Safety

How to Balance Care with Independence for Your Loved One

by Molly Rowe We are often asked the question, how much space is safe when caring for a loved one? Is it safe to leave my husband with Alzheimer’s alone for a few hours each day? Can Mom be left alone overnight? Can Dad shower on his own? This question comes a few weeks into caregiving, when the loved one is out of crisis mode and asking for more independence, but still in danger of falling, not managing his diabetes, wandering, skipping meals, or whatever else might put him at risk. We, as caregivers, struggle because we want to give...

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Rehabilitative Care that Restores Confidence and Independence

From injuries to necessary surgeries, getting the help your aging loved one needs after an operation can be difficult. More often than not, the responsibility places a heavy burden on your loved ones and the life-altering after effects can also result in post-operative depression. Rehabilitative Care services from FirstLight Home Care — South Sound can offer assistance for injured senior adults and those who need additional service to enhance their quality of life. For injured adults or those coming out of the hospital, rehabilitative and post-operative care is more than just physical therapy. Instead, it’s a personal service designed to help individuals recover...

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Recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day with Action

Each year, hundreds of thousands of older persons are abused, neglected, and exploited. In addition, elders throughout the United States lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more annually due to elder financial abuse and exploitation, funds that could have been used to pay for basic needs such as housing, food, and medical care. Unfortunately, no one is immune to abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It occurs in every demographic, and can happen to anyone—a family member, a neighbor, even you. Yet it is estimated that only about one in five of those crimes are ever discovered. Once a year on June...

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25% Discount on Home Medical Supplies — Exclusively Through FirstLight Home Care

FirstLight Home Care — South Sound is excited to announce a new partnership to provide medical equipment and supplies — all available at an exclusive 25% discount to our clients and referral partners. OneKey Health is a family-owned business with more than 90 years of combined experience in the health care industry, providing affordable healthcare services to physicians, hospitals and directly to patients. Their focus is to provide patients with durable medical equipment from top brands at unbeatable value. They offer every kind of home medical equipment, supplies and services aging adults need, including: Ambulatory Aids like canes, walkers and...

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Learn the Signs of Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is a growing problem. But if you learn to spot the warning signs of a possible problem, and are willing to make a call for help if an elder you know is in need of assistance, then you can help us all take a stand to prevent elder abuse. What Is Elder Abuse? In general, elder abuse refers to intentional or neglectful acts by a caregiver or “trusted” individual that lead to, or may lead to, harm of a vulnerable elder. In many states, younger adults with disabilities may qualify for the same services and protections. Physical abuse; neglect; emotional or psychological abuse; financial abuse and exploitation; sexual abuse; and...

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Improving the Safety of Your Bathroom

Each year thousands of people over the age of 55 are injured due to simple slip and falls while in the bath or using the bathroom. As aging adults become more fragile, or when health problems or side effects from medications begin to increase, it also can escalate the chances of injury.  However, there are simple additions you can make in their bathroom to reduce the risk of serious injuries: Safety-Rails: Install grab bars by the toilet and in the shower. These need to be properly installed so they are secure enough to support weight. Also consider using shower chairs and bath benches to help avoid...

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Living with Alzheimer's and Dementia

A family member being diagnosed with dementia often creates shock and anxiety within the rest of the family.  The biggest issue about "what will happen next?" is will the diagnosis also mean moving. The strong desire of most adults diagnosed with this disease is to remain independent and living in their own homes for as long as possible. But to achieve this goal, some changes will most likely need to be made, both to enable people with dementia to remain independent, as well as make it easier for others to give support. Below are some recommendations made by the Alzheimer's Association: General Safety Improvements: As people get older,...

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