The FirstLight Care Corner

Home Care May Assist in Caring for Older Veterans

From our Care Blog

Members of the “Greatest Generation” are aging quickly. Home care may be beneficial in helping these older veterans continue the quality of life they deserve. There are just under 2 million World War II veterans remaining in the U.S., and they are aging quickly. Many members of the “Greatest Generation” who are dealing with the challenges of advancing age need care and assistance with activities of daily living. Home care can be an ideal solution to help older veterans receive exceptional care and maintain the quality of life they deserve. Home care services assist veterans in a variety of ways....

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How Aging Can Impact Oral Health

From our Care Blog

Your oral health can be impacted as you age. Crowns and veneers do not last forever. Gums may recede, and tooth loss may require partial dentures, bridges or implants. No matter your age, it’s never too late to improve your oral care and work with your dentist to positively impact your overall health. A regular dental care routine and relationship with your dentist will help you understand the changes occurring with your oral health. Here are some things that you should know about your oral health and aging: Older adults are more prone to cavities and decay on the root surfaces...

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Solutions to Help Your Loved One Age in Place

From our Care Blog

October 15 – 21 is National Aging in Place Week. This is an annual effort to expand awareness of the Aging in Place movement and the available means for seniors to remain in their homes for as long as they would like. Here are four things to consider when elderly parents choose to live home alone: Create a Safe Space Aging parents living at home need to feel safe. It is important to work with them to remove any potential hazards in the key rooms they live in: the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Some basic changes include: Installing bathroom rails;...

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What’s Best for Mom? Navigating Senior Care Options

From our Care Blog

By the year 2020, 56 million Americans will be 65 and older. By 2050, that number will reach 84 million. Nearly 70 percent of Americans who reach 65 will not be able to care for themselves without assistance at some point in their lives.* Many adult children can attest to this - most elderly would prefer to age at home. In fact, 90% of people aged 65+ want to stay in their homes for as long as possible. And 80% think their current home is where they will always live. However, remaining at home might not always be the right...

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How to Have Difficult Discussions with Your Aging Parent

From our Care Blog

Have you noticed lately that your aging parent may need more help? Perhaps you’ve seen expired food in their refrigerator? Or a mysterious new dent in the front of their car? Or perhaps they’ve started missing doses of their medication. Having difficult discussions with your aging parent can be tough, especially if your parent is having trouble accepting the fact that they may need assistance. Your goal is to make sure they stay safe and healthy, but they may not see it that way. Having difficult discussions with your aging parent can be easier if you know how to approach...

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Understanding the Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

From our Care Blog

Progression, stages of the disease from the Alzheimer's Association. If you’ve met one person with Alzheimer’s disease, you’ve only met one person. Everyone with Alzheimer’s experiences the disease differently. However, patients with the illness tend to follow a similar path from the beginning of the disease to its end. The key is understanding the progression and stages of Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer's Association, the disease typically progresses slowly in three general stages: Mild (early-stage) Moderate (middle-stage) Severe (late-stage) One thing is certain: the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease get worse over time. But because Alzheimer’s affects people in different ways,...

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What Are the Keys to Healthy Aging?

From our Care Blog

September is Healthy Aging Month Aging is a natural part of life. With it comes many challenges, both physically and mentally. Sometimes there are surprises and uncertainties, and occasionally there are changes in our bodies and minds we just don’t want to face. Yet, as we age, it becomes even more important to take control of our own health and focus on healthy aging. Now is the time! September is Healthy Aging® Month, an annual observance aimed at focusing national attention on the positive aspects of growing older… a chance to encourage us to take personal responsibility for our health…...

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Important Differences Between Dementia and Alzheimer's

From our Care Blog

Do you know the important differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s? Many people don’t. And the two terms often cause confusion among patients and families, as well as caregivers. The terms Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease are often used interchangeably. While the two are similar, there are important differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s. Dementia is a general term used to describe symptoms that affect memory, daily activities and communication abilities. It is often associated with the cognitive decline of aging. Although dementia largely affects older people, it is not a normal part of aging. According to the World Health Organization, 47.5 million people...

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Challenges Facing Family Caregivers

From our Care Blog

Caregiving for a loved one is a balancing act Many people will become the primary caregiver of an aging parent or loved one, if they haven’t already. Caregiving is worthwhile and rewarding, but there are many challenges facing family caregivers. It becomes even more challenging if the caregiver has his or her own obligations, such as a job and children to care for, or if they must travel long distances to care for their elderly relative. By recognizing the challenges facing many caregivers, you may be able to prepare in advance and reduce the difficulties that lie ahead. Some of...

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Respite Care Can Make a Difference in Lives of Family Caregivers

From our Care Blog

Don’t feel guilty about taking care of yourself too.  Consider respite care. Caring for a loved one can be very fulfilling. Family members often step in as caregivers to help an elderly parent or grandparent, chronically ill family member or loved one with a disability because they are loving and compassionate, and because they would do anything to ensure that person has the best quality of life possible. However, caregiving is often a full-time job that can impact your health and well-being, job performance and overall life balance. Suddenly you find yourself putting your own needs aside and you forget...

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