The FirstLight Care Corner

Travel Vaccines for Seniors: Stay Safe and Healthy While Traveling

From our Care Blog

Many seniors are fortunate enough to enjoy traveling the world during life’s later years. With a little planning and preparation - especially when it comes to travel vaccines - they can safely visit many different destinations, in or out of the country. Before jet-setting off to an exotic locale, it’s important that seniors do what they can to stay healthy and safe and to protect themselves from serious illnesses while traveling. Seniors should see a doctor in advance so they are aware of recommended travel vaccines and are up-to-date on routine immunizations. If you are a family member concerned about...

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Signs Your Elderly Parent Needs Help

From our Care Blog

How do adult children know when their elderly parent needs help? Oftentimes the parent won’t be the one to admit they need assistance. And sometimes they may even try to hide the fact that they need additional care. We’ve put together some helpful tips on how you - the adult child - can recognize the signs that your aging parent needs help, as well as recommendations on what you can do next. So, while you’re visiting with loved ones this holiday season, keep the following in mind: Their once tidy home is now being neglected Does your parent seem to...

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Bill Gates Invests $50 Million in Alzheimer's and Dementia Research

From our Care Blog

Could This Investment Spur Major Breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research? Last week we learned of some exciting news in the area of Alzheimer’s and dementia research. Bill Gates announced a personal investment of $50 million in the Dementia Discovery Fund—a private fund working to diversify the clinical pipeline and identify new targets for treatment. This news could potentially impact anyone who has been or will be affected by Alzheimer’s or related dementias, as well as help accelerate Alzheimer’s and dementia research. Everyday Firstlight Home Care works with patients who suffer from many different forms of dementia. We see firsthand...

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Maintaining a Positive Attitude as a Family Caregiver

From our Care Blog

Maintaining a positive attitude as a family caregiver can be difficult, especially when the role becomes overwhelming. Staying optimistic can help family caregivers cope, reduce stress and make it easier to get through the tough days. Here are some tips we often provide to our FirstLight Home Care caregivers to help them keep their amazing, positive attitudes. These may also help you - the family caregiver - to remain confident, hopeful, and encouraged when it comes to your own personal caregiving responsibilities. Learn healthy ways to manage your stress: Stress happens when you believe the demands placed on you –...

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How to Avoid Sibling Caregiver Conflict

From our Care Blog

In November, we celebrate National Home Care and Family Caregivers Month, two observances that are core to FirstLight Home Care. Throughout the month, our FirstLight blog will focus on providing the tools, tips, resources and peace of mind so many family caregivers need. We invite you to comment and share the challenges and rewarding experiences you’ve encountered throughout your caregiving journey.  How to Avoid Sibling Caregiver Conflict If not kept in check, sibling caregiver conflict can damage family relationships When it comes to caring for the needs of an aging parent, it can be helpful to share caregiving responsibilities with your...

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How to Prevent Family Caregiver Burnout

From our Care Blog

In November, we celebrate National Home Care Month and National Family Caregivers Month, two observances that are core to FirstLight Home Care. Throughout the month, our FirstLight blog will focus on providing the tools, tips, resources and peace of mind so many family caregivers need. We invite you to comment and share the challenges and rewarding experiences you’ve encountered throughout your caregiving journey. Because family caregiving is emotionally and physically draining, it can lead to caregiver burnout. For many, taking on the role of family caregiver is unfamiliar territory. While caring for a loved one is a worthwhile responsibility, it...

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Finding the Right In-Home Caregiver

From our Care Blog

In November, we celebrate National Home Care Month and National Family Caregivers Month, two observances that are core to FirstLight Home Care. Throughout the month, our FirstLight blog will focus on providing the tools, tips, resources and peace of mind so many family caregivers need. The first step is finding the right in-home caregiver. We invite you to comment and share the challenges and rewarding experiences you’ve encountered throughout your caregiving journey. Home care can be a lifeline for seniors who are aging in place, as well as those living with a disability or recovering from an illness or injury....

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Home Care May Assist in Caring for Older Veterans

From our Care Blog

Members of the “Greatest Generation” are aging quickly. Home care may be beneficial in helping these older veterans continue the quality of life they deserve. There are just under 2 million World War II veterans remaining in the U.S., and they are aging quickly. Many members of the “Greatest Generation” who are dealing with the challenges of advancing age need care and assistance with activities of daily living. Home care can be an ideal solution to help older veterans receive exceptional care and maintain the quality of life they deserve. Home care services assist veterans in a variety of ways....

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How Aging Can Impact Oral Health

From our Care Blog

Your oral health can be impacted as you age. Crowns and veneers do not last forever. Gums may recede, and tooth loss may require partial dentures, bridges or implants. No matter your age, it’s never too late to improve your oral care and work with your dentist to positively impact your overall health. A regular dental care routine and relationship with your dentist will help you understand the changes occurring with your oral health. Here are some things that you should know about your oral health and aging: Older adults are more prone to cavities and decay on the root surfaces...

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Solutions to Help Your Loved One Age in Place

From our Care Blog

October 15 – 21 is National Aging in Place Week. This is an annual effort to expand awareness of the Aging in Place movement and the available means for seniors to remain in their homes for as long as they would like. Here are four things to consider when elderly parents choose to live home alone: Create a Safe Space Aging parents living at home need to feel safe. It is important to work with them to remove any potential hazards in the key rooms they live in: the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Some basic changes include: Installing bathroom rails;...

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