Understanding
Senior Care

Eye Care: 5 Healthy Habits for Aging Eyes

From our Care Blog

A look at some common age-related eye health problems and several healthy eye care tips that can help protect your vision as you age. Changes in vision can occur in your later years. As you reach the age of 60 and beyond, you can develop eye diseases and age-related eye health problems that could lead to vision loss. Sometimes these diseases present no symptoms and you may not even realize that you are experiencing changes in your vision until it’s too late. By getting regular eye exams and maintaining healthy habits for aging eyes, you have a better chance of...

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Alzheimer's Disease Early Warning Signs

From our Care Blog

Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be an Alzheimer's disease early warning sign or a symptom of another dementia. Alzheimer's is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. The disease is the only cause of death among the top 10 in America without a way to prevent, cure or even slow its progression. There are 10 Alzheimer's disease early warning signs and symptoms that should not be ignored. People experiencing any one of these should see a healthcare professional. This previous post [Know the 10 Signs of Alzheimer's: Early Detection Matters], one of the most-read posts...

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Family Caregivers Need Vacations Too

From our Care Blog

We talk about it all the time – the tremendous responsibilities that fall on family caregivers. Caring for an elderly parent can be emotionally and physically draining. And for primary caregivers, it is often a 24/7, 365-day-a-year job. Taking any kind of break – let alone a planned vacation – seems impossible. Then when you begin to think about all the planning and preparation that is involved, you wonder if it’s even worth doing. The thought of taking time off from your caregiving duties also brings much worry. What if Mom falls? What if she forgets to take her medication?...

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How to Help Seniors Enjoy the Holidays

From our Care Blog

There are simple ways you can support an aging loved one you know and help seniors enjoy the holidays a little more this year. For most, the holidays bring feelings of joy, anticipation and excitement. Spending time with friends and family, attending holiday gatherings and exchanging gifts all symbolize the season of goodwill. However, not all people experience happiness during the holiday season. Close to 12 million seniors live alone. And many often struggle with grief over the loss of a loved one, sadness, confusion and isolation, especially if they don’t have family close by. This can bring on the...

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Travel Vaccines for Seniors: Stay Safe and Healthy While Traveling

From our Care Blog

Many seniors are fortunate enough to enjoy traveling the world during life’s later years. With a little planning and preparation - especially when it comes to travel vaccines - they can safely visit many different destinations, in or out of the country. Before jet-setting off to an exotic locale, it’s important that seniors do what they can to stay healthy and safe and to protect themselves from serious illnesses while traveling. Seniors should see a doctor in advance so they are aware of recommended travel vaccines and are up-to-date on routine immunizations. If you are a family member concerned about...

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Signs Your Elderly Parent Needs Help

From our Care Blog

How do adult children know when their elderly parent needs help? Oftentimes the parent won’t be the one to admit they need assistance. And sometimes they may even try to hide the fact that they need additional care. We’ve put together some helpful tips on how you - the adult child - can recognize the signs that your aging parent needs help, as well as recommendations on what you can do next. So, while you’re visiting with loved ones this holiday season, keep the following in mind: Their once tidy home is now being neglected Does your parent seem to...

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How to Prevent Family Caregiver Burnout

From our Care Blog

In November, we celebrate National Home Care Month and National Family Caregivers Month, two observances that are core to FirstLight Home Care. Throughout the month, our FirstLight blog will focus on providing the tools, tips, resources and peace of mind so many family caregivers need. We invite you to comment and share the challenges and rewarding experiences you’ve encountered throughout your caregiving journey. Because family caregiving is emotionally and physically draining, it can lead to caregiver burnout. For many, taking on the role of family caregiver is unfamiliar territory. While caring for a loved one is a worthwhile responsibility, it...

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Finding the Right In-Home Caregiver

From our Care Blog

In November, we celebrate National Home Care Month and National Family Caregivers Month, two observances that are core to FirstLight Home Care. Throughout the month, our FirstLight blog will focus on providing the tools, tips, resources and peace of mind so many family caregivers need. The first step is finding the right in-home caregiver. We invite you to comment and share the challenges and rewarding experiences you’ve encountered throughout your caregiving journey. Home care can be a lifeline for seniors who are aging in place, as well as those living with a disability or recovering from an illness or injury....

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Home Care May Assist in Caring for Older Veterans

From our Care Blog

Members of the “Greatest Generation” are aging quickly. Home care may be beneficial in helping these older veterans continue the quality of life they deserve. There are just under 2 million World War II veterans remaining in the U.S., and they are aging quickly. Many members of the “Greatest Generation” who are dealing with the challenges of advancing age need care and assistance with activities of daily living. Home care can be an ideal solution to help older veterans receive exceptional care and maintain the quality of life they deserve. Home care services assist veterans in a variety of ways....

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How Aging Can Impact Oral Health

From our Care Blog

Your oral health can be impacted as you age. Crowns and veneers do not last forever. Gums may recede, and tooth loss may require partial dentures, bridges or implants. No matter your age, it’s never too late to improve your oral care and work with your dentist to positively impact your overall health. A regular dental care routine and relationship with your dentist will help you understand the changes occurring with your oral health. Here are some things that you should know about your oral health and aging: Older adults are more prone to cavities and decay on the root surfaces...

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