Understanding
Senior Care

A Helpful Dozen: 12 Online Resources for Family Caregivers

From our Care Blog

A recent report from the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine concluded that there’s more to caring for the older adult population than services and support for aging individuals. An equally urgent need is resources for the family caregiver who is so integral to their care. The report found that nearly 18 million Americans care for a relative older than 65. And that those providing support are often thrust into the family caregiving role without the preparation, services, support and information they need. The Academies said “the need to recognize and support caregivers is among the most significant challenges”...

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Caring Is Our Calling: What It Means To Be a Caregiver

From our Care Blog

“Going the extra mile for somebody, you can’t teach that. It has to be inside you already.” DeShawn Joiner, FirstLight Home Care 2016 Caregiver of the Year November is an important and treasured month for FirstLight Home Care. Each year, we observe National Home Care Month, as well as National Family Caregivers Awareness Month. While we’re always grateful for the important role we play – caring for our clients and supporting family caregivers – November is an opportunity for us to truly reflect on just what it means to be a caregiver. Caring Is Our Calling FirstLight was created with...

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Hit the Books: FirstLight Book Picks for Caregivers

From our Care Blog

Caregiving – especially when the person you’re caring for is a loved one – can be a complex journey. Whether you’re a family caregiver or an individual who provides care professionally, finding resources that can help you understand the changes, challenges and stressors of a person needing care can be invaluable. And it can help support, comfort and inspire you as a caregiver. As we close out October – which happens to be National Book Month – and look toward National Home Care Month and National Family Caregivers Awareness Month in November, FirstLight Home Care shares the following picks for...

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Empowering the Older Adult: Tips for Taking Control of Your Health

From our Care Blog

October isn’t just about falling leaves, candy corn and jack-o-lanterns. It’s also Health Literacy Month, Organize Your Medical Information Month and Talk About Your Medicines Month. Are all of these observances trying to tell us something? Numerous studies have shown that people who are engaged in their health have better health outcomes. That’s why October is a good time to resolve to be informed, get organized and start a conversation. Following are tips to help older adults – and their family caregivers – take control of their health during October, and every month throughout the year. Be informed during Health...

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Limited Engagement: Short-Term Care Can Provide Long-Term Boost

From our Care Blog

Chances are you’re already aware that non-medical home care is growing in popularity as a way to help older adults age in place – over the long term – while maintaining their quality of life. But you may not know that home care can also provide short-term assistance for adults ages 18 and older who need temporary companionship or support with the activities of daily living. One of the most frequently asked questions to our Just Ask FirstLight service is whether non-medical home care can be provided on a short-term, episodic or as-needed basis. And the answer is a resounding yes!...

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The Flu Vaccination: “Nice to Have” or “Must Have” for Older Adults?

From our Care Blog

Some people go to great lengths to keep themselves and their loved ones healthy this time of the year. Even so, there’s one thing we can count on each time the calendar turns to fall: Flu season. If you’re caring for an aging loved one, you’ve probably wondered if a flu vaccine should be part of your seasonal wellness routine. After all, many people view the flu shot as a “nice to have" – something that’s beneficial if it fits into the schedule, but not a requirement for good health. But the reality is that the flu vaccine offers critical protection...

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Support for the Family Caregiver: The Home Care Lifeline

From our Care Blog

If you’re a family caregiver – a person who provides regular physical, emotional or household support to a loved one who is elderly, disabled, ill or recovering – you’re in good company. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, an estimated 43.5 million Americans have provided unpaid care to an adult or child in the past 12 months. But even with millions of other caregivers sharing their experiences, many family caregivers can feel overwhelmed, anxious and alone. In fact, a recent report from the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine concluded that “...family caregivers need more recognition, information...

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5 Tips for Finding a Hobby to Fill the Fall Gap for Older Adults

From our Care Blog

Chances are, you think more about hobbies at the beginning of the year – when resolving to try something new – than you do as autumn approaches. But for older adults, this time of year can represent a big gap: Summer has ended and the holidays are still in the distance. Activities and visits from family can wane as fall begins, making it an ideal time to introduce or renew focus on a cherished hobby. Explore the Possibilities The calendar of national observances for September supports the fall hobby concept. For animal lovers, there’s Dog Ownership Month or Happy Cat Month....

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How are you celebrating Grandparents Day this Year?

From our Care Blog

How will you be celebrating Grandparents Day this year? It's officially September 11 this year and it's the perfect time to participate in some fun activities with the grandparents in your family. It’s also an opportunity to become involved with grandparents who may not be able to travel or see their own grandchildren and include them in your activities. Some communities will be hosting events and special activities for grandparents, and many care facilities will be doing the same for their residents. A good place to start is the National Grandparents Day website, where you can learn about the woman who...

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As Busy Travel Season Approaches Seniors can use these Travel Pointers

From our Care Blog

It’s almost Labor Day, one of the busiest travel times for Americans. When you think about travel tips for older Americans, navigating through airports and unfamiliar cities comes to mind. But there are so many things seniors can do to prepare for a trip before they leave that will help them stay safe and secure too. The U.S. Department of State developed a page on its website just for older travelers with lists and things to think about well before starting to pack a bag. Here are some of the highlights we think seniors, and those who care for them,...

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