Elderly Care and Home Care Blog: Caregiver Help

October 1, 2020

FirstLight Home Care - CAREGIVING IN A WORLD WITH ALZHEIMER’S

During the month of September, a lot of information is distributed about Alzheimer’s disease with the entire 30-days dedicated to World Alzheimer’s Month. Now, that it is officially October, awareness for the disease does not stop! At FirstLight Home Care we continue to raise awareness, challenge the stigma and support those who are working to find an end to this disease all year long. The quick and sobering facts of Alzheimer’s disease show us that the impact and the battle for a cure are far from over. FirstLight has always been committed to sharing helpful, and up-to-date information on Alzheimer’s…

Keep Seniors Active During COVID-19

September 24, 2020

Caregiving during COVID-19 has been a challenge both for family caregivers and for their loved ones. Social isolation and loneliness have played a big part in these challenges as isolating during the pandemic has hit the elderly population especially hard. Isolation for those over the age of 60 has serious medical and psychological effects and can lead to depression, heart disease, anxiety and cognitive decline. Another factor that adds to these issues is chronic loneliness because more and more seniors live alone. But caregivers can keep seniors active and engaged during COVID-19 without putting them at risk: Cheer them up…

TOP TIPS FOR MANAGING STRESS DURING COVID-19

September 17, 2020

Are you feeling stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, maybe even a little scared amid the COVID-19 pandemic? If so, you are not alone. During these unprecedented times, we are all experiencing a wide range of emotions. Just know it is normal and acceptable to feel this way during a crisis. As we care for our families and elderly loved ones in our lives, now more than ever, it’s important to take proper steps to manage stress and practice self-care. Here are our top tips for managing and reducing your stress during Covid-19. As best as you can, keep your daily routine. Routines…

Understanding Medicare and Medicare Advantage

September 10, 2020

Medicare is a national health insurance program in the United States, begun in 1966 under the Social Security Administration and now administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It primarily provides health insurance for Americans aged 65 and older, but also for some people with disability status. In 2020, Medicare will help more than 61 million people pay for everything from hospital stays to doctor visits to prescription drugs. Then there is also Medicare Advantage, which is different than traditional Medicare. And now Medicare Advantage plans have the option of covering things that you would not normally think…

Everyday Ways to Boost Brain Health

September 3, 2020

Brain health is the ability to remember, learn, play and maintain an active mind. According to the American Heart Association, failing brain health is a public health epidemic that could be more serious than we think. Consider these statistics: The brain begins showing signs of cognitive decline as a person enters their 20s. 3 out of 5 Americans will develop a brain disease in their lifetime. By 2030, the total cost of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and stroke is expected to exceed $1 trillion. The good news is, we can develop and change our brains no matter how old we are! It’s…

What Skills Do You Need to be a Caregiver?

August 27, 2020

Being a family caregiver to a loved one is a very rewarding and worthwhile endeavor, but it is not always an easy task. It takes a combination of skills, including technical skills – the knowledge needed to perform specific tasks, and soft skills – the way you interact with people and solve problems. Of the many skills a caregiver should ideally have, the following are at the top of our list…whether you are or will become a family caregiver, or if you are considering a career in the dynamic home care industry. Communication Skills: Communication skills are essential. Being able…

What are the Seven Stages of Alzheimer’s?

August 20, 2020

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that gradually worsens over a period of four to 20 years based on recent data from the Alzheimer’s Association. On average, however, most people live between four to eight years following diagnosis. The progression of the disease may be different for each person, but typically, the sequence of this disease is consistent. Family caregivers should familiarize themselves with the progression and understand what may happen during each stage of the disease. Stage One: Normal In the first stage, a person with Alzheimer’s disease has no memory impairment and no apparent symptoms of dementia. This stage…

3 Reasons Elderly Diabetics Should Have Home Care

August 13, 2020

Day-to-day tasks at home can be more difficult for elderly diabetics As we age, everyday tasks get harder from complications with mobility, vision, and other underlying health factors. While some elderly adults have health concerns that can impact their lifestyles, many live fully independent. However, for elderly diabetics, day-to-day activities like managing blood glucose levels, taking an abundance of medications and eating an adequate diet can all be strenuous. To give families peace of mind for their senior loved one with diabetes, find out how having an in-home caregiver is the perfect solution to ensure they maintain a healthy lifestyle….

What is Caregiver Stress Syndrome?

August 6, 2020

Caregiver Stress Syndrome is a condition in which a caregiver experiences physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. Typically, this occurs when a caregiver neglects their own physical and emotional health because they are focused on caring for an ill, injured, disabled, or aging loved one. They also often try to take on more responsibility than they should, and they feel guilty about taking time for themselves. Signs of caregiver stress syndrome: Feeling overwhelmed or constantly worried Feeling tired often Getting too much sleep or not enough sleep Gaining or losing weight Becoming easily irritated or angry Losing interest in activities you…

How to Manage Your Loved One’s Hoarding Behavior

July 30, 2020

How do you deal with an older loved one who has begun exhibiting hoarding behavior? Hoarding behavior goes beyond just collecting mementos of the past. Oftentimes your loved one’s home will be filled with clutter or even trash, and they may find it difficult or impossible to get rid of these things. Their home may become filled, with only narrow pathways to navigate from room to room. These hoarded items can eventually become a health or safety concern and potentially a fire hazard. When hoarding reaches these unhealthy levels, it’s up to the family members to intervene. But this can…

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