The FirstLight Care Corner

What’s Best for Mom? Navigating Senior Care Options

From our Care Blog

By the year 2020, 56 million Americans will be 65 and older. By 2050, that number will reach 84 million. Nearly 70 percent of Americans who reach 65 will not be able to care for themselves without assistance at some point in their lives.* Many adult children can attest to this - most elderly would prefer to age at home. In fact, 90% of people aged 65+ want to stay in their homes for as long as possible. And 80% think their current home is where they will always live. However, remaining at home might not always be the right...

Learn More about What’s Best for Mom? Navigating Senior Care Options

How to Have Difficult Discussions with Your Aging Parent

From our Care Blog

Have you noticed lately that your aging parent may need more help? Perhaps you’ve seen expired food in their refrigerator? Or a mysterious new dent in the front of their car? Or perhaps they’ve started missing doses of their medication. Having difficult discussions with your aging parent can be tough, especially if your parent is having trouble accepting the fact that they may need assistance. Your goal is to make sure they stay safe and healthy, but they may not see it that way. Having difficult discussions with your aging parent can be easier if you know how to approach...

Learn More about How to Have Difficult Discussions with Your Aging Parent

Understanding the Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

From our Care Blog

Progression, stages of the disease from the Alzheimer's Association. If you’ve met one person with Alzheimer’s disease, you’ve only met one person. Everyone with Alzheimer’s experiences the disease differently. However, patients with the illness tend to follow a similar path from the beginning of the disease to its end. The key is understanding the progression and stages of Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer's Association, the disease typically progresses slowly in three general stages: Mild (early-stage) Moderate (middle-stage) Severe (late-stage) One thing is certain: the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease get worse over time. But because Alzheimer’s affects people in different ways,...

Learn More about Understanding the Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

What Are the Keys to Healthy Aging?

From our Care Blog

September is Healthy Aging Month Aging is a natural part of life. With it comes many challenges, both physically and mentally. Sometimes there are surprises and uncertainties, and occasionally there are changes in our bodies and minds we just don’t want to face. Yet, as we age, it becomes even more important to take control of our own health and focus on healthy aging. Now is the time! September is Healthy Aging® Month, an annual observance aimed at focusing national attention on the positive aspects of growing older… a chance to encourage us to take personal responsibility for our health…...

Learn More about What Are the Keys to Healthy Aging?

Important Differences Between Dementia and Alzheimer's

From our Care Blog

Do you know the important differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s? Many people don’t. And the two terms often cause confusion among patients and families, as well as caregivers. The terms Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease are often used interchangeably. While the two are similar, there are important differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s. Dementia is a general term used to describe symptoms that affect memory, daily activities and communication abilities. It is often associated with the cognitive decline of aging. Although dementia largely affects older people, it is not a normal part of aging. According to the World Health Organization, 47.5 million people...

Learn More about Important Differences Between Dementia and Alzheimer's

Challenges Facing Family Caregivers

From our Care Blog

Caregiving for a loved one is a balancing act Many people will become the primary caregiver of an aging parent or loved one, if they haven’t already. Caregiving is worthwhile and rewarding, but there are many challenges facing family caregivers. It becomes even more challenging if the caregiver has his or her own obligations, such as a job and children to care for, or if they must travel long distances to care for their elderly relative. By recognizing the challenges facing many caregivers, you may be able to prepare in advance and reduce the difficulties that lie ahead. Some of...

Learn More about Challenges Facing Family Caregivers

Respite Care Can Make a Difference in Lives of Family Caregivers

From our Care Blog

Don’t feel guilty about taking care of yourself too.  Consider respite care. Caring for a loved one can be very fulfilling. Family members often step in as caregivers to help an elderly parent or grandparent, chronically ill family member or loved one with a disability because they are loving and compassionate, and because they would do anything to ensure that person has the best quality of life possible. However, caregiving is often a full-time job that can impact your health and well-being, job performance and overall life balance. Suddenly you find yourself putting your own needs aside and you forget...

Learn More about Respite Care Can Make a Difference in Lives of Family Caregivers

Senior Citizens Day Chance to Connect with Loved Ones

From our Care Blog

National Senior Citizens Day Observed on August 21 In a 1988 proclamation, Ronald Reagan, who was the U.S. president at the time, created a national day for senior citizens. Still today, National Senior Citizens Day is annually observed on August 21. The observance was established to recognize and support senior citizens who make a positive impact in communities across the U.S. It also was created to raise awareness of the social, health and economic issues that affect senior citizens. As Ronald Reagan declared in his Presidential Proclamation: "For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish,...

Learn More about Senior Citizens Day Chance to Connect with Loved Ones

Preventing Falls at Home: Safety Tips for Seniors

From our Care Blog

Desire to keep your elderly loved one safe while aging in place? Learn the top safety tips for preventing falls at home.

Learn More about Preventing Falls at Home: Safety Tips for Seniors

Important Immunizations for Seniors

From our Care Blog

August is Immunization Awareness Month Vaccines are not just for children. There are important immunizations for seniors as well. Certain immunizations can help prevent seniors from getting and spreading serious diseases that could result in poor health, medical bills and not being able to care for themselves. In fact, some seniors may need one or more vaccines, even if they received them as a child or as a younger adult. Immunity to certain diseases can wear off over time, and as people get older, they are at an increased risk of contracting various illnesses. Some may also be at risk...

Learn More about Important Immunizations for Seniors