Understanding
Senior Care

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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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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Finding the Right In-Home Caregiver

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. The first step is finding the right in-home caregiver. We invite you to comment and share the challenges and rewarding experiences you’ve encountered throughout your caregiving journey. Home care can be a lifeline for seniors who are aging in place, as well as those living with a disability or recovering from an illness or injury....

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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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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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