The FirstLight Care Corner

7 Secrets For A Longer Life

From our Care Blog

Living longer can happen if you stop and take a look at your life and well, follow these secrets we found on WebMD’s website. The health focused folks over at WebMD put together a great slideshow on 18 secrets for a Longer Life (which we guess really aren’t that much of a secret since they have it on their website that millions of people view each month). We went through the slideshow and picked out some of our favorites that we’ve started to try (we can already feel the years being added on to our lives). Eat Like an Okinawan:...

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Depression and Aging

From our Care Blog

Depression is not a normal part of aging. However, older adults are at an increased risk for depression. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that 80% of older adults have a least one chronic health condition, and 50% have two or more. Depression is more common in people who have other illnesses or whose function becomes limited. It also increases in those who require home healthcare and older hospital patients. Unsure if a family member is suffering from depression? Here are some signs from CDC that might help you confirm your concerns: Signs of Depression Feelings...

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5 Reasons We Love America

From our Care Blog

The 4th of July may have come and gone this year, but the memory lingers on. We should celebrate all that is good about America each and every day, not just reserve our patriotism for one day of the year! We think this is a brilliant idea that needs little motivation. But, in case you do, here are 5 reasons why we love America: Freedom: We have the freedom to do what we want, believe in what we want, and say what we want and to do so without persecution. For many in the world, this is not true. In...

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Getting To Know Americans Age 50+

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Respite Care: Caring For The Caregiver

From our Care Blog

If you are the primary caregiver in your family, then you’ll be able to relate to this blog post. It can be exhausting to care for an aging parent or a family member 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are going to need a break -- a time to regroup and re-energize yourself. You may not want to admit exhaustion and although taking a break isn’t on the schedule, but here are some ways you can help care for the caregiver: Take the person in care away: If the person in care can still travel, offer to...

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Make Every Day a fabulous Father’s Day

From our Care Blog

Father’s Day 2014 may be over but can’t we keep it alive each and every day. While searching the web for smart men talking about being a great day, we found Carey Casey, CEO of the National Center for Fathering. We’re now big fans. Mr. Casey wrote the following blog earlier this month and we thought it was worthy to share because he was spot on. The National Center for Fathering has a father-training program that looks very rewarding and his ideas for how to make every day like Father’s Day. His tips are simple and easy for all of...

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LIVE LONGER AND STRONGER: Tips to aging gracefully

From our Care Blog

Our friends over at the National Institute of Aging have put together a pretty awesome list of benefits that as you age, healthy eating and exercise can improve the following: Increase mental acuteness Help resist disease and injury Offer faster recovery Yield higher energy levels Boost a functioning immune system Provide better management of chronic health problems So what can you do?First, speak to your doctor about your current eating and exercise routine. Get their recommendations. The National Institute of Aging promotes these basic things: Eat smart - less salt, more fiber, more fruits and veggies. Add exercise into your...

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FirstLight Home Care Supports National Safety Month.

From our Care Blog

June is National Safety Month. Following are some practical tips to keep our aging family members living on their own safe, and contribute to their well-being. This might surprise you - according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that more than a third of adults ages 65 and older fall each year. Statistics show that every 18 to 20 seconds an older adult ends up in the emergency room because of a fall, many of which happen in their own homes. Most elderly people living at home do not take the appropriate safeguards within their home to...

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Traveling With Seniors

From our Care Blog

A few weeks ago my 80-plus year old parents told us “kids” that they were going to take a trip to see my mom’s sister in Seattle and that they are going to be staying with her for a few weeks. This would require a plane ride with a change of planes in Denver (unfortunately no direct flights from here), a car rental scenario, and a group of adult children worried for the safety and wellbeing of them. They are taking this trip next month, so we’ve been helping them get ready and organized to go on their vacation. This...

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The Perfect Gift For Father's Day

From our Care Blog

It’s that time of year when sons and daughters flock to buy Hallmark cards for their dad and try and find the perfect gift. Maybe you’re thinking about a shirt, but that will probably just add to the unworn selection already in his closet. Or maybe you’re considering golf balls, because you know how many he loses in his zest to lower his handicap. You're probably thinking "if he wants something he goes and buys it" or "he has everything he needs". Do you remember what you got your Dad for Father’s day last year? Chances are he doesn’t either....

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