End
of Life

Support Groups and Education: Why All Caregivers Should Go (But Most Don’t)

On any given week, my husband and I attend a half dozen educational seminars on topics related to aging—Alzheimer’s, financial planning, safety at home, etc. We go as professionals wanting to learn more about our field and to meet others doing similar work, but most of the content is really intended for families and individuals wanting to learn more about caring for their loved ones. These seminars always teach us something new, are at all times of the day, cost nothing, and usually come with great food, but I’m always surprised by how few family members actually attend. On one...

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When Age and Illness Ruin Travel Plans

[caption id="attachment_616" align="alignnone" width="225"] Gram and Pa back in their traveling days[/caption] My grandparents in Maine gave up their annual trip to Florida about 10 years ago. Air travel from their island isn’t easy for even the most able-bodied travelers (the small airport is two hours away and a flight to Florida usually involves several layovers and a 12-hour travel day), so when my grandparents’ health started failing several years ago, they decided to give up flying. My grandmother seems to have accepted the end of her traveling days, but my grandfather still laments the loss of his trip south...

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Alcohol and Aging Don’t Always Mix

[caption id="attachment_545" align="alignnone" width="225"] Even "responsible drinking" can be dangerous as we age.[/caption] You don’t hear much about alcohol abuse in seniors. Not because it doesn’t exist but because most of us don’t want to talk about it publically or because we don’t see the abuse. Alcohol was a major factor in the last years of my father-in-law’s life. He was lonely, depressed, and in pain, and a glass of wine or an evening cocktail was often the one part of the day he truly enjoyed. Unfortunately, he was also on a bunch of medications and unsteady on his feet,...

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Home Health Care Versus Nursing Home Care: Pros and Cons

From our Care Blog

Many of our aging parents want to live on their own. According to AARP, more than 95% of seniors want to stay in their home as long as possible, even if they need help with day-to-day activities. After all, home is comfortable and familiar and they are surrounded by memories and circumstances that make them feel safe. There is no magical age when a senior may need help. There are many 90-year-olds who live at home and need very little help. On the other hand, there are 60 and 70-year olds who find their ability to live independently waning. It’s...

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Hospice Care Doesn't Mean End of Life

From our Care Blog

It used to be that the term “hospice care” meant you were terminally ill and dying. It was a frightening word whispered under your breath so your parent or loved one didn’t think it was their end-of-life and give up. At FirstLight Home Care, we have provided hospice care for people who recover and rehabilitate and resume their normal lives. Basically hospice care can mean that dying is a possibility versus a guaranteed reality. Patients can go in and out of hospice care as needed. What Is Hospice Care? Hospice is indeed for those who have a limited life expectancy...

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