Caregiver
Resources

Finding the Right In-Home Caregiver

From our Care Blog

In November, we celebrate National Home Care Month and National Family Caregivers Month, two observances that are core to FirstLight Home Care. Throughout the month, our FirstLight blog will focus on providing the tools, tips, resources and peace of mind so many family caregivers need. The first step is finding the right in-home caregiver. We invite you to comment and share the challenges and rewarding experiences you’ve encountered throughout your caregiving journey. Home care can be a lifeline for seniors who are aging in place, as well as those living with a disability or recovering from an illness or injury....

Learn More about Finding the Right In-Home Caregiver

Solutions to Help Your Loved One Age in Place

From our Care Blog

October 15 – 21 is National Aging in Place Week. This is an annual effort to expand awareness of the Aging in Place movement and the available means for seniors to remain in their homes for as long as they would like. Here are four things to consider when elderly parents choose to live home alone: Create a Safe Space Aging parents living at home need to feel safe. It is important to work with them to remove any potential hazards in the key rooms they live in: the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Some basic changes include: Installing bathroom rails;...

Learn More about Solutions to Help Your Loved One Age in Place

Home Care: Enhancing the Lives of People with Developmental Disabilities

From our Care Blog

For an estimated 5 million people in communities across the United States, developmental disabilities are part of life. Their conditions – autism, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy, to name a few – may impact physical capacity, language, learning or behavior, but not their spirit. When people with these different abilities are connected to the right opportunities and resources, they can live secure, fulfilling lives. March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. And the observance is an opportunity to explore how we can all do more to help our neighbors, friends and family members who have developmental disabilities live side-by-side with...

Learn More about Home Care: Enhancing the Lives of People with Developmental Disabilities

The Home Care Decision: What to Look for In a Partner

From our Care Blog

For people who are aging in place, navigating the typical activities of daily living can be an ongoing challenge. Home care can be a lifeline.

Learn More about The Home Care Decision: What to Look for In a Partner

New Year’s Strategies for the Family Caregiver

From our Care Blog

By Beth Bourgault, Caregiver, FirstLight Home Care of Salem, Mass. FirstLight Home Care 2016 Caregiver of the Year Being a family caregiver is both a rewarding and challenging role. Becoming a primary source of care – when you used to be a daughter, son, sister, brother, wife, husband, friend – can be overwhelming. And it can place a strain on your most valued relationships. As a FirstLight caregiver, I work with many clients who are fortunate to have a loved one also providing support and participating in their care. While each situation is different, many of the challenges are the...

Learn More about New Year’s Strategies for the Family Caregiver

Give Your Loved Ones the Gift of Memories This Holiday

From our Care Blog

One of the joys of aging is sharing stories. For many older adults, stories are a connection to the past and evidence of a life well-lived. And for the families of these historians, stories are a way to preserve memories for years – and generations – to come. With so many family activities during the holidays, it’s an ideal time to capture these treasured stories. But when it comes to building this type of family history, where do you begin? Following are some simple steps you can take to plan, capture and archive treasured stories from the older adults in...

Learn More about Give Your Loved Ones the Gift of Memories This Holiday

50 Ways Home Care Can Support Family Caregivers

From our Care Blog

For so many family caregivers, the story is familiar. “I don’t know where to turn for help.” Or, “I’m exhausted. I don’t think I can do this on my own anymore.” Or, “There has to be a better way to care for my loved one.” These are the words of an untold number of family caregivers who are struggling to provide care and support for loved ones, while at the same time maintaining some balance in their own lives. The good news is there is somewhere to turn for help. You don’t have to do it alone. There’s a way...

Learn More about 50 Ways Home Care Can Support Family Caregivers

A Helpful Dozen: 12 Online Resources for Family Caregivers

From our Care Blog

A recent report from the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine concluded that there’s more to caring for the older adult population than services and support for aging individuals. An equally urgent need is resources for the family caregiver who is so integral to their care. The report found that nearly 18 million Americans care for a relative older than 65. And that those providing support are often thrust into the family caregiving role without the preparation, services, support and information they need. The Academies said “the need to recognize and support caregivers is among the most significant challenges”...

Learn More about A Helpful Dozen: 12 Online Resources for Family Caregivers

Caring Is Our Calling: What It Means To Be a Caregiver

From our Care Blog

“Going the extra mile for somebody, you can’t teach that. It has to be inside you already.” DeShawn Joiner, FirstLight Home Care 2016 Caregiver of the Year November is an important and treasured month for FirstLight Home Care. Each year, we observe National Home Care Month, as well as National Family Caregivers Awareness Month. While we’re always grateful for the important role we play – caring for our clients and supporting family caregivers – November is an opportunity for us to truly reflect on just what it means to be a caregiver. Caring Is Our Calling FirstLight was created with...

Learn More about Caring Is Our Calling: What It Means To Be a Caregiver

Travel tips for adults with special needs

From our Care Blog

We're in the dog days of summer, and while school starts soon in some locations, others plan to vacation in August due to lower rates at certain resorts and locales. In any case, traveling is a challenge whether you or your loved ones have physical, mental or other special needs. FirstLight Home Care offers needed solutions to your travel concerns. If someone you care for has special needs, mobility or other travel obstacles to overcome, FirstLight Home Care offers assistance with an option called the Travel Companion Services Program. A FirstLight Travel Companion can be engaged to help with almost...

Learn More about Travel tips for adults with special needs