Understanding
Senior Care

How to Keep Loved Ones Safe in a Heatwave

From our Care Blog

Temperatures topped 100 degrees in many places across the country this week. In extreme heat, especially with high humidity, safety for our seniors is very important. At FirstLight Home Care, our mission is to keep seniors safe, healthy and happy in any conditions. Extreme heat can lead to heat stroke, heat rash or heat exhaustion. Symptoms of heat-related illnesses include feeling tired or confused, headaches, dry skin (no perspiration), a rapid pulse or feeling nauseous or dizzy. If you or a loved one have any of these symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Stay in air conditioned areas....

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How to Know When It’s Time to Hire In-Home Care

From our Care Blog

By Julie Davis of Parentgiving.com Caregiving is one of the most loving and one of the most stressful roles you can take on. You may be motivated by many influences, from a sense of caring to a sense of responsibility. But no matter what has brought you to this role, it’s important to understand that your loved one’s crisis can turn into a health crisis for you if you don’t build a network of help and support. You can’t be there every minute, even if help is needed around the clock. Because most people want to stay in their own...

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Working Later In Life

From our Care Blog

This year there are over seven million workers aged 65 and older. Just 15 years ago, that number was half of what it is today. With a struggling economy, many workers are losing their jobs close to retirement age and looking for new careers to start later in life. Other reasons for postponing retirement range far and wide, but include people who aren’t emotionally ready for retirement, those who feel an economic responsibility to contribute, longer and healthier life spans, or financial concerns. An increasing number of older workers are also part of the “sandwich generation,” providing care for their...

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16 Ways to Enjoy the Summer Season with the Senior in Your Life

From our Care Blog

With vacation times and the kids out of school, it may be hard to think of fun things to do with seniors. Of course, it can depend on the weather, where you live and the level of mobility of the senior. However, it’s important that seniors continue to be as mentally and physically active as possible. At FirstLight Home Care, we interact with seniors daily – here’s some fun things to keep the boredom away: Watch the sunset or sunrise. Because many seniors do not sleep as long, they can be early birds. Bring their favorite coffee or donut and...

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What is Veneration? Building Stronger Bonds With Seniors

From our Care Blog

What is veneration and how can it benefit your caregiving journey? Learn more from the caregivers at FirstLight Home Care.

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Celebrating Father’s Day for Grandpa

From our Care Blog

Father’s Day is June 17. This year, make it all about Grandpa. Get the kids involved and treat your dad or grandpa to a day that he will always remember. Having trouble thinking beyond golf tees and “#1 Grandpa” mugs? Check out these ideas to make Grandpa’s day: Make a Father’s Day craft. Help your kids make an age-appropriate craft to give to their grandpa. He’ll love anything handmade: from a painting of the family to a clay model of his favorite chair. Get outside. If your dad or grandpa is an outdoorsy type, take a day to go for...

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Honor Elderly Veterans this Memorial Day

From our Care Blog

In the United States, there are over 21 million military veterans, including over 9 million vets aged 65 and over. Since 1966, Memorial Day has been a time to celebrate, honor and remember service members who gave their time, effort and lives to our country. This Memorial Day weekend, honor the veterans in your life by thanking them for their service. • Spend time with a veteran. If you personally know a veteran, bring him or her dinner or invite him or her to a barbeque to celebrate Memorial Day and honor veterans. If you don’t know a vet, visit...

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Connecting with a person who has Alzheimer’s Disease

From our Care Blog

I'm excited to share another guest post with our readers today. Ellen Woodward Potts is the co-author of A Pocket Guide for the Alzheimer’s Caregiver and here she discusses how to connect with a loved one who has Alzheimer's Disease and shares some of her own personal experiences. At FirstLight, we believe if you have met one person with dementia, you've only met one person. That is, each individual will talk, act, remember, and behave differently, not simply because of what stage of dementia they are in, but because they are who they are. That's why we've developed a unique...

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Veteran’s Day and corduroy lovers

From our Care Blog

I read a peculiar story on The Wall Street Journal’s website this morning. Apparently, today is not only a day of honor and remembrance for the 24.9 million military veterans in the U.S., but it’s also a big day for corduroy lovers. Yes, the material. The ribbed textile lovers make up the 5,000 members of the Corduroy Appreciation Club and for them, no day gets better than today—11.11.11—which clearly symbolizes the vertical lines of the beloved fabric. If corduroy isn’t your thing, you can still honor our nation’s veterans and active duty service members, for the protection they provide is...

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Using Your Sweet Tooth to Fight Alzheimer’s

From our Care Blog

Let’s be honest, most of us don’t need a reason to enjoy a milkshake, especially in the summer! Now milkshakes may have gotten even better. According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, there is now a milkshake for Alzheimer’s patients. It is estimated that 1 in 8 people over the age of 65 are affected by the disease, which is associated with memory loss, decreased judgment and personality changes. The new milkshake treatment, Axona, which is available by prescription only, provides energy to the brain, providing short-term positive effects in cognition and memory. Whether this is an option...

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