Alzheimer’s and
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Working Family Caregivers: Managing a Delicate Balance

From our Care Blog

The challenges of the family caregiver are gaining more visibility. But there's one part of the family caregiving story that still needs much more attention: the struggles of the family caregiver who's also maintaining a job. New data is giving us a clearer picture of the impact of caregiving on work-life balance, as well as employee productivity and performance. Let’s review that data, and explore opportunities for family caregivers to get more support during their 9-to-5. Working family caregivers are in good company. An estimated one-fifth of today’s working Americans are also family caregivers, which means they are, in essence,...

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The Post-Holiday Transition: Isolation and Depression in Older Adults

From our Care Blog

The holidays – and the many visitors and activities that come with them – have come and gone. And for many older adults, the looming question is, “Now what?” The post-holiday season can be especially challenging for older adults who are already dealing with isolation. The sudden and dramatic change in their environment when activities wane and loved ones leave after the holidays can have a profound impact on their mental health. A very real problem for the aging population As the population of adults 65 and older continues to explode, we’re learning more about the impacts of isolation. As...

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A FirstLight Wish: What We Hope You Bring to the New Year

From our Care Blog

 “What the New Year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the New Year.” - Vern McLellan | Pastor, Author and Speaker The packages under the tree have been unwrapped. The final candle of the menorah will soon be lit. The first moments of 2017 are within reach. As we reflect on the holiday season and prepare to usher in the New Year, FirstLight wishes you five gifts to bring with you into 2017. The gift of companionship. May you be in the company of people whose presence enriches your life. The gift of...

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Moments of Thanksgiving

From our Care Blog

It’s difficult to capture in one blog post all the things we’re thankful for at FirstLight Home Care. For us, it’s about the clients who trust us to help them achieve independence and live happier lives. The family caregivers who invite us to be a part of their caregiving journeys. The partners who help us deliver the best home care services. And the referral sources who introduce us to the people who will become such a central part of our lives. But just as much as we’re profoundly grateful for the people who allow us to live out our mission...

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50 Ways Home Care Can Support Family Caregivers

From our Care Blog

For so many family caregivers, the story is familiar. “I don’t know where to turn for help.” Or, “I’m exhausted. I don’t think I can do this on my own anymore.” Or, “There has to be a better way to care for my loved one.” These are the words of an untold number of family caregivers who are struggling to provide care and support for loved ones, while at the same time maintaining some balance in their own lives. The good news is there is somewhere to turn for help. You don’t have to do it alone. There’s a way...

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A Helpful Dozen: 12 Online Resources for Family Caregivers

From our Care Blog

A recent report from the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine concluded that there’s more to caring for the older adult population than services and support for aging individuals. An equally urgent need is resources for the family caregiver who is so integral to their care. The report found that nearly 18 million Americans care for a relative older than 65. And that those providing support are often thrust into the family caregiving role without the preparation, services, support and information they need. The Academies said “the need to recognize and support caregivers is among the most significant challenges”...

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Caring Is Our Calling: What It Means To Be a Caregiver

From our Care Blog

“Going the extra mile for somebody, you can’t teach that. It has to be inside you already.” DeShawn Joiner, FirstLight Home Care 2016 Caregiver of the Year November is an important and treasured month for FirstLight Home Care. Each year, we observe National Home Care Month, as well as National Family Caregivers Awareness Month. While we’re always grateful for the important role we play – caring for our clients and supporting family caregivers – November is an opportunity for us to truly reflect on just what it means to be a caregiver. Caring Is Our Calling FirstLight was created with...

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Empowering the Older Adult: Tips for Taking Control of Your Health

From our Care Blog

October isn’t just about falling leaves, candy corn and jack-o-lanterns. It’s also Health Literacy Month, Organize Your Medical Information Month and Talk About Your Medicines Month. Are all of these observances trying to tell us something? Numerous studies have shown that people who are engaged in their health have better health outcomes. That’s why October is a good time to resolve to be informed, get organized and start a conversation. Following are tips to help older adults – and their family caregivers – take control of their health during October, and every month throughout the year. Be informed during Health...

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Limited Engagement: Short-Term Care Can Provide Long-Term Boost

From our Care Blog

Chances are you’re already aware that non-medical home care is growing in popularity as a way to help older adults age in place – over the long term – while maintaining their quality of life. But you may not know that home care can also provide short-term assistance for adults ages 18 and older who need temporary companionship or support with the activities of daily living. One of the most frequently asked questions to our Just Ask FirstLight service is whether non-medical home care can be provided on a short-term, episodic or as-needed basis. And the answer is a resounding yes!...

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The Flu Vaccination: “Nice to Have” or “Must Have” for Older Adults?

From our Care Blog

Some people go to great lengths to keep themselves and their loved ones healthy this time of the year. Even so, there’s one thing we can count on each time the calendar turns to fall: Flu season. If you’re caring for an aging loved one, you’ve probably wondered if a flu vaccine should be part of your seasonal wellness routine. After all, many people view the flu shot as a “nice to have" – something that’s beneficial if it fits into the schedule, but not a requirement for good health. But the reality is that the flu vaccine offers critical protection...

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