The FirstLight Care Corner

We’ve Got Our Eyes On You: National Eye Care Month

From our Care Blog

January is National Eye Care Month. It is also National Glaucoma Awareness Month. This means it’s time to schedule your annual eye exam. It is important, at any age, to have your eyes checked. We asked our own Nurse Gina why it’s important and she gave us these reasons. Early Detection: Your eyesight can change in a year so seeing your Ophthalmologist each year will allow you to find out if there are any deformities early on in their development. Addressing eye health issues before they become more severe is a good thing and early treatment will minimize damage to...

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4 Things to Elder Proof Your Bathroom

From our Care Blog

Each year thousands* of people over the age of 55 are injured in the bathroom due to simple slip and falls while in the bath or using the bathroom. As the aging become more fragile or health problems and side effects from medications can increase chances of injury, there are simple additions you can make in their bathroom to reduce the risk of injuries or even death. Safety-Rails: Install grab bars by the toilet and in the shower. These need to be properly installed so they are secure enough to support weight. Also consider using shower chairs and bath benches...

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Beat the Odds: Keep Your New Year's Resolutions

From our Care Blog

Did you know that only 8 percent of the people that set a New Year’s resolution actually achieve their goal*. Why is that? Research from Psychology Today has found that making your resolutions work will involve changing behaviors—and in order to change a behavior, you have to change your thinking (or "rewire" your brain). This takes work. We have to set specific, measurable, time-bound goals and keep them front and center. If you are one of the millions of people in the United States compelled to make a New Year’s resolution, here are some helpful tips from Ray Williams of...

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Family Finances: Coping With the Costs of Dementia

From our Care Blog

Money Magazine just released an article in a series of stories written by Donna Rosato on Coping with the Aging’s Costliest Challenge: The Costs of Dementia. If you have a family member living with dementia or Alzheimer’s and you’re caring for them, you know first-hand the financial challenges this uniquely devastating disease can bring. We are proud that our own Nurse Gina, our professional geriatric care manager and RN on staff, was quoted in this article. Nurse Gina has been a vital part of FirstLight Home Care’s team, dedicated to building caring and affordable services to help families with aging...

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Gift Giving Ideas for your Elderly Parents “Who Have Everything”

From our Care Blog

If you've still have holiday shopping to do and a few people on your list that are difficult to buy for, don't panic, we've put together a list of some great gifts ideas that might surprise the person who has everything. Tech-savvy gifts. If your parents enjoy technology, some electronic gift ideas include an e-reader loaded with a few good books. Or the iRobot Vacuum that cleans your floors every day with a push of a button. And finally, the Photo Cube – iPhone photo printer. This is a perfect gift for your parents who love to take photos of...

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5 Healthy Tips To Avoid Weight Gain During The Holidays

From our Care Blog

The holidays are here and no one wants to be around a killjoy at a Christmas party or a family get-together because they’re trying to avoid the temptations of the season’s high-calorie bounty and dodge the gift of a few additional pounds this season. Whether it’s one, three, or seven pounds, experience says that most of us will gain weight between now and New Year’s Day because of those darn frosted cookies, eggnog, chocolate, candies and more lurking around the office, at the neighbors, and in your own home. To make the most of the season and keep the holiday...

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Embracing Old Man Winter

From our Care Blog

The last few leaves on your tree are about to fall. Gray skies have taken over. Winter is approaching fast. Unless you plan on heading south for the next 5 months to avoid the cold, you need to get prepared. Winter can be a challenge, so you need to find the bright side. We’ve put together a list of things you can do to embrace old man winter and make the most of it. Make a bird/squirrel feeder. Snow, frozen ground, and lack of vegetation makes it hard for wildlife to find food. Make simple feeders out of peanut butter...

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How To Enjoy The Holidays

From our Care Blog

For many, the holidays are stressful times. Parties, holiday shopping, family gatherings, too much food, over spending…too many obligations and no time for relaxation. This isn’t how you want it to be, but yet every year it is. This year make a declaration to yourself to make it different. Today is the day to get that plan in place and make it a season of peace, joy, and celebration. Define what is most important to you. If it means more time with family, great. If it means something spiritual, super. If it means something else, fantastic. It’s whatever you want...

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The Art of Letter Writing

From our Care Blog

Letter writing is an almost lost skill and all of us living in our digital-centric world are missing out on the beauty of a handwritten letter and the joy of finding something personal in your mailbox. We can change that, December 7th is Letter Writing Day. We’re encouraging everyone to take a few minutes and send someone a hand written letter. By going through the process of writing a letter and physically committing words to a paper, it shows your investment of time and effort in a relationship. It can be a very meaningful experience for you – but you...

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To Grandmother's House You Go! Are You Ready For Winter Driving?

From our Care Blog

Driving during the winter months can be treacherous. Cold weather, ice, snow, and limited daylight hours can make a simple trip across town a long and exhausting journey. You need to be prepared. Here are some helpful tips to help you get your car ready for winter travel: Make your own or purchase a pre-made car weather safety kit. This kit should include: first-aid kit, jumper (booster) cables, tow ropes, cat litter (or something to gain traction under your tires if stuck somewhere slippery), a windshield scraper, candle, and matches. Check your tires well before the winter season begins. Be...

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