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COVID-19 Update

As we have for the last five years, FirstLight Home Care -- South Sound will continue to provide quality home care services to support families in our community. As we manage the impact of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 virus, the FirstLight team is actively taking the measures necessary to ensure the safety, health and well-being of our clients, our staff and their families. Our mission is to care for the elderly and those with compromised immune systems in our community, so we have always utilized infection control and Standard Precautions every day as standard operating procedures. In light of the COVID-19 virus,...

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Celebrating Excellence!

Every year FirstLight Home Care offers an opportunity for each of the 144 FirstLight offices across the nation to submit a caregiver for the National Caregiver of the Year Award. This year the Olympia office nominated Tristan Hicks. Tristan is a detail-oriented caregiver who is full of warmth and comfort. His respectful and empathetic nature showcases his value as a caregiver and a vital part of the FirstLight team. We are excited and honored that Tristan was named one of the three finalists for National Caregiver of the Year. Below are just two of the many testimonials about Tristan: “Tristan is one of the few positives that has come...

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Advice for Those Caring for a Loved One with Dementia

16.1 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Caring for someone with dementia can be demanding and stressful if you’re not sure what to expect. If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, here are five suggestions that will help with your day-to-day responsibilities and overall care: Encourage your loved one to eat right. People living with dementia should consume a healthy diet filled with fruits and vegetables. Proper nutrition is key to keeping their body strong and healthy. Remember that nutritious meals may become a challenge for people with dementia...

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The Many Benefits of a Senior Travel Companion

The busy travel season will soon be upon us with spring and summer vacations, graduations, weddings and family reunions. Many aging seniors want to attend these special events, but for some, travel can be tricky – whether it’s because of mobility issues or just the anxiety that comes with making a long-distance trip. Additionally, if you are the adult daughter or son caring for your aging parent, you may feel a bit uneasy about them making the trip alone. At FirstLight Home Care we completely understand. Traveling can be hectic and stressful at any age, but for senior travelers especially,...

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Stress on the Family Caregiver

Long-term stress of any kind, including caregiver stress, can lead to serious health problems. At FirstLight Home Care – South Sound we understand how stress impacts families. When a family member is ill, aging, disabled, or unable to complete daily tasks on their own, a family member may find themselves becoming the caregiver for their loved one. Caregiving is a 24/7 job and the stress from the demands can take its toll on the family member leading the care. We’ve seen it often and we offer a variety of resources to help support caregivers and their families with tools, tips and recommendations...

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Family Caregiving Is Impacting the Workplace

The responsibilities of family caregiving is having a greater impact on the workplace than ever before, according to a study released jointly by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. Most family caregivers in Olympia juggle caring for an aging family member or relative with employment. The study reports that the average U.S. caregiver is a 49-year-old woman who works outside the home and spends nearly 20 hours per week – the equivalent of another part-time job – providing unpaid care to an elderly person for nearly five years. An estimated 61 percent of family caregivers of adults age 50...

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Spring Maintenance for Your Aging Loved One

As the weather warms and things begin to thaw, many of us also have a general routine of spring maintenance. For aging seniors, some of these routine tasks around the home can be difficult to take on, especially if they have mobility issues. There are several ways you can assist your senior to help get their home ready for spring and ensure a safe, secure environment inside and out. Here are 5 specific ways you can help your senior loved one with spring maintenance: Inspect the medicine cabinet. This is a good time to go through your loved one’s medicine...

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'Best Home Care Agency' in the South Sound Three Straight Years!

Annual Best of South Sound Vote Names FirstLight as “Best Home Care Agency” in 2015, 2016 and 2017 For the third year in a row, FirstLight Home Care – South Sound in Olympia was voted “Best Home Health Care Agency” in the annual Best of South Sound contest. Sarah and Greg Lane, co-owners of FirstLight Home Care – South Sound, accepted the award at the 2017 Best of South Sound ceremony, sponsored by the Thurston County Chamber and The Olympian.  Sarah Lane said everyone at FirstLight was excited to be voted “Best Home Health Care Agency” for the third straight year. “What makes...

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Is Your Aging Veteran Taking Advantage of their Aid and Attendance Benefit?

Are you a military veteran – or the child of an aging veteran – who is in need of home care services in Olympia? The Aid & Attendance benefit may help reduce the cost of care. Many military veterans and their family are unaware of the Aid & Attendance benefits program for which they could be eligible. The Veterans Aid & Attendance Pension is a little-known existing benefit which helps reduce the cost of care for older veterans and their surviving spouses. Aid & Attendance is available to eligible veterans and spouses who require home care – including assistance with...

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Stephanie Lane Named FirstLight 'Caregiver of the Year'

[caption id="attachment_1591" align="alignright" width="400"] FirstLight Co-Owner Sarah Lane with 2017 FirstLight "Cargiver of the Year" Stephanie Lane.[/caption] FirstLight Home Care – South Sound is delighted to announce that Stephanie Lane has been named our 2017 Caregiver of the Year! FirstLight co-owner Sarah Lane (no relation) called Stephanie “an amazing caregiver who is very deserving of our Caregiver of the Year award.” “She is kind, compassionate and extremely skilled,” explained Sarah. “She has a soft touch and works well with all clients, those needing lots of physical care and those needing mostly companionship or help around the house. Clients and families...

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