The FirstLight Care Corner

The Mystery of the Observation Status

From our Care Blog

As of today, Martha, my mother in law, has been in the hospital 6 days.  She has received a multitude of tests, IV’s and nurses and doctors have been in and out to see her.  The medical social worker (MSW) visited and told us she could make arrangements for her to be discharged to a Rehabilitation center for physical and occupational therapy; however, the facility wanted $8,000.00 up front.  After the initial shock, where I almost had to resuscitate the rest of the family, we began to ask questions.  Come to find out, Martha has been an observation patient this...

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FirstLight offers unique approach to dementia care

From our Care Blog

As the number of people suffering from Alzheimer’s continues to rise, so does the number of unpaid caregivers. According to a recent article in USA Today, nearly 15 million unpaid caregivers in the U.S. help someone with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Any family member or caregiver can tell you that caring for a person with dementia is not an easy, glamorous job; it’s often filled with stress and exhaustion. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, increasing awareness and education of the disease, and planning for care in the early stages can help relieve much of the stress...

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How Daylight Savings Time Effects Your Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease

From our Care Blog

It occurred to me as I sat at breakfast with my mother in law, Martha, who suffers with Alzheimer’s disease that she didn’t seem quite herself today.  That may sound strange to some of you but even as an individual is progressing through the dementia stages they do retain certain parts of their personality.  Now, sometimes the subtle changes can occur before an illness such as a urinary tract infection or even dehydration.  So I started this morning with running through the gamut of potential problems.  Beginning with the small things such as the lighting being adequate, is she warm...

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Emergency preparedness for seniors

From our Care Blog

Thursday’s string of natural disasters, which caused destruction and tragedy in Japan, Hawaii and on the Western coast of the U.S., have raised prominent questions and concerns for friends, family members and caregivers of the elderly.  How can we keep our elderly loved ones safe when natural disasters occur? Here are some tips on preparing the elderly for emergencies: Natural disasters Although some disasters can be difficult to prepare for, it’s important to have a plan in place to escape to safety where your senior can notify you of what is happening. Knowing the steps to take in the event...

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Caregiving Stories from Nurse Gina – Personal stories of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease from the perspective of a Certified Dementia Practitioner

From our Care Blog

[caption id="attachment_330" align="alignleft" width="99" caption="In addition to being a Registered Nurse and Certified Dementia Practitioner, Gina Kaurich (above) is also a caregiver of her mother-in-law."][/caption] You would think by now I would be accustom to the depersonalization of the hospital system. After all, I have been a Registered Nurse since 1973 and worked as a candy striper starting in junior high. But I continue to be faced with generalizations when it comes to some of the medical community working with people. It saddens me for those who do not have the knowledge to make decisions, often very tough decisions regarding...

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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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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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In the news: FirstLight’s director of client services Gina Kaurich discusses seniors who bully

From our Care Blog

Msnbc.com published an article this week that brought much needed attention to the issue of senior bullying. FirstLight’s director of client services, Gina Kaurich, lent her expertise on the matter. As a previous director of nursing at an assisted living facility she has seen how far senior bullying can go. According to Kaurich, there is a type of caste system among residents in many nursing home facilities that can exacerbate the mistreatment of seniors in the home. There is little research on elderly bullying but senior care experts estimate about 10-20 percent of seniors have experienced some type of aggression...

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In the news: FirstLight Home Care creates 90 jobs for Dayton, Ohio caregivers

From our Care Blog

In response to the rise of the senior population and a growing client base, FirstLight’s three Dayton-area facilities in Kettering, Beavercreek and Clayton, are each looking to add 20-30 more caregivers, as reported in today’s issue of the Dayton Business Journal. Additionally, the firm has plans to further expand this year in Cincinnati with five facilities and into Cleveland for the first time, with six facilities. If you’re a subscriber, read the full article HERE to see what the Dayton-area franchisees have to say about their recent success.

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Are you physically able to be your parents' caregiver?

From our Care Blog

I stumbled upon an article today on the Maturity Matters blog that raised a very poignant question: Are you physically able to be your parents’ caregiver? With the boomer population rapidly increasing and the desire to age in place greater than ever, it’s no surprise many of us will inevitably start taking care of our parents. As anyone in the home care industry can attest, the job of caregiver is -- albeit filled with love -- also a frustrating, exhausting, emotional, sometimes boring and often lonely experience. What can caregivers do to keep themselves in shape for this kind of...

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