Firstlight Resources

At Home at Christmastime, Tips for a Peaceful Christmas, Addressing Needs Uncovered, Journal Entry Four

  [caption id="attachment_2556" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Christmastime Visits and A List of Things to Pay Attention To with Older Family Members and Friends[/caption] A List of Things to Pay Attention To (to name a few) During Your Visit with Older Friends and Relatives This Christmas:  weight loss or gain, body odor, increased frailty, unopened mail (especially hand-addressed envelopes), plants and/or animals that look unattended or unhealthy, medications in disarray, evidence of fire (burnt pot holders), appliances that are out of order, clutter of garbage in and around the house, decreased or no social engagement with neighbors or in the community, rugs...

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At Thanksgiving, an In Home Care Tip for November and December

[caption id="attachment_1930" align="aligncenter" width="300"] In-Home Caregiving Tips[/caption] In-Home Care Tip for November and December: Gratitude – It’s not just for THANKSgiving – Discover the Health Benefits of Gratefulness Year-Round. Keep a daily journal of those things for which you are grateful. Your health will thank you for doing it.  

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5 Senior Friendly Remodels That Won't Break The Bank

From our Care Blog

Living well during your golden years is something of a double-edge sword.  You now have the time to fill your days pursuing hobbies and interests that were put on hold due to other life demands.  The other side of the coin – the possibility of failing health or a fall – needs to be addressed before disruptions push your new found pursuits aside for good.   Moving to a care facility or a smaller, accessibility friendly home isn’t much of a choice.   In economically challenging times, there’s a reason why remodeling your home, including additions like stair lifts and walk-In showers/tub...

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Helping Your Aging Parents Quit Smoking

From our Care Blog

Did you know that today, the third Thursday of November, is the Great American Smokeout? Each year, smokers are encouraged to use this date to make a plan for quitting or to quit smoking on that day. Smoking can be especially dangerous for older adults. According to the American Lung Association, older smokers are “significantly less likely than younger smokers to believe that smoking harms their health.” About 8% of those 65 or older are smokers. Even if it’s just for one day, quitting smoking has many health benefits. In one day, your blood circulation increases and your risk of...

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4 Quick Alzheimer's Communication Tips

From our Care Blog

Did you know that 1 in 9 people ages 65 and older has Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s changes the way that your loved ones communicate. Some caregivers may not see very many differences, but others may notice that it becomes increasingly difficult to communicate with loved ones with Alzheimer’s. There are some common communication changes that caregivers may notice as Alzheimer’s disease progresses. You might hear your loved one repeating familiar words, speaking in their native language or mixing up the order of words in a sentence. They may also have trouble communicating their feelings or speak less often than usual....

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At Home For the Holidays and Need Help With The Flurry of In-Home Activity?

[caption id="attachment_2959" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Let Hearthside Home Care Help You With the Flurry of In-Home Activity This Holiday[/caption] Home for the Holidays?   Need help with the flurry of activity? Whether for a visit, a few hours, or around the clock, call us at 336-808-1351, toll free 866-808-1351 Companionship. Personal care. Caregiver Respite. Short and Long Term Assignments.

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Six Signs of Caregiver Burnout and Some Tips for Recovering

From our Care Blog

As a caregiver, you spend considerable time and energy determining and meeting the needs of the person you are caring for, but all too often, you neglect to devote the same attention to your own needs. When this happens you are likely to suffer from caregiver burnout. Without considering your own needs, you’ll often find that you have a harder time coping with stress and you begin to suffer physically, emotionally, and mentally. Why Caregiver Burnout Happens Whether you are providing care for a parent, a spouse, or a child, you are still at risk for caregiver burnout. Burnout isn’t...

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Activities for Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

From our Care Blog

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. When spending time with seniors who have Alzheimer’s or dementia, it is important consider what they enjoyed doing before they began to lose their memory. Find an activity that makes them feel purposeful—they may not remember what they did that day but they will remember how they felt doing it. Go through photo albums. This is a fun activity for people with memory challenges and you might hear a story you’ve never heard before. Seeing the old pictures takes them back to a time that they can remember—the memories are still there and...

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Missing The Crazy Christmas Lady

From our Care Blog

The other day my daughter asked me to watch “The Grinch That Stole Christmas” with Jim Carrey. It was the first snow of the year, and it seemed like a fun thing to do, even though it was way ahead of the holidays. It’s a fun movie with a heartfelt message. When the movie ended, I started to cry. Not little sniffles, but heaving sobs. When my daughter asked me why, I explained that it was the first holiday season without my Mom. These “milestone” moments are always hard, particularly the first year.  We liked to make fun of her...

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FirstLight Client Celebrates 105th Birthday in the House He Built by Hand

From our Care Blog

Most people would consider living to your mid-90’s an accomplishment by itself, but what if you heard that a man just turned 105 years old, and is still living in the house that he built 65 years ago? Well that actually happened last month when FirstLight client Bill Mohr, a World War II veteran of Hatboro, Pennsylvania, celebrated his 105th birthday with his wife, Jo, and the rest of their family. That same day, he and Jo shared their 70th wedding anniversary and he also received an honorary high school diploma from St. Joseph Preparatory School. He received a full...

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