Firstlight Resources

Helping Your Aging Parents Quit Smoking

From our Care Blog

Did you know that today, the third Thursday of November, is the Great American Smokeout? Each year, smokers are encouraged to use this date to make a plan for quitting or to quit smoking on that day. Smoking can be especially dangerous for older adults. According to the American Lung Association, older smokers are “significantly less likely than younger smokers to believe that smoking harms their health.” About 8% of those 65 or older are smokers. Even if it’s just for one day, quitting smoking has many health benefits. In one day, your blood circulation increases and your risk of...

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4 Quick Alzheimer's Communication Tips

From our Care Blog

Did you know that 1 in 9 people ages 65 and older has Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s changes the way that your loved ones communicate. Some caregivers may not see very many differences, but others may notice that it becomes increasingly difficult to communicate with loved ones with Alzheimer’s. There are some common communication changes that caregivers may notice as Alzheimer’s disease progresses. You might hear your loved one repeating familiar words, speaking in their native language or mixing up the order of words in a sentence. They may also have trouble communicating their feelings or speak less often than usual....

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Six Signs of Caregiver Burnout and Some Tips for Recovering

From our Care Blog

As a caregiver, you spend considerable time and energy determining and meeting the needs of the person you are caring for, but all too often, you neglect to devote the same attention to your own needs. When this happens you are likely to suffer from caregiver burnout. Without considering your own needs, you’ll often find that you have a harder time coping with stress and you begin to suffer physically, emotionally, and mentally. Why Caregiver Burnout Happens Whether you are providing care for a parent, a spouse, or a child, you are still at risk for caregiver burnout. Burnout isn’t...

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Activities for Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

From our Care Blog

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. When spending time with seniors who have Alzheimer’s or dementia, it is important consider what they enjoyed doing before they began to lose their memory. Find an activity that makes them feel purposeful—they may not remember what they did that day but they will remember how they felt doing it. Go through photo albums. This is a fun activity for people with memory challenges and you might hear a story you’ve never heard before. Seeing the old pictures takes them back to a time that they can remember—the memories are still there and...

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Missing The Crazy Christmas Lady

From our Care Blog

The other day my daughter asked me to watch “The Grinch That Stole Christmas” with Jim Carrey. It was the first snow of the year, and it seemed like a fun thing to do, even though it was way ahead of the holidays. It’s a fun movie with a heartfelt message. When the movie ended, I started to cry. Not little sniffles, but heaving sobs. When my daughter asked me why, I explained that it was the first holiday season without my Mom. These “milestone” moments are always hard, particularly the first year.  We liked to make fun of her...

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FirstLight Client Celebrates 105th Birthday in the House He Built by Hand

From our Care Blog

Most people would consider living to your mid-90’s an accomplishment by itself, but what if you heard that a man just turned 105 years old, and is still living in the house that he built 65 years ago? Well that actually happened last month when FirstLight client Bill Mohr, a World War II veteran of Hatboro, Pennsylvania, celebrated his 105th birthday with his wife, Jo, and the rest of their family. That same day, he and Jo shared their 70th wedding anniversary and he also received an honorary high school diploma from St. Joseph Preparatory School. He received a full...

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Who Should Get The Flu Vaccine

From our Care Blog

The flu is nasty! No one likes the chills, vomiting or fever associated with the illness. Although the thought of getting a shot is not pleasant, the effect of not getting the shot is even worse! The flu can cause moderate symptoms, but in many seniors, it can be fatal. Here Nurse Gina with FirstLight Home Care answers the most common questions about the flu and how to protect both you and your family against this all too common illness. Who Should Receive the Vaccine? First, all children aged 6 months and older should be vaccinated annually, with rare exceptions,...

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Should Americans Be Legally Obligated To Visit Their Aging Parents?

From our Care Blog

China recently passed the “Elderly Rights Law” legally obligating children to visit their parents who are 60 years and older “frequently” and provide for their “financial and spiritual needs.” Failure to comply with this law can result in fines, lawsuits or jail time. Although there is no time limit on how often a child must visit his aging parents, the law was in response to the growing number of elderly neglected by their children. “I hope this type of legislation will never be necessary in the United States now or the future,” says Jeff Bevis, CEO of FirstLight Home Care,...

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Coping With The Death Of Your Mother

From our Care Blog

By Cindy Smith, Adult Daughter My Mother was 82-years-old and had been given Last Rites three times. She had been sick for 10 years, and her death had not been unexpected. But when the finality comes, it leaves a gaping abyss that is difficult to fill. It is true that death is harder on those left behind. I was a long distance caregiver for eight years and we used to talk on the phone for an hour every day (thank goodness they don’t charge by the minute for long distance calls anymore). She would give me advice on my kids,...

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Always Be Prepared: What To Do When A Natural Disaster Strikes

From our Care Blog

Did you know that September is National Preparedness Month? Being prepared for any type of emergency or natural disaster is important for everyone, but is especially important for seniors. Because each senior’s needs are different, it is essential that each individual have a unique emergency plan that fits all of your needs. If an emergency or disaster occurred today, would you be ready? So, how can you prepare your loved one for an emergency? 1. Make an emergency kit This kit should contain basic essentials like food, water, a flashlight, a battery-powered or hand crank radio and a first aid...

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