Firstlight Resources

Tips For Communicating With An Alzheimer’s Patient

From our Care Blog

Here at FirstLight Home Care, we work with lots of families caring for loved ones with many different diseases and disabilities.  One disease that is particularly heart wrenching to watch and personally endure is Alzheimer’s.  I have asked myself this question many times…as I get older “would I rather lose my physical capabilities or my memory?”  That’s definitely not a fair choice to make.  And, unfortunately we don’t get the choice.  Life happens as it’s going to happen, and then in order to move on, we have to learn to adapt to a “new normal.”  But, after talking to many...

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Tracking Devices for Your Wandering Parent

From our Care Blog

A GPS tracking device for your aging parent?  I know, it sounds a little strange at first…  at least it did to me.  I had really only heard of tracking devices being used by search and rescue teams, the police, and possibly the nervous parents of toddlers and/or new teenage drivers.  But, then you throw in the additional word “wandering” before “aging parent,” and my curiosity was peaked.  Maybe there are more uses and benefits than I originally thought. So, I recently began to read up on the various tracking device options that are out in themarket. Similar to satellite...

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Wii by Nintendo: An Effective Way For Seniors To Exercise And Have Fun

From our Care Blog

Video games often get a bad rap, especially when it comes to how many hours young kids and teenagers can be glued to them.  Hours of sedentary sitting along with the less-than-nutritious diets of many children are a recipe for an overweight, unhealthy generation.  But, video game promoters and advocates can create a case for the positives of video games for kids. Are there also benefits for seniors?  The resounding answer seems to be YES! Nintendo has been around since 1985, and they continuously come out with new and improved video games.  Starting with the Nintendo Entertainment Systems, moving on...

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Fun Things To Do for Labor Day

From our Care Blog

So, it’s almost here.  The official end of summer is marked by the long Labor Day weekend.  What exactly are we celebrating on Labor Day?  The name seems to be pretty self-descriptive, but often times it’s easy to not really think about what the holiday is really about.  Let’s be honest, most of us are just grateful for a day off of work. According to Wikipedia, Labor Day is an American federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers.  Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American...

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Men Are Caregivers Too

From our Care Blog

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about a long-time friend of mine who had been caring for his elderly mother.  My blog entry was also about how FirstLight Home Care is meeting the needs of aging America, and an unfortunate lack of awareness surrounding caregiving options. This week however, I want to circle back to the fact that my friend Dave* (a male obviously) was in a caregiver role for his mom.  Dave* is not alone in having that title.  According to a National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) survey, 44% of caregivers are men.  Yes, I said 44%, and...

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Seniors Go Back to School Too!

From our Care Blog

Guest Blogger: Julie Grannan August can be a bittersweet month, especially when you are a kid.  The summer is coming to an end, the local pool has closed up even before Labor Day weekend hits, and it’s back to school time.  But wait…back to school time for many kids is such an exciting time!  As Italked to my sister the other day about my nieces heading back to school this week, I vividly remember going to orientation day in grade school with my mom and siblings.  This was the day where you ran as fast as you could to view...

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Seniors Surf The Web Like Pros!

From our Care Blog

Just last week I received an email from my 82 year old grandpa telling me to click on a LINK to his new WEBSITE that promoted a book he wrote.  Yes, I am completely impressed that he wrote a book at the age of 82 but I am even more impressed with his use of technology and the internet at the age of 82. The use of technology and the internet by seniors is ever growing.  The use of technology can be frustrating for seniors since technology industries cater more toward a younger crowd and can make it difficult for...

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Diabetic Care: Five Ways To Avoid Complications

From our Care Blog

Diabetics and those caring for diabetics know and understand the severity of this disease.  When living with diabetes it is important to also understand the care needed to prevent any complications.  Diabetes has the ability to wear down our bodies over time; this chronic illness requires constant  awareness.   Here are five ways to avoid complications with diabetes: Stay up to date with diabetes information.  Become an expert of the topic, medications, interventions, symptoms, complications, and new research and treatment. Maintain blood pressure and cholesterol levels since both can aid in blood vessel deterioration.  A healthy diet and exercise can...

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How to Keep Loved Ones Safe in a Heatwave

From our Care Blog

Temperatures topped 100 degrees in many places across the country this week. In extreme heat, especially with high humidity, safety for our seniors is very important. At FirstLight Home Care, our mission is to keep seniors safe, healthy and happy in any conditions. Extreme heat can lead to heat stroke, heat rash or heat exhaustion. Symptoms of heat-related illnesses include feeling tired or confused, headaches, dry skin (no perspiration), a rapid pulse or feeling nauseous or dizzy. If you or a loved one have any of these symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Stay in air conditioned areas....

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How to Know When It’s Time to Hire In-Home Care

From our Care Blog

By Julie Davis of Parentgiving.com Caregiving is one of the most loving and one of the most stressful roles you can take on. You may be motivated by many influences, from a sense of caring to a sense of responsibility. But no matter what has brought you to this role, it’s important to understand that your loved one’s crisis can turn into a health crisis for you if you don’t build a network of help and support. You can’t be there every minute, even if help is needed around the clock. Because most people want to stay in their own...

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