Firstlight Resources

Family Caregivers Need Vacations Too

From our Care Blog

We talk about it all the time – the tremendous responsibilities that fall on family caregivers. Caring for an elderly parent can be emotionally and physically draining. And for primary caregivers, it is often a 24/7, 365-day-a-year job. Taking any kind of break – let alone a planned vacation – seems impossible. Then when you begin to think about all the planning and preparation that is involved, you wonder if it’s even worth doing. The thought of taking time off from your caregiving duties also brings much worry. What if Mom falls? What if she forgets to take her medication?...

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New Law Involves Caregivers of Veterans During Transition Out of Military

From our Care Blog

FirstLight Home Care recently learned of news regarding the National Defense Authorization Act of 2018 and additional assistance for veterans and caregivers of veterans. The following information was published on ConnectingVets.com: Thanks to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2018, service members who are transitioning out of the military will have more assistance for them and their caregivers. Currently, caregivers of veterans are not involved when veterans are going through pre-counseling to learn about their VA benefits. The new law encourages the DoD and VA to work together to better integrate caregivers into the conversation around veteran’s and caregiver’s resources...

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Caring for Your Lonely Parent

From our Care Blog

Do you have a lonely parent who is struggling with feelings of isolation or depression? Are you having a hard time getting them to leave the house and enjoy social activities? With age comes an increased risk of loneliness and social isolation. And it can be even more prevalent in seniors who either cannot or do not want to leave their homes. This can be problematic for seniors because loneliness can often result in depression and ultimately additional health problems. Several factors may be keeping your lonely parent somewhat secluded and feeling down: They are no longer able to drive,...

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How to Help Seniors Enjoy the Holidays

From our Care Blog

There are simple ways you can support an aging loved one you know and help seniors enjoy the holidays a little more this year. For most, the holidays bring feelings of joy, anticipation and excitement. Spending time with friends and family, attending holiday gatherings and exchanging gifts all symbolize the season of goodwill. However, not all people experience happiness during the holiday season. Close to 12 million seniors live alone. And many often struggle with grief over the loss of a loved one, sadness, confusion and isolation, especially if they don’t have family close by. This can bring on the...

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Travel Vaccines for Seniors: Stay Safe and Healthy While Traveling

From our Care Blog

Many seniors are fortunate enough to enjoy traveling the world during life’s later years. With a little planning and preparation - especially when it comes to travel vaccines - they can safely visit many different destinations, in or out of the country. Before jet-setting off to an exotic locale, it’s important that seniors do what they can to stay healthy and safe and to protect themselves from serious illnesses while traveling. Seniors should see a doctor in advance so they are aware of recommended travel vaccines and are up-to-date on routine immunizations. If you are a family member concerned about...

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Signs Your Elderly Parent Needs Help

From our Care Blog

How do adult children know when their elderly parent needs help? Oftentimes the parent won’t be the one to admit they need assistance. And sometimes they may even try to hide the fact that they need additional care. We’ve put together some helpful tips on how you - the adult child - can recognize the signs that your aging parent needs help, as well as recommendations on what you can do next. So, while you’re visiting with loved ones this holiday season, keep the following in mind: Their once tidy home is now being neglected Does your parent seem to...

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Bill Gates Invests $50 Million in Alzheimer's and Dementia Research

From our Care Blog

Could This Investment Spur Major Breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research? Last week we learned of some exciting news in the area of Alzheimer’s and dementia research. Bill Gates announced a personal investment of $50 million in the Dementia Discovery Fund—a private fund working to diversify the clinical pipeline and identify new targets for treatment. This news could potentially impact anyone who has been or will be affected by Alzheimer’s or related dementias, as well as help accelerate Alzheimer’s and dementia research. Everyday Firstlight Home Care works with patients who suffer from many different forms of dementia. We see firsthand...

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Maintaining a Positive Attitude as a Family Caregiver

From our Care Blog

Maintaining a positive attitude as a family caregiver can be difficult, especially when the role becomes overwhelming. Staying optimistic can help family caregivers cope, reduce stress and make it easier to get through the tough days. Here are some tips we often provide to our FirstLight Home Care caregivers to help them keep their amazing, positive attitudes. These may also help you - the family caregiver - to remain confident, hopeful, and encouraged when it comes to your own personal caregiving responsibilities. Learn healthy ways to manage your stress: Stress happens when you believe the demands placed on you –...

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How to Avoid Sibling Caregiver Conflict

From our Care Blog

In November, we celebrate National Home Care and Family Caregivers Month, two observances that are core to FirstLight Home Care. Throughout the month, our FirstLight blog will focus on providing the tools, tips, resources and peace of mind so many family caregivers need. We invite you to comment and share the challenges and rewarding experiences you’ve encountered throughout your caregiving journey.  How to Avoid Sibling Caregiver Conflict If not kept in check, sibling caregiver conflict can damage family relationships When it comes to caring for the needs of an aging parent, it can be helpful to share caregiving responsibilities with your...

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How to Prevent Family Caregiver Burnout

From our Care Blog

In November, we celebrate National Home Care Month and National Family Caregivers Month, two observances that are core to FirstLight Home Care. Throughout the month, our FirstLight blog will focus on providing the tools, tips, resources and peace of mind so many family caregivers need. We invite you to comment and share the challenges and rewarding experiences you’ve encountered throughout your caregiving journey. Because family caregiving is emotionally and physically draining, it can lead to caregiver burnout. For many, taking on the role of family caregiver is unfamiliar territory. While caring for a loved one is a worthwhile responsibility, it...

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