Firstlight Resources

How Sandwich Generation Caregivers Can Manage Stress

From our Care Blog

Are you part of the sandwich generation? You know, those adults who are “sandwiched” between their elderly parents and their own children. Sandwich generation caregivers are made up of people who are caring for their aging parents while also supporting their own children. This generation typically includes people in their 40s, 50s and sometimes 60s. Most of these individuals work outside the home. It is predominantly women who take on this caregiving role. The majority struggle to balance the demands that come from caring for so many. According to a 2017 Pew research report, nearly half of those aged 40...

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The Impact of Being a Spousal Caregiver

From our Care Blog

Taking on the role of spousal caregiver can be tough, but there are a number of ways that enlisting the help of FirstLight Home Care can benefit you.

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Happy Birthday, America!

From our Care Blog

With a true national spirit of courage, integrity, sacrifice, liberty and independence we wish you a Happy Independence Day! From all of us at FirstLight Home Care, we wish you a happy 4th of July.

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Summer Travel Tips for Seniors

From our Care Blog

A roundup of some of our most popular travel advice. According to a recent AARP report summarizing 2019 boomer travel trends, seniors are expected to take four to five leisure trips this year. Oftentimes, travel can be especially difficult for seniors. For some, there are certain considerations to keep in mind in order to ensure a safe, relaxing vacation, especially if they have mobility issues or are traveling with oxygen. And others may need to do some extra planning before going on a trip, like filling prescriptions in advance and packing all the medications they will need while away. But,...

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How does Alzheimer's Affect the Family Caregiver?

From our Care Blog

The impact of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's has a ripple effect on the entire family and their network of friends, but most likely the biggest effect is on the family caregiver. The impact Alzheimer’s disease has on caregivers can lead to a variety of emotions, from guilt to anger, as well as influence their own physical and financial well-being. The most common effects include: Increased Risk of Physical Illness: A recent study conducted by the Mayo Clinic uncovered that family caregivers report a greater number of physical health problems and worse overall health compared with non-caregivers. Family...

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6 Tips for Long Distance Family Caregivers

From our Care Blog

Many families live long distances from one another, and caregiving from afar is more prevalent today than it has been in years. Trends in family mobility and urbanization are moving more and more adult children farther from their aging parents, making family care more difficult. If you are one of the many who don’t live nearby to care for your aging parents, no need to panic. You can still be actively involved and take on a meaningful caregiving role from miles away. At FirstLight Home Care, we help many families living miles between loved ones and have found the following...

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Simple Ways Family Caregivers Can Take Time for Themselves (and Not Feel Guilty!)

From our Care Blog

As a family caregiver, you are focused on the care of others. And often the one person you forget to take care of is yourself. We all know how important it is for you to stay healthy, fit and rested in order to be at your best. Caring for another is a rewarding personal experience, especially if it’s one of your own family members. But at the same time, factors like exhaustion, worry, inadequate resources, and continuous care demands can be enormously stressful. It is important that family caregiver takes time for themselves. Here are a few simple ways to...

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Join Us in The Fight Against Alzheimer’s

From our Care Blog

On The Longest Day, the strength of our light will outshine the darkness of Alzheimer’s. The longest day in our calendar year is determined by the day with the most daylight – the summer solstice. In 2019 this day is June 21. On this day, and through August, FirstLight® Home Care locations across the United States will join thousands of participants around the world to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s by hosting community fundraising activities and awareness events in support of The Longest Day®. Alzheimer’s disease is a global epidemic. Progressive and eventually debilitating, Alzheimer’s is devasting to everyone affected...

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Summer Travel Tips for the Family Caregiver

From our Care Blog

Summer is quickly approaching and for many, the longing for a vacation is in the air. But the idea of taking time off can be daunting for the 40+ million family caregivers who support and aid a loved one with everyday needs. As a caregiver, a summer holiday getaway may not seem possible, especially if it means leaving your elderly loved one alone in their home. Worrying about their safety while you are away can make it difficult for you to relax and enjoy your well-deserved, and most likely needed, vacation. Caring for a parent or grandparent can be challenging...

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Recovery After a Stroke: Tips for the Family Caregiver

From our Care Blog

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. If you are caring for a family member who has had a stroke, and you are helping them recover in their home, we know firsthand the high levels of emotional and physical stress you both may experience without proper in-home care services. Caregivers play a vital role in the post-stroke recovery process. The more aware caregivers are of available resources, programs, services, and self-care tips - for the stroke survivor and themselves - the more likely they will affect positive outcomes and keep stress at a minimum. FirstLight Home Care has put together the...

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