Firstlight Resources

Bring Light to the Holidays—How to Avoid a Blue Holiday Season

From our Care Blog

Many people look forward to the holiday season. This is a time of year that is often associated with holiday traditions, spending time with family friends, eating delicious food, going to holiday parties and enjoying the beautiful winter weather. However, this can be a hard time of the year for seniors. They may feel nostalgic or lonely or depressed during the holiday months. As the holidays approach, they can begin to become upset about health issues, the loss of loved ones over the past year or their inability to travel to see family this year. The holiday blues can affect...

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At Home and Memories of 2013

[caption id="attachment_2966" align="aligncenter" width="300"] At Home Christmases - What is your fondest memory of 2013?[/caption] What is your fondest memory of 2013, so far? At home Christmases, the best.

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Holiday Gift Giving for Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

From our Care Blog

Shopping for holiday gifts for family members with Alzheimer’s can be tricky. You may be unsure about what they enjoy or what they’re capable of doing. When choosing a gift, think about their personality, their hobbies, their abilities and their favorite pastimes. A few great gift suggestions for those with Alzheimer’s include: A family calendar Give your loved one a personalized calendar for your family. Include pictures of family member—grandchildren, children, nieces, nephews, cousins, anyone who is close with your loved one. In addition to photos, take the time to fill in any special dates like birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and...

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At Christmas, Quiet Times to Feed the Soul - Tips for In-Home Caregivers

By Angel Everett We all lead very stressful lives, as caregivers especially. Many in-home caregivers juggle work, home, and caretaking, which leaves very little time to really relax. The holidays are now upon us and that creates more work with shopping and cooking, but it’s a perfect time to recognize our need for quiet times. Do you take a few moments out of your day to reflect and de-stress? It’s important for our physical and mental health to have that time to unwind each day. So turn off the T.V. and the ringer on the phone. You give a lot during...

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Five Tips for Seniors for Good Bone Health

From our Care Blog

Millions of Americans age 65 and older suffer from a condition called osteoporosis, which weakens the bones and makes them more likely to fracture. As people age, their bones become more brittle, and fractures could lead to great pain, loss of mobility or force people into assisted living. Fractures can also require surgery, such as hip replacement, which can lead to additional complications. Maintaining bone health is also important because osteoporosis is a disease that sneaks up on people and often times has no symptoms until a fracture occurs. Adopting healthy personal habits is important for people to avoid having...

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Out of Town Siblings Doesn’t Mean Out of Sight

From our Care Blog

By Dr. Thomas Hoess Taking care of an elderly parent from out-of-town is not easy. It’s the late night calls from the group home that your Mom is on the way to the hospital because she may have a blood clot that causes your heart to race. It’s when the phone rings after 10PM that you worry it’s the final call, the one telling you that your Mom passed away. It is challenging. Harrowing. Stressful. In my family there’s only my sister and I. Sometimes I think having a bigger family and spreading  the caregiving around would be easier. I...

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At Home This Holiday Season How to Have "The Talk" with loved ones

Wondering how to start the conversation with an aging parent about a sensitive topic? Whether you need to talk about moving, giving up driving, or bringing in help, knowing which words to use and to avoid can improve the odds of moving toward solutions

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Holiday Meals with Aging Loved Ones

From our Care Blog

The holiday season is upon us! For many, the holidays are a time to gather with family around the dining room table, enjoying food and conversation. However, the holidays are often a time when many seniors become increasingly frustrated by their disabilities. As a family caregiver, it is important to be aware of any limitations that your aging loved one may have while planning a holiday meal. That includes everything from adapted cooking tools that will allow them to stay involved in the meal preparation to seating arrangements to help them feel comfortable with conversation during the meal. Meal Preparation:...

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The Best Christmas Gift For Seniors Is You!

From our Care Blog

As we all get caught up in the throes of holiday shopping, it’s important to remember the gifts that are the most meaningful. You probably don’t remember what you got for Hanukah or Christmas last year, because they were just “things”. It may have been the latest high tech gadget or even some bling or a bauble. Chances are by this time it’s out-of-date or in the Goodwill bag you have been meaning to donate. Buying gifts for seniors can be challenging, since they usually have everything they need, and the last thing they want is more clutter.  So here...

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At Home Care Tip, Peaceful Christmas, Journal Entry Three, At a Homeless Shelter or Food Pantry

[caption id="attachment_649" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Peaceful Christmas Tip Journal Entry Three - Donate Food to Homeless Shelter or Food Pantry[/caption] Donate to those in need – Look outside of yourself - volunteer at a food pantry or soup kitchen, collect needed items for the homeless shelters, or volunteer at a homeless shelter. You’ll quickly gain perspective, better appreciate your blessings, and you will get a gift in return far greater, knowing you have made a difference by helping those who are perhaps less fortunate than yourself. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed during the holidays, take a break. Find a quiet...

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