Understanding
Senior Care

Tips On Caring For Your Aging Parents Long Distance

From our Care Blog

For many adult children, caring for their aging parents long distance is just a fact of life. You may live in one place, but your parents live thousands of miles away. You can’t pick up and move because of work or other family commitments. Talking on the phone daily is not the same as seeing them in person;  you can’t judge for yourself how they are really doing. You are not alone. According to a study by Met Life, more than 80% of long distance care providers are working either full or part-time and more than four in ten had...

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Dear Mom,

From our Care Blog

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 10, 2015. To celebrate the day, FirstLight Home Care pulled together some wonderful ways to celebrate and honor your mom. 1. Write Her A Letter. Yes, we're saying go "old school". The art of letter writing is dying and we want to revive it. Find a great card, sit down and memorialize what you love about your mom. Mail it to her and it will be a surprise in her mailbox when it is delivered. 2. Take A Stroll. Spring has sprung and if you both can, take a stroll. Head out to a local...

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Must Have Documents For Your Aging Parents

From our Care Blog

Too often, we are caught off guard: an sudden illness or accident robs us of our ability to plan ahead when it comes to critical healthcare and legal decisions. We wait until a crisis hits, when we are least capable of making rational decisions. Whether you’re a baby boomer or a senior citizen, there are some must have documents to protect yourself and your loved ones. Planning ahead will ensure that your children will be able to make health and legal decisions on your behalf should you be unable to do so. No one wants to think about dying or...

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Bone Health Tip: Protect Yourself Against Falls

From our Care Blog

Keep your bones healthy by eating right, exercise, keeping tabs of your T-Score, don’t smoke and limit your intake of alcohol and meats. But don’t forget to check your home and make sure you have your home safe to help you avoid accidents that could lead to a fall. Here are some simple do-it-yourself (DIY) fixes can reduce your risk of falls in your home: Secure rugs so they won't slip Remove clutter from walkways Install night lights in hallways Use a no-skid rubber mat in the bathtub Install a grab bar in the shower Make sure your slippers have...

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Why Give Blood

From our Care Blog

January is National Blood Donor Month. If you have donated blood to an organization like the American Red Cross, thank you. If you’ve never donated blood but are interested, here are a few reasons why you should donate this month and in future months. Blood is essential for life: it carries oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, fights infections, and helps heal wounds. And everyone has this self-generating resource that can be generously given to others—when and where it is needed most.   Your donation will save lives. Every time you donate you can save the lives of as many...

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What are you reading? January is National Book Month.

From our Care Blog

Typically the weather in January isn’t cooperating in most states across our country. That’s okay. January is national book month so why not find a couple of great books and celebrate the month lost in something fabulous. Many of us at FirstLight Home Care are avid book readers. Here’s a small list of our favorite books (some we have read more than once) that we thought others might like. And no, they are not in any order, just our list. Tuesday with Morrie, Mitch Albom To Kill a Mockingbird – yes, if you had to read this book in High...

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Dealing with Loneliness in the Elderly.

From our Care Blog

Loneliness is something we can help elderly family and friends overcome.  Depending upon when you spot loneliness behavior in your elderly parent will determine how they react to your attempt to bring them into a more activities. They may well be in a depressive state if they are isolated and one of the symptoms of this is a lack of desire to socialize.  Consequently they may not be keen to make the effort, but you have to recognize the importance of breaking them out of this vicious circle. Here are some tips to help you and your elderly family members...

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Top 10 Holiday Songs

From our Care Blog

It’s funny how the traditional Christmas songs from way-back-when are still the core of music being sung today. There are not a lot of new Christmas songs being written and published (thankfully). These classic songs can stir up memories of some of our favorite times during the holiday season. We love to hear them, but sung by the voices from our past – Perry Como, Doris Day, Jimmy Durante, Frank Sinatra and Johnny Mercer. Although we can appreciate artists like Lady Gaga, Michel Buble, and even Justin Bieber creating their own versions of these classics, it’s just not the same....

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Holidays and Elderly Loneliness

From our Care Blog

Isolation, regardless of your age, can kill. But for the elderly this seems to be bigger problem that many do not address. If family lives out-of-state and it is hard for them to visit frequently, the person may be alone for long periods of time. Loneliness can cause health problems. Clinical depression can develop – a genuine illness which is much more serious than just feeling low.  In many, loneliness can lead to drinking problems and often causes reduced levels of activity and exercise as well as poor diet. Prolonged isolation can damage the immune system, leaving people more vulnerable...

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Best Senior Gifts

From our Care Blog

Best Gifts for Elderly Parents or Neighbors If you have aging parents or are neighbors to an elderly couple and you are going to give them something for the holidays, maybe you’re not sure. May we suggest the following gift ideas? Create a coupon book. Make a fun, personalized coupon book with services to help them care for them home. For example: One Free Snow Removal of Driveway, Walkway, and Sidewalk. Or, a coupon for a free ride to the grocery store. Or, free raking of their leaves. Handmade is all the rage. If you have creative, sewing, or cooking...

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