Firstlight Resources

Oral health care for the elderly

From our Care Blog

A recent visit to the dentist left me thinking about the issue of oral health care for the elderly. A report on the oral health of older Americans noted that dental care is a luxury many of the seniors in our society can’t afford; a whopping 20 percent of Americans age 75 and older lack any form of dental insurance. Additionally, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 23 percent of people between the ages of 65 and 74 have severe periodontal disease. Poor oral health in the elderly can lead to inadequate diet, malnutrition, inadequate oral...

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Another End of the Spectrum

From our Care Blog

My mother in law, Martha, who has Alzheimer’s disease, has been my main focus here; however, today I would like to talk about my foster mother who is 88 years old.  Her name is Jule, short for Julia, and I can still hear my foster dad say, “Now Jule” when they would disagree about something and he felt she had crossed the line.  I guess because this was such a rare event it made an impression on me.  It just occurred to me you might be wondering how I ended up with foster parents.  Well, first let me say these...

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Our Home Care Agency Supports the 2011 Walk to End Alzheimer's

[caption id="attachment_386" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Do you know the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's? Hearthside Home Care's In-Home Care Services in Greensboro NC Can Help"][/caption] Hearthside Home Care is pleased to donate its product sale proceeds from this Thursday, March 31, 2011, during Cafe Pasta's 26th Anniversary, at 305 State Street, from 6-8pm, to the 2011 Walk to End Alzheimer's. Come on out! Also, are you curious to know the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's? Let us know and we'll send to you FREE!

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Cruisin' in the fast lane

From our Care Blog

A recent video news clip from Philadelphia’s NBC affiliate shows a 68-year old woman driving the wrong way down a major express way—putting her life as well as many others on the road at stake. Unfortunately, this scenario and other related accidents occur daily as many seniors encounter driving difficulties as they age. According to AAA, 86 percent of respondents to a recent survey said they were “concerned” about their elderly parent’s ability to drive. Assessing an older adult’s driving skills and deciding whether or not to take the keys away is a very hard decision. There are many factors...

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Alzheimer's Benefit - 2011 Walk to End Alzheimer's

[caption id="attachment_1009" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Alzheimer's Benefit at Heritage Greens Thursday March 24, 2011 4:30-6:30 P.M."][/caption] Heritage Greens is hosting a festive Cocktail After Hour Professional Social on Thursday March 24, 2011 from 4:30-6:30pm. at 801 Meadowood St, Greensboro, NC. Network with fellow senior industry colleagues. Donations appreciated and will be collected to support Heritage Greens' team for the 2011 Walk to End Alzheimer's. Tours of the Heritage Greens Retirement Community will also be available. Phone number for Heritage Greens 336-299-4400.

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Arthritis - A Joint Effort!

  [caption id="attachment_984" align="aligncenter" width="150" caption="Learn more about arthritis, and how you can prevent it"][/caption] This winter many of us wanted to curl up under a blanket for hours at a time, only to find our knees and hips creaking in protest upon standing. Is this stiffness the result of a winter of inactivity, or some deeper sign of aging, such as arthritis? There are 3 main types of arthritis that we are most familiar with: • Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and is caused when the cartilage covering the ends of our bones is gradually worn away...

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How To Cope With A Loved One’s Memory Loss

From our Care Blog

Studies estimate that up to 40 percent of adults over age 50 suffer from age-related memory loss. Diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia affect thousands of elderly Americans as well as their caregivers and loved ones. Renowned psychologist Dr. Dale Atkins, PhD. was recently interviewed on the TODAY show where she offered ways caregivers and friends and family members of victims of memory loss can remain connected. Here are a few of her suggestions: • Continue to take part in events and activities that you both previously enjoyed together and still love to do. This helps remind...

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Our Home is Our Safety Net and Our Comfort Zone

  [caption id="attachment_1567" align="alignright" width="225" caption="Home Safety and Fall Prevention from Hearthside Home Care"][/caption]     Our home is our safety net and our comfort zone. Yet how safe are we in our own homes? National home injury statistics show that falls in the home are a serious public health problem, with nearly 5.1 million Americans injured by falls in and around the home each year. With a little planning and modification.... (read more Fall Prevention and Safety Facts from Hearthside Home Care  )

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In the News: FirstLight Franchisee Offers Tips for Seniors on Social Media

From our Care Blog

An increasing number of seniors are turning to social media as a way to connect with family and friends. Social media can provide a safe and easy way for seniors to stay updated and connected with family members – especially with loved ones that live out-of-state. Websites like Facebook can provide seniors who might be feeling lonely with a good sense of companionship. FirstLight franchisee Michael LaVell was featured this week in Michigan Senior Living and provided expert commentary on ways seniors can utilize social media safely. Here are some things to keep in mind when getting your senior familiar...

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THON a Huge Recordbreaking Success This Year

Almost $9.5+ million was raised last weekend! Helping conquer childhood cancer at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Children's Hospital. Thanks to all Penn State alumni and friends who came out and supported this! [caption id="attachment_925" align="aligncenter" width="150" caption="Pennsylvania State University Annual THON Fundraiser Event at Volvo Communication Center This Sunday Feb 20 2011 from 2-5pm "][/caption]

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