Firstlight Resources

Understanding Medicare and Medicare Advantage

From our Care Blog

Medicare is a national health insurance program in the United States, begun in 1966 under the Social Security Administration and now administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It primarily provides health insurance for Americans aged 65 and older, but also for some people with disability status. In 2020, Medicare will help more than 61 million people pay for everything from hospital stays to doctor visits to prescription drugs. Then there is also Medicare Advantage, which is different than traditional Medicare. And now Medicare Advantage plans have the option of covering things that you would not normally think...

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Everyday Ways to Boost Brain Health

From our Care Blog

Brain health is the ability to remember, learn, play and maintain an active mind. According to the American Heart Association, failing brain health is a public health epidemic that could be more serious than we think. Consider these statistics: The brain begins showing signs of cognitive decline as a person enters their 20s. 3 out of 5 Americans will develop a brain disease in their lifetime. By 2030, the total cost of Alzheimer's, dementia, and stroke is expected to exceed $1 trillion. The good news is, we can develop and change our brains no matter how old we are! It’s...

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Top Caregiver Skills| FirstLight Home Care

From our Care Blog

Considering a new career in home care? FirstLight offers full training and support – but these caregiver skills will also come in handy.

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What are the Seven Stages of Alzheimer's?

From our Care Blog

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that gradually worsens over a period of four to 20 years based on recent data from the Alzheimer’s Association. On average, however, most people live between four to eight years following diagnosis. The progression of the disease may be different for each person, but typically, the sequence of this disease is consistent. Family caregivers should familiarize themselves with the progression and understand what may happen during each stage of the disease. Stage One: Normal In the first stage, a person with Alzheimer’s disease has no memory impairment and no apparent symptoms of dementia. This stage...

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3 Reasons Elderly Diabetics Should Have Home Care

From our Care Blog

Day-to-day tasks at home can be more difficult for elderly diabetics As we age, everyday tasks get harder from complications with mobility, vision, and other underlying health factors. While some elderly adults have health concerns that can impact their lifestyles, many live fully independent. However, for elderly diabetics, day-to-day activities like managing blood glucose levels, taking an abundance of medications and eating an adequate diet can all be strenuous. To give families peace of mind for their senior loved one with diabetes, find out how having an in-home caregiver is the perfect solution to ensure they maintain a healthy lifestyle....

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What is Caregiver Stress Syndrome?

From our Care Blog

Do you know what caregiver stress syndrome is and how can you fight it? FirstLight Home Care shares tips to help you thrive.

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How to Manage Your Loved One’s Hoarding Behavior

From our Care Blog

How do you deal with an older loved one who has begun exhibiting hoarding behavior? Hoarding behavior goes beyond just collecting mementos of the past. Oftentimes your loved one’s home will be filled with clutter or even trash, and they may find it difficult or impossible to get rid of these things. Their home may become filled, with only narrow pathways to navigate from room to room. These hoarded items can eventually become a health or safety concern and potentially a fire hazard. When hoarding reaches these unhealthy levels, it’s up to the family members to intervene. But this can...

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6 Things You Must Ask Yourself Before Becoming Your Parent's Caregiver

From our Care Blog

Every year, an estimated 43.5 million adults in the U.S.—about 60% of them women—become a parent's caregiver. (Source: AARP). Taking care of someone you love is rewarding, but it does come with its own challenges. Here are six things you must ask yourself before becoming your parent’s caregiver: Are you prepared for the physical challenges of caregiving? Many people sign up to be the primary caregiver out of a sense of duty or even guilt. While it is admirable to become the family caregiver, you may not be entirely prepared for the roller coaster of emotions and physical stress that...

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5 Tips For Helping The Elderly With Personal Hygiene

From our Care Blog

Everyday tasks can become more difficult as we age. For many seniors, good personal hygiene can be especially challenging due to a lack of mobility and sometimes a sheer lack of energy. Depression, isolation, dementia, a fear of falling, or medication side effects can all cause seniors to lose interest in or completely neglect their personal hygiene and grooming. Health and hygiene go hand in hand. If you or an aging loved one is having difficulties maintaining a daily hygiene routine, here are some helpful tips. Identify the issues. Get to the root of why your loved one has neglected...

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How to Talk to Your Parents About Home Care

From our Care Blog

As our parents get older, they may need more help than they are willing to ask for. Talking with your parents or an aging loved one about needing home care can be a difficult conversation for both of you. For them, it might represent a loss of independence. For you, it can be difficult because you must come with terms with the likelihood that you will need help caring for them. Here are seven helpful tips to help you to start the home care conversation. Do your homework. Before you start the conversation, research the various options that are available....

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