yourself and take care of your own personal…

Senior Isolation: Helping Seniors Stay Engaged

February 23, 2021

Watching an elderly loved one struggle with senior isolation is a heartbreaking experience. You want to give them the care and attention they need. However, with your own personal and work obligations, it can feel like an impossible situation. Now, in the age of COVID-19, you have the added risk of potentially exposing them if they have yet to be vaccinated. As a result, while your loved one has been staying inside to stay safe, they’ve been cut off from socialization and stimulation. This has come at a cost for so many seniors in the form of unhealthy isolation. In…

Caregiver Jobs Offer a Career with Meaning

February 18, 2021

Are you looking for a new job, one you will truly love? Many times, people find themselves in positions they don’t enjoy or aren’t well-suited for simply because that’s what’s available and becomes comfortable over time. However, it’s a new year and a great time for a change if you’re looking for an opportunity with more meaning. If that’s the case, consider a caregiver job with FirstLight® Home Care. Here’s a look at what a caregiver job entails and why our team is different. Why Consider a Job in Caregiving? Being a caregiver is not your typical job. You’re not…

Elder Neglect: How to Identify the Signs and Help

February 16, 2021

As our country’s population continues to age, elder neglect is becoming a growing concern among families and health and human rights activists. Though instances of it are on the rise, it’s an issue that often goes underreported. This is simply because victims are typically frail, ill or dealing with conditions, like dementia. To protect an elderly loved one from neglect, it’s vital to understand what it is and to recognize common signs and symptoms. What is Elder Neglect? Elder neglect falls under the category of elder abuse as defined by the National Center on Elder Abuse. It occurs when a…

Celebrating Black History Month

February 11, 2021

This month, we celebrate historical achievements and reflect on the significant contributions African Americans have made in shaping history. FirstLight Home Care is proud to recognize Black History Month!

What to Know About COVID-19 Vaccination

February 4, 2021

As Americans get vaccinated over the coming months, it is important to keep following public health safety measures to protect yourself, your family and your community. The Centers for Diseases Control (CDC) continues to emphasize the following: In general, the more closely you interact with others and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread. If you decide to engage in public activities, continue to protect yourself by practicing everyday preventive actions like wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet apart and avoiding crowds. Keep these items on hand when venturing out: a face mask, tissues,…

Finding Comfort in Caregiver Support

January 28, 2021

Most of us, at some point in our lives, will become a caregiver in some way. It could be helping an elderly parent, someone with a chronic illness or a disabled family member. In fact, family caregivers now encompass more than one in five Americans. Many family caregivers don’t think of themselves in that way. They simply believe they are doing the right thing by being there for their loved one. Caregiving can include many responsibilities, from grocery shopping, light housekeeping and laundry to transportation and medication management. Separately, these things might not seem demanding or daunting but trying to…

Preventing Falls in Older Adults

January 21, 2021

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. One in four older Americans experiences a fall annually. Falls threaten seniors’ safety and independence and are a substantial medical risk that can result in hip fractures, cuts and sometimes life-threatening head and brain injuries. Oftentimes a fall is so scary that seniors may avoid certain activities because they are worried that they’ll fall again. The data is startling. Sixty and Me, an online community of 500,000 women over 60, provided us with some very helpful information that explores…

Healthy Eye Care Habits for Seniors

January 14, 2021

By getting regular exams and maintaining healthy habits for aging eyes, seniors have a better chance of detecting certain eye diseases early on, helping to safeguard their vision as they age. It’s never too early to start protecting your eyes. Healthy eye care habits and routine exams can help maintain good eye health now and in the future. January is National Eye Care and National Glaucoma Awareness Month. There is no cure for glaucoma, but early detection and treatment can often reduce the damage and protect your vision. Learn more about the symptoms, treatment and prevention of glaucoma. Read WHAT…

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