Senior
Health & Wellness

Caring for Elder Orphans

From our Care Blog

The rise of “elder orphans” has been dramatic in recent years. If you’re not familiar with the term, it refers to individuals who are aging alone, without a spouse or children to depend on for elder care. In fact, according to a study presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Geriatric Society, around 22% of older adults are elder orphans and considered “at-risk.” This number is expected to rise, presenting unique challenges to this group, including concerns about who will care for them and whether they can remain at home. Why Are Elder Orphans on the Rise? There...

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Understanding Sleep Apnea and Alzheimer's Disease

From our Care Blog

June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month Did you know that people who have sleep apnea in mid-life are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as they get older? If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s, you’re probably aware that there is a connection. However, you might not understand why. With Alzheimer’s Awareness & Brain Awareness Month in June, it’s a good time to discuss this common issue, why it occurs, and ways caregivers can help. The Link Between Sleep Apnea and Alzheimer’s Disease  Medical experts have known for a long time that there is a strong connection between Alzheimer’s and...

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National Senior Health & Fitness Day: Stay Active at Any Age

From our Care Blog

For many older adults, the past year has been a difficult one filled with social isolation and loneliness. It’s led to a more sedentary lifestyle and less time exercising, especially if their previous schedule involved going to a gym or working with a trainer. This, in turn, has triggered an overall decline in senior health, particularly in the areas of anxiety and depression. Exercise can be the key to healthy aging, especially during pandemic times. Beyond improving mental health, exercise is important when it comes to strengthening the immune system and lowering risks for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and issues...

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Fight Kidney Disease with These Tips

From our Care Blog

Kidney disease affects around 37 million people in the U.S., or 15% of the adult population. However, most people who have it don’t even know it. In fact, the National Kidney Foundation estimates that only 10% of those with chronic kidney disease are diagnosed. Left unchecked, it can cause serious health problems.   As we enter National Kidney Month, it’s a good time to learn about what the condition is and ways to prevent it. What is Kidney Disease? People are born with two kidneys on either side of their spine. These organs act as filters, getting rid of waste and...

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Senior Isolation: Helping Seniors Stay Engaged

From our Care Blog

Watching an elderly loved one struggle with senior isolation is a heartbreaking experience. You want to give them the care and attention they need. However, with your own personal and work obligations, it can feel like an impossible situation.  Now, in the age of COVID-19, you have the added risk of potentially exposing them if they have yet to be vaccinated. As a result, while your loved one has been staying inside to stay safe, they’ve been cut off from socialization and stimulation. This has come at a cost for so many seniors in the form of unhealthy isolation. In...

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Healthy Eye Care Habits for Seniors

From our Care Blog

By getting regular exams and maintaining healthy habits for aging eyes, seniors have a better chance of detecting certain eye diseases early on, helping to safeguard their vision as they age. It’s never too early to start protecting your eyes. Healthy eye care habits and routine exams can help maintain good eye health now and in the future. January is National Eye Care and National Glaucoma Awareness Month. There is no cure for glaucoma, but early detection and treatment can often reduce the damage and protect your vision. Learn more about the symptoms, treatment and prevention of glaucoma. Read WHAT...

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Health Benefits of Gardening for Seniors

From our Care Blog

Getting your hands dirty in the garden is the first step toward cleaner living. Gardening allows you to create beauty while enjoying the benefits of fresh air. Unlike some activities, such as walking on a treadmill, gardening gets seniors outside. It also offers tangible rewards in the form of gorgeous blossoms or tasty food. That's just the beginning when it comes to the health benefits of gardening for seniors. Exercise Gardening can help you stay active at any age. It’s considered a moderate activity and it can burn about 300 calories an hour. Plus, the movement of planting and tending...

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Our Commitment to You: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

From our Care Blog

There is no doubt we are in unprecedented times. With the ongoing and increased uncertainty of coronavirus (COVID-19), and the tremendous speed in which things are changing, caring for our clients, families, caregivers and team members continues to be our top priority. We want to ensure you that every member of our FirstLight family is informed daily of what is happening around us. And we are prepared for these types of situations. FirstLight® Home Care continues to actively monitor the progression of coronavirus (COVID-19) to ensure that we have the most accurate, updated information. The infection control practices we have...

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How Coronavirus Could Affect Seniors

From our Care Blog

We have been closely following Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates and reports from the CDC, the World Health Organization and other state and local entities, and our thoughts have undeniably been with all those affected. Recent news of the virus starting to spread in the U.S. is unsettling. While it's natural to worry and wonder what could happen if the spread of the virus gets worse, it's also important not to panic… but instead to be armed with helpful information from the experts. Of course, we at FirstLight Home Care are deeply committed to the health, safety and well-being of all our clients,...

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5 Surprising Ways Stress Can Impact Senior Health

From our Care Blog

Everyone experiences stress to some degree. Yet, it can be a silent factor of overall well-being, especially for seniors. Often, senior stress can mask itself in a number of ways, and cause serious issues that may be attributed to other senior health issues. Therefore, it’s important for seniors and their caregivers to understand the symptoms of stress, as well as the different ways to address and prevent it. Overeating When people get stressed, their body releases cortisol, a hormone that readies the body for a fight or flight response. This is why appetite increases during stressful situations: the body is...

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