Alzheimer's

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Father’s Day

From our Care Blog

“It is a wise father that knows his own child.” For many fathers, this quote from William Shakespeare speaks volumes when it comes time to celebrate Father’s Day. Whether you are a Father, a Dad, a Daddy or any combination of these ideas, being a father can take on many roles, all of which are cause for joy during this special “Day for Dad!” As caregivers, we know that a Dad plays an intricate role in the dynamic of a family and for those whose fathers are aging, seeing this strong authority figure in a different light can be a...

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Three Things You Can Do Today to Help Your Eyes

From our Care Blog

Diminished eyesight is a growing problem – especially among aging American adults. Approximately 142 million U.S. citizens 40 and older have vision problems and by age 75, the American Academy of Ophthalmology indicates 70 percent of adults will develop cataracts. This occurs when the lens of your eyes become cloudy from age, poor eye health, and environmental factors; resulting in blurred, dim, or discolored vision and even blindness. Maintaining senior eye health is increasingly important as we age and the caregivers at FirstLight Home Care are committed to helping seniors with their vision difficulties. As a way to emphasize the...

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Mother's Day Gift Ideas - FirstLight Home Care

From our Care Blog

“Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother.” This telling quote from Oprah Winfrey is a great segue into the celebration of Mother’s Day and what it has to offer your family, friends, children and of course, moms. If you are preparing to spend time with Mom this Sunday, enjoy these last minute Mother's Day Gift Ideas from FirstLight Home Care! As caregivers, we know that moms can sometimes go uncredited for everything they do, which is why we want to help you make their Mother’s Day one to remember. If you still haven’t gotten your mom a...

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3 Springtime Caregiving Tips You Need to Know

From our Care Blog

With spring officially here and even warmer weather right around the corner, outdoor activities and fun in the sun are surely on your mind. But what about your loved ones in need – how can they enjoy spring and avoid being cooped up during this popular season? For caregivers around the nation, both family and professionals, spring is the perfect time to invigorate the men and women they care for. However, it’s important to be mindful of limitations and conditions so everyone can benefit from the beautiful scenery and fresh air. Here are three springtime caregiving tips that will help...

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Keeping in Shape for National Nutrition Month

From our Care Blog

Between work and home life, there never seems to be enough hours in the day to pay attention to the little things (that can have a big impact!) like nutrition. Combined with increasingly sedentary lifestyles, this unhealthy trend has led to an overweight problem in America where 78 million U.S. adults are considered obese. To address this, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has designated March National Nutrition Month 2016 so Americans, young and old, can “savor the flavor of eating right.” So, if you are looking to get healthy with your own food or want to set a good...

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Getting Seniors to Eat: Old Food Habits Die Hard

[caption id="attachment_607" align="alignnone" width="300"] I've been eating the same breakfast for 10 years.[/caption] I’ve eaten the same thing for breakfast (oatmeal) every day for almost 10 years. Before that, it was Grape-nuts, which I ate for 15 years. I also eat the same lunch almost every day, and I’d probably eat the same dinner if my family shared my love for routines. But I love to eat, and I relish dining out and trying new things. It’s just at the heart of me, I’m kind of a weird eater. Unfortunately, mealtime idiosyncrasies are often enhanced as we age. Someone who...

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Health: Foot Care and the Right Pair of Shoes

From our Care Blog

Be kind to your feet. As we age, the years of wear and tear can be hard on them. Disease, bad circulation, poorly trimmed toenails, and wearing shoes that don't fit can also harm your feet. Nurse Gina has discussed many times within the FirstLight Home Care family that foot problems are sometimes the first sign of more serious medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and nerve or circulatory disorders. Her recommendations.... practice good foot care. The National Institute on Aging recommends that you look at your feet often; use a mirror to look at the bottoms of your feet....

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Dementia and Wandering: Plan for it even if you don’t think it will happen

I heard a story recently about a daughter living with her wheelchair-bound mom who had Alzheimer’s. The daughter woke up one morning to find her mother’s bed empty, the wheelchair unmoved, the front door open, and her mother inexplicably gone. The mother was soon found, lying in a neighbor’s shrubbery. She’d somehow gotten up in the night, made it downstairs, and walked around the block before collapsing. If you’re caring for someone with dementia, this is a story you should pay attention to, even if you think your loved one would never leave the house. Even if she never lets...

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Creating A Safe & Happy Home For Alzheimer’s

[caption id="attachment_121" align="alignnone" width="259"] Junk drawers like this one are usually filled with dangers for someone with memory impairment.[/caption] I heard a story recently about a couple struggling with Alzheimer’s. The wife, who’d been diagnosed a few years ago, still lived at home with her husband and, up until now, it had been going pretty well. Lately, however, a new habit had emerged. Whenever she went to the bathroom, she’d use the bathroom trashcan instead of the toilet. The husband had tried everything to redirect his wife to the toilet but said he couldn’t keep her home much longer if...

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Thinking About Senior Care For Your Aging Parents?

From our Care Blog

Maybe your parents should no longer drive or have mobility issues. Maybe your Mom or Dad has dementia and needs constant monitoring. Whatever the case, baby boomers handling care for an elderly relative has become the “new normal.” In fact, more than 43.5 million Americans are caring for someone older than 50, according to the Family Caregiver Alliance. Whereas your parents used to take care of you, you may now find the roles reversed – you are now considering how to take care of them.  How could you not? They loved you and provided for you all those years so now...

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