The FirstLight Care Corner

Caregiver Burnout VS. Compassion Fatigue

From our Care Blog

For many, it’s hard to tell the difference between caregiver burnout and compassion fatigue, but there is a difference. Compassion fatigue occurs initially when caregivers cannot remove themselves from their loved one’s condition long enough to recover from the stress they feel when attending to another person’s needs. The caregiver can feel trapped and overwhelmed and can experience guilt, trauma, and depression. Compassion fatigue can come on suddenly and often includes: Exhaustion (physical and/or emotional) Feelings of dread or guilt Irritability, anxiety or anger Difficulty sleeping Difficulty making decisions Feeling disconnected Trouble finding meaning in caregiving Self-isolation Caregiver burnout, however,...

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Activities Seniors Can Do at Home

From our Care Blog

If you’re caring for a senior at home and venturing out less in order to keep them - and you - safe and healthy, we know it may be difficult to keep them entertained and engaged. But do not fear! Thanks to some excellent sources out there, we found tons of activities you can do with your loved one while you’re social distancing and staying indoors. Some of these may also be fun for the kiddos who need a break from their non-traditional school work. Take a Virtual Tour Zoos, aquariums, museums, and theme parks are offering virtual tours. Seniors can...

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Top Challenges When Caring For An Elderly Family Member

From our Care Blog

A family caregiver will spend more than 24 hours a week providing care to a loved one, although many will report spending more than 40 hours per week on caregiving duties, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving study in 2019. Family caregiving can be a genuinely rewarding experience, but it can also come with challenges. FirstLight Home Care has been serving local communities for the last 10 years and we have found that caregivers face these common top challenges when caring for elderly family members: Financial burden. Some of the financial consequences of supporting aging parents include the need...

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Our Commitment to You: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

From our Care Blog

There is no doubt we are in unprecedented times. With the ongoing and increased uncertainty of coronavirus (COVID-19), and the tremendous speed in which things are changing, caring for our clients, families, caregivers and team members continues to be our top priority. We want to ensure you that every member of our FirstLight family is informed daily of what is happening around us. And we are prepared for these types of situations. FirstLight® Home Care continues to actively monitor the progression of coronavirus (COVID-19) to ensure that we have the most accurate, updated information. The infection control practices we have...

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How Coronavirus Could Affect Seniors

From our Care Blog

We have been closely following Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates and reports from the CDC, the World Health Organization and other state and local entities, and our thoughts have undeniably been with all those affected. Recent news of the virus starting to spread in the U.S. is unsettling. While it's natural to worry and wonder what could happen if the spread of the virus gets worse, it's also important not to panic… but instead to be armed with helpful information from the experts. Of course, we at FirstLight Home Care are deeply committed to the health, safety and well-being of all our clients,...

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5 Surprising Ways Stress Can Impact Senior Health

From our Care Blog

Everyone experiences stress to some degree. Yet, it can be a silent factor of overall well-being, especially for seniors. Often, senior stress can mask itself in a number of ways, and cause serious issues that may be attributed to other senior health issues. Therefore, it’s important for seniors and their caregivers to understand the symptoms of stress, as well as the different ways to address and prevent it. Overeating When people get stressed, their body releases cortisol, a hormone that readies the body for a fight or flight response. This is why appetite increases during stressful situations: the body is...

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What Makes A Great Caregiver?

From our Care Blog

Caregiving is more than just taking care of the physical needs of a senior, a person with disabilities, or someone recovering from surgery. A good in-home caregiver provides support and encouragement. They form a relationship and foster a bond with the person in their care. And for many families, the caregiver becomes part of their family. At FirstLight Home Care, we have found that the best professional caregivers go above and beyond for the families in their care. They are reliable, responsible and trustworthy. They are respectful, kind and patient. If you’re searching for a professional home caregiver, it’s important...

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Benefits of Hiring a Companion Caregiver for Aging Parents

From our Care Blog

Everyone needs companionship, and all of us need a helping hand every now and again, which is where a companion caregiver can assist.

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What Are the Early Signs of Heart Disease?

From our Care Blog

From swollen feet to constant fatigue, shortness of breath and confusion, some early signs of heart disease may surprise you.

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Best Practices for Effective Elderly Medication Management

From our Care Blog

One of the first questions to ask aging parents when helping them navigate their healthcare journey is about the medications they are taking. Studies conducted by the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists have reported that 87% of seniors take at least one prescription drug, while 36% take five or more. It was also noted that 38% use over-the-counter medications.  Knowing which medications your parent takes can ensure effective elderly medication management and avoid common mistakes like taking the wrong dosage or missing doses. Taking the correct medications at the correct times will help your loved one stay on track with...

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