Alzheimer’s and
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Finding Comfort in Caregiver Support

From our Care Blog

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...

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3 Great Reasons To Become A Caregiver Today

From our Care Blog

“There are only four kinds of people in this world: those who have been a caregiver, those who are currently a caregiver, those who will be a caregiver and those who will need a caregiver. Caregiving is universal.”- Rosalynn Carter, Former First Lady of the United States According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and the AARP Public Policy Institute, over 40 million Americans are providing care for an adult family member or friend. Additionally, the number of new career opportunities for care jobs will be over 1 million by 2028, which would grow the current care workforce by 46%....

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Keep Seniors Active During COVID-19

From our Care Blog

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...

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Everyday Ways to Boost Brain Health

From our Care Blog

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...

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Top Caregiver Skills| FirstLight Home Care

From our Care Blog

Considering a new career in home care? FirstLight offers full training and support – but these caregiver skills will also come in handy.

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6 Things You Must Ask Yourself Before Becoming Your Parent's Caregiver

From our Care Blog

Every year, an estimated 43.5 million adults in the U.S.—about 60% of them women—become a parent's caregiver. (Source: AARP). Taking care of someone you love is rewarding, but it does come with its own challenges. Here are six things you must ask yourself before becoming your parent’s caregiver: Are you prepared for the physical challenges of caregiving? Many people sign up to be the primary caregiver out of a sense of duty or even guilt. While it is admirable to become the family caregiver, you may not be entirely prepared for the roller coaster of emotions and physical stress that...

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Safely Resume Activities in the New Normal

From our Care Blog

We all want to stay safe and connected. With cities across the United States easing restrictions and lifting stay-at-home orders, many family caregivers may be wondering if it is safe for seniors to venture out? There is still a high coronavirus risk to older adults, but there are ways to help them get out of the house and resume activities in the new normal while keeping them safe and healthy. We put together some helpful tips on how to test the waters and safely ease back into social activities while minimizing coronavirus exposure. This piece was originally featured on the...

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Considering Options for Your Loved One? Home Care is the Answer

From our Care Blog

Most adults over the age of 65 prefer to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. We know that there are many long-term benefits of allowing adults the freedom to age in place. Staying at home helps seniors maintain a routine, and home provides the familiarity and comfort that no other place can. While aging at home is the ideal situation, many seniors need help with various tasks throughout the day to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. When faced with this need, some gravitate toward assisted living or other senior living communities. While these options offer...

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How to Talk to Kids and Teens About Coronavirus

From our Care Blog

Everywhere you turn people are talking about the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). This unprecedented pandemic is affecting nearly everyone and everything - from school closures and job loss to the cancellation of special events to limited interaction with friends and family. If the news of these uncertain and unusual times is impacting how you are feeling, it most likely is impacting the children in your household too. Kids and teenagers alike need adults to help them put something like COVID-19 into perspective. It is important to create an open and supportive environment where children can ask questions… and if they are...

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What Makes A Great Caregiver?

From our Care Blog

Caregiving is more than just taking care of the physical needs of a senior, a person with disabilities, or someone recovering from surgery. A good in-home caregiver provides support and encouragement. They form a relationship and foster a bond with the person in their care. And for many families, the caregiver becomes part of their family. At FirstLight Home Care, we have found that the best professional caregivers go above and beyond for the families in their care. They are reliable, responsible and trustworthy. They are respectful, kind and patient. If you’re searching for a professional home caregiver, it’s important...

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