Firstlight Resources

Five Tips To Effectively Communicate With Seniors

From our Care Blog

In his book How to Say It to Seniors, author David Solie, who specializes in geriatric issues, describes the developmental tasks that the elderly face, and explains how these “tasks shape their behavior -- whether they're aware of it or not”. Solie describes the “crises of the elderly as a conflict between control and legacy issues. And while he writes in universal terms, it's important to remember that every individual is different, and each person's experience of aging will have a lot to do with personal and environmental factors, as well as developmental ones.” While communication is extremely important with your parents, it can also...

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How Technology Is Changing The Lives of Seniors

From our Care Blog

Seniors and technology have long seemed to mix like oil and water.  The joke that technology is too new, complicated, and confusing for aging adults has been played out in every comic, sitcom, and movie for decades; however, the notion that technology is only for kids could not be less true. Yes, seniors may not spend every waking moment on Facebook like their younger counterparts, but integrating technology into their lives can be very beneficial.   Now, more than ever, technology is being made available to aging adults to help them live better, (and believe it or not) more simple lives. Below is a list...

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Coping With The Loss Of A Parent

From our Care Blog

Losing a parent is a traumatic experience and hiding under your blankets may sound like the best idea for you…or simply wish that it all went away.  However, we all know that this may work short-term, but it is important to have long-term plans on how to cope with the loss of a parent.  The most important thing to remember is that everyone grieves differently.  You can find a million and one ways to cope and grieve but it is important to find coping skills that work for you.  Also, be aware that your coping skills may be different than other...

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Seniors and Technology: There's an App For That!

From our Care Blog

Smartphone applications, commonly referred to as “apps”, have quickly become a staple in the daily lives of people around the world.  Although often associated with younger adults, many apps have been introduced to the market that help aging adults connect with technology in a more accessible manner. Whether you need help tracing medications or want to listen to breaking news stories, there’s an app that can be easily used by aging adults. Below is a list of apps that are great to help seniors better integrate themselves with technology and improve their daily lives. NPRA great app for news lovers, NPR lets you listen...

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How to be the Best Long-Distance Caregiver

From our Care Blog

Caring for loved ones from far away isn’t always an easy task. Many times, they need stay-at-home care that can’t be given from miles away. Sometimes you can feel helpless not being able to provide personal home care for those in your life who need it the most. Know that these feelings are valid, and you are not alone. In fact, there are about 7 million Americans providing long-distance home care to their loved ones. Like you, they are in charge of arranging doctor appointments, coordinating all the healthcare and insurance, working full time and taking care of their own families....

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Top 5 Quit Smoking Products

From our Care Blog

By Cindy Smith, Guest blogger As a die-hard smoker myself for 20 years, I know how hard it is to quit smoking. Nicotine is an addiction like no other! In fact, it’s two addictions: a physical addiction to nicotine and a psychological addiction to daily smoking rituals.  It is estimated that most smokers will attempt to quit two or three times, or more, before finally kicking the habit. I have tried a variety of methods to quit – unsuccessfully I might add. I ordered an e-cigarette on the first of the year, so I will keep you updated! Some days I think the only way...

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Knowing Your Parent's Last Wishes

From our Care Blog

Talking with your parents about their last wishes can be a touchy subject. Chances are, it’s harder on you than them! It’s a subject that can’t be avoided, however, because there are some very important financial and emotional implications. The more you plan ahead -- before someone is in a hospital bed or incapacitated – the better. A study by the Hartford insurance company revealed that seniors are much more comfortable discussing estate planning than their boomer kids are! The study also revealed that 70-something year-old parents are more financially savvy when it comes to protecting their children and grandkids financially than boomers realize. They’re also more open...

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Myths About Osteoporosis

From our Care Blog

Osteoporosis is known as the “silent disease” because many people do not realize they have it until they fall or experience a fracture. There are certain things we know: osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become more and more fragile as they lose density, usually due to aging, menopause, and other factors like lack of calcium and vitamin D in the diet.We know that osteoporosis is predicted to affect as many as half of all Americans over age 50 by the year 2020. However, there are still many myths and misconceptions surrounding the illness which FirstLight Home Care would like to explain so you can more...

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5 Steps To Controlling High Blood Pressure

From our Care Blog

After being diagnosed with high blood pressure, there are a number of ways to keep it under control.  Having high blood pressure isn't something anyone wishes for, but if you do have high blood pressure, think of it as a time to change your lifestyle for the better. There are a number of ways to control high blood pressure without the use of medication.  However, if you are doing well with all of these steps and still seeing high blood pressure, don't be afraid to use medication.  It is important to find out what type of blood pressure medication will work...

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How to Reduce Your Stress Over the Holiday Season

From our Care Blog

We all look forward to Christmas, right?  It is a day of relaxing, possibly watching the annual Christmas parade and/or football, eating too much yummy food, being thankful for all that we have and being surrounded by family and friends. Well, that’s how it’s supposed to be in a perfect world. But, we all know that holidays aren’t perfect and neither are our families. Unfortunately, there can be a lot stress that comes with the holidays too.  For one, traveling (whether it’s by car or plane) can be taxing on one’s patience, especially if there are kids involved.  And, as much...

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