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5 Things You Need to Know about Home Care

Getting help for your aging parents at home can mean different things to different people. But it doesn't have to be as confusing as it might seem. by understanding just a few key details, you’ll be on the way to selecting the home care services and provider that’s right for you in Olympia: 1.  There are two types of home care Home care is divided into two primary types of providers: Home health agencies that provide medical skilled care; and Home care agencies that provide non-medical personal and companion care. The types of services, the caregivers providing them and the payment options...

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Home Care Enhances the Lives of Those with Developmental Disabilities

There are an estimated 5 million people in communities across the United States who live with a developmental disability. Their conditions – autism, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy, and others – impact physical capacity, language, learning or behavior. However, the circumstances do not impact their spirit! When people with these different abilities are connected to the right opportunities, resources and support, they live secure, fulfilling lives. What can each of us do to help our neighbors, friends and family members who have developmental disabilities live side-by-side with other people in our community? For these extraordinary people, the ultimate...

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What Can You Do When Your Aging Parents Want to Stay Living at Home?

When your aging parents or loved ones are determined to remain living independently – even if they are declining in physical or mental abilities – what options do you have? AARP reported earlier this year that 80 to 90 percent of aging people would choose to reside in their own homes for as long as possible, as opposed to moving to a nursing home or independent care facility. This desire by your elderly parents to live independently is completely understandable, but it also makes it challenging for the adult child/children who is caring for them. Many adult children actually want to accommodate...

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Justin Ouellette Joins FirstLight Home Care – South Sound

Justin Ouellette has been improving the lives of seniors and their caregivers throughout his nearly two-decade career. He is thrilled to have found his home as the Director of Community Outreach at FirstLight Home Care – South Sound. “I wanted to work for a community-minded and family-centered business,” explains Justin. “FirstLight Home Care has the local feel that I have been looking for.” Owners Sarah and Greg Lane welcomed Justin to FirstLight at a celebration recognizing their second consecutive “Best of South Sound” award for in-home care. Born and raised in Missoula, Montana, Justin has been working in various nursing...

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How to Balance Caregiving and Your Career

If you’re currently trying to hold down a job and manage the responsibilities of being a caregiver for a loved one in Olympia, you know how hard the juggling act can be. You should be aware of a number of red flags that can signal burnout, putting not only your job at risk, but also your loved one’s health, not to mention your own health. Learning about the increasing number of options available on the job and at home, and figuring out which of them works best for your situation can help you balance caregiving and career. Here are some tips...

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How Can You Avoid Caregiver Burnout?

Virtually everyone who cares for a family member with confront the reality of facing burnout. However, by educating yourself, honestly assessing your attitude, carving out time for yourself and taking practical steps each day, you can recognize the signs and address caregiver burnout earlier.  Here are 12 tips to help: Learn the Signs. You can’t avoid what you can’t recognize, so become familiar with the signs of burnout. These include: Physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomach aches, persistent fatigue, or weight gain or loss; emotional symptoms, such as numb or explosive responses, feeling low self esteem, withdrawal, or an increase in drug, alcohol,...

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FirstLight Named “Best Home Care Agency” in the South Sound Again!

FirstLight Home Care has again been 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 2016 Best of South Sound ceremony, sponsored by the Thurston County Chamber and The Olympian.  Sarah Lane said they were grateful to be voted “Best Home Health Care Agency” for the second straight year. “To be voted the best two years in a row indicates the clients we serve and our partners in the health care community truly consider us the premiere home...

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Free Resources to Help You Care

Now you have them 24/7 with the Family Learning Center Being a family caregiver for a spouse, parent, child or loved one takes time, effort and work. You may not always have the answers, know what to expect, or how to react. Now, with our Family Learning Center, you have a free resource available for accurate information to make it easier to care for your loved one… and yourself. Never be alone… Resources ALWAYS AVAILABLE Help is as easy as connecting to the internet and logging in to our Family Learning Center, with resources that are engaging and interactive and...

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FirstLight HomeCare – South Sound Receives 2017 Best of Home Care® Provider and Employer of Choice Awards

FirstLight HomeCare – South Sound is honored to have received both the 2017 Best of Home Care® – Provider of Choice and Employer of Choice Awards from Home Care Pulse. As the only home care provider in Thurston County to receive either of these coveted awards, FirstLight HomeCare – South Sound, is now ranked among a small handful of home care providers across the country who have proven their ability to provide an exceptional working experience to employees and the highest quality care to clients, according to Aaron Marcum, CEO and founder of Home Care Pulse. “We congratulate FirstLight HomeCare –...

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10 Clues Your Aging Parent Might Need Home Care

People are living longer today than ever before. According to the US Census Bureau, Americans age 65 and older will represent over 18% of the population by the year 2030. But while a longer life expectancy is certainly something to celebrate, it also brings challenges. The reality is that many seniors will eventually require some level of care and assistance with daily living. Unfortunately, they also find it difficult to ask for help. People value their independence and privacy, so they do not want to be a burden on their family and friends. In other words, your loved one may be struggling unnecessarily, but might...

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