Firstlight Resources

Natural Disasters: Preparing for the Unexpected

From our Care Blog

"One person caring about another represents life's greatest value." - Jim Rohn While we can’t always predict or avert weather emergencies or natural disasters, we can try to prepare for them as much as possible so that we are always ready. Unexpected emergencies involving seniors can be even more challenging as many older adults have mobility issues, chronic health conditions, or they may not have family or friends nearby to assist them. We were quite inspired when we learned about the above-and-beyond measures one of our FirstLight franchise owners took during the recent hurricanes. When the massive storms blew through...

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Address Possible Safety Hazards

From our Care Blog

As we transition into autumn, and eventually into more wintry weather, it’s the perfect time to consider the safety, health, and well-being of older adults who are aging in the place they call home…especially if they are living alone. If you’re a family caregiver assisting an aging senior, now is the time to address all potential safety hazards, health challenges and home maintenance issues your loved one may face as they prepare for this season of change. Inspect the HVAC system. Cold temperatures can be difficult for the elderly. Schedule a regular maintenance check for your parents’ home heating system...

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The Importance of Oral Health and Hygiene As We Age

From our Care Blog

October is Dental Hygiene Month A century ago, the need for dentures later in life was considered a natural part of aging. Today, three-quarters of people over the age of 65 retain at least some of their natural teeth. While the improvement in oral health care among seniors is something to smile about, our aging loved ones still need to be diligent when it comes to their teeth. Even with regular brushing and flossing, older people still have higher rates of gum disease, dental decay, oral cancer, mouth infections, and tooth loss. Our team at FirstLight® addressed several oral health...

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Avoiding Caregiver Burnout When Dealing with Alzheimer's

From our Care Blog

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is a tough job. The stress, demand, and constant worry can take a heavy toll on the family caregiver, so much that they often don’t take good care of themselves. It can also be an emotional journey as the family member providing care watches their loved one’s memories disappear and their daily skills decline. This inevitably will lead to caregiver burnout. Caregiving for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia can be all-consuming. Family caregivers face many responsibilities and it is easy to become overwhelmed. The best advice our caregivers at FirstLight...

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Coping Strategies for Dementia Caregivers

From our Care Blog

This week, we have a guest post from one of our readers, Annabelle Short. Anna is a caregiver to her mom who is living with dementia and she has some valuable advice on coping strategies for dementia caregivers. Sometimes, the decision of becoming a caregiver is not entirely up to you. Unexpected life events might lead you to start taking care of a loved one, and suddenly you realize you have a new career commitment: to care for someone else. This was precisely what happened to me when I had to start taking care of my mom. My mom suffers...

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A Family Caregiver's Guide to Senior Safety and Emergency Preparedness

From our Care Blog

September focuses on Falls Prevention and Emergency Preparedness If you’re a family caregiver, you may, at some point, need to handle an unexpected situation when it comes to your loved one. It could be anything from helping them stay safe during a natural disaster to helping them heal after a serious fall. Family caregivers should have a plan in place to help in emergency situations. At the very least, they should have a conversation with the person they’re caring for about the potential risks and what they can do to be prepared. If you or someone you know is a...

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Let’s Talk About Dementia

From our Care Blog

World Alzheimer's Month is an international campaign every September to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia. The impact of World Alzheimer's Month is growing, but the misinformation that surrounds the disease remains a global issue that requires global action. We also understand that caring for someone with dementia can be challenging and stressful. It is important for family caregivers to take care of their own physical and mental health needs by seeking respite and focusing on self-care. Throughout the year, we focus on the impact Alzheimer’s has on the family. Here are three blog posts we have...

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Spotting the Signs of Senior Self Neglect in Adult Parents

From our Care Blog

Knowing how to recognize and respond to senior self neglect in elderly parents is essential to understanding their current healthcare needs.

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Avoid These 5 Mistakes When Caring for Your Aging Parents

From our Care Blog

Approximately 34.2 million Americans have provided unpaid care to an adult age 50 or older in the last 12 months [National Alliance for Caregiving, 2019]. Every day a new family caregiver becomes part of this large group of people dealing head-on with the tasks of helping their parents with daily living: personal hygiene, dressing, food preparation, walking and mobility, transportation, housekeeping, medication management and more. If you are the family caregiver - whether you’re new to the role or not - we have compiled some advice to help you avoid 5 common mistakes when caring for your aging parents. Mistake...

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5 Ways to Ease the Stress of Back to School

From our Care Blog

Back-to-school time can be stressful and hectic for kids, and let’s be honest…for parents too. As families prepare to head back to school, parents may be feeling overwhelmed by the pressure that comes from managing their family’s needs in addition to their daily work and household responsibilities. Here are five ways to ease the stress of back to school for parents and help the entire family make a healthy transition from the lazy days of summer to the structure of the school year. 1. Establish routines: Before summer comes to an end, start establishing everyone’s school-day routines to avoid shocking...

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