As a leading provider of home care services and a member of the HomesRenewed Coalition, FirstLight supports the introduction of the Home Modifications for Accessibility Act. Earlier this month, Representatives Charlie Crist (D-FL) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY) introduced the Home Modification and Accessibility Act, which creates financial incentives for homeowners to proactively make accessibility upgrades to their homes. The bill would help older adults afford home modifications, allowing them to live safely and comfortably in their own homes as they age. AARP reports that around 90 percent of people ages 65 and older would prefer to age in their homes…
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Ways to Improve Mental Health in Older Adults
Mental health consists of emotional, psychological and social well-being. It impacts the way we think, feel, act and relate to others. Positive mental health is essential to overall health and quality of life. The American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry estimates that 20% of people aged 55 years and older experience some type of mental health concern. The most common mental health problems in older adults include anxiety, severe cognitive impairment and mood disorders, such as depression. There are many ways to help improve mental health in older adults. Incorporate regular movement and exercise. Making time for exercise or some type of…
If you’ve ever considered a second career, now may be an ideal time to learn more about the career opportunities that are available in professional caregiving. Many adults who retire from their long-term jobs decide to embark on a second-act career. Caregiving as a second career can be extremely rewarding for individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds. Caregivers for older adults are in great demand right now, and there are numerous openings for these positions across the nation. There is no denying the many rewards of caregiving It’s fulfilling work It provides the opportunity to build meaningful…
Care After a Hospital Discharge
For aging adults, a trip to the hospital has the potential to stretch on for several days, and medical procedures can bring a host of new caregiving responsibilities that continue even after the patient heads home. Older adults often need greater levels of care during a hospital stay, and this translates into greater care requirements after a discharge as well. It’s important that family caregivers fully understand what’s needed as soon as possible, which can better equip them to organize the care necessary to keep their loved ones safe and help them heal. By being prepared,…
Health Benefits of Pets for Seniors
Many family caregivers know that the seniors they care for can sometimes experience loneliness and depression, which can cause long-term physical health issues. But did you know that therapy for this sense of isolation might just be found at the nearest animal shelter or pet store? Americans love their pets! Recent surveys show that two out of every three American homes have a pet, and that number has risen 20% over the past 30 years. Medical studies prove that the health benefits of pets for seniors and the outpouring of affection for our furry friends are real and lasting. Here are…
Understanding Caregiver Burden and How to Prevent Burnout
Caregiving is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Each situation has its unique pressures and specific caregiver duties. A caregiver for an adult with schizophrenia can be different than someone taking care of a loved one with multiple physical problems. The burden may be equal but the areas of life affected might be very different. What is Caregiver Burden? Caregiver burden is used to describe the emotional, physical and financial toll experienced by family caregivers. Think of burden as being a load, pressure, an immense duty, and/or responsibility. For some caregivers, the burden of caregiving may encompass all the stressors listed above….
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Creating a Safe Space for Adults Living with Dementia
If your aging senior is living with dementia, Alzheimer’s or other cognitive disorder, you know what a challenge it can be to make them feel safe and comfortable as these conditions can make understanding the world around them a difficult and confusing experience. In fact, your loved one may see the place they call home in a completely different way than you do. Fortunately, researchers have dug deep into what makes homes safe and more livable for those living with dementia. How do People with Dementia See the World? For people living with dementia, visual stimuli aren’t received in the…
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Celebrating National Caregivers Day
National Caregivers Day is Friday, February 18. Although we regularly recognize our FirstLight caregivers, we make a special point of doing so on this special day. Dedicated home care, home health and hospice professionals selflessly care for others each and every day. They go above and beyond to help families and their loved ones live better lives by providing vital companion care and personal care services. The support they provide enables families to focus on their loved ones and it provides peace of mind. Caregivers will continue to make a big difference in the lives of others. There are simple…
As our society ages, the children of older parents are faced with the fact that they may have to care for Mom, Dad or both as they enter their later years, which reverses the traditional parent/child roles each has known all or most of their lives. Caregivers often face other challenges when parenting an aging parent, such as having to step in and advise them when to take medication, when to purge expired food, or even when to take away the car keys. This role reversal is sometimes shocking to both the children and the parents and can result in…
February is American Heart Month
Healthy habits can lead to a healthy heart Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.? American Heart Month is observed during February to raise awareness about the importance of a healthy heart and to encourage healthy habits that help reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, the first Friday in February is National Wear Red Day. On this day, people across the country don the color red to bring greater attention to heart disease. If we know the risks, we can all do what it takes to help protect our hearts. Be…
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