Senior
Health & Wellness

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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The Importance of Oral Health and Hygiene As We Age

From our Care Blog

October is Dental Hygiene Month A century ago, the need for dentures later in life was considered a natural part of aging. Today, three-quarters of people over the age of 65 retain at least some of their natural teeth. While the improvement in oral health care among seniors is something to smile about, our aging loved ones still need to be diligent when it comes to their teeth. Even with regular brushing and flossing, older people still have higher rates of gum disease, dental decay, oral cancer, mouth infections, and tooth loss. Our team at FirstLight® addressed several oral health...

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Immunization Awareness for Older Adults

From our Care Blog

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, an annual observance meant to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. However, vaccines are particularly important for older adults because as you age, your immune system weakens, and it can be more difficult to fight off infections. The older you get, the more likely you are to get diseases like the flu, pneumonia, and shingles. Certain immunizations can help keep seniors from getting and spreading serious diseases that could result in poor health, medical bills and the inability to care for themselves. Getting vaccinated can help keep your older loved...

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How Smartwatches Are Changing the Face of the Medical Alert Industry

From our Care Blog

Smartwatches offer unique benefits over traditional medical alert devices Medical alert devices can be lifesaving for seniors who find themselves in an emergency situation. They also can reduce stress and anxiety for caregivers by providing peace of mind that a loved one will be able to get the help they need after an accident or injury. There are numerous medical alert systems on the market today, the majority of which are traditional in-home units and mobile options for more active seniors. In recent years, some companies have started offering smartwatch-style devices, which offer a fresh alternative for caregivers looking to...

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Seven Heart Healthy Tips for Seniors

From our Care Blog

These heart healthy tips for seniors help older adults reduce the risk of heart disease and increase overall well-being.

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Eye Health: Protecting Your Parent’s Vision

From our Care Blog

In honor of Glaucoma Awareness Month, we went through our blog library and found a few of our most popular posts related to eye health. January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, an important time to raise awareness of this growing disease, as well as other eye health problems. If you are caring for an aging parent or other loved one, it’s important that they get an eye exam every year, especially if they are over the age of 65. These exams are even more critical if they have high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of eye disease. Many eye...

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Maintain a Healthy Brain

From our Care Blog

Learn more about our Healthy Brain Services. FirstLight offers specialized care to support brain health. FirstLight Home Care and Ageless Grace partner on brain fitness program  It’s never too early to start doing whatever it takes to keep your brain young, healthy and active. Sustaining healthy brain function and keeping the mind sharp at any age may be more important than you think. “There have been several studies on the impact of how maintaining a healthy brain can help prevent early dementia and even diseases such as diabetes,” stated Jeff Bevis, CEO and Co-Founder of FirstLight Home Care. FirstLight is thrilled...

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Recommended Vaccines for Older Adults

From our Care Blog

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, an annual observance to bring awareness to the importance of vaccines for people of all ages. Immunization Awareness Month was established to encourage people – young and old - to make sure they are up to date on the various vaccines recommended for them. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that all adults need immunizations to keep them from getting and spreading serious diseases that could result in poor health, missed work and not being able to care for family or themselves. Older adults may need one or more vaccines, even...

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May is Older Americans Month

From our Care Blog

Encouraging Older Americans to "Engage at Every Age" Each May, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living leads our nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. It is a time to recognize the contributions of older Americans and think about how we can work together to support and value people over age 65. The 2018 Older Americans Month theme is “Engage at Every Age”. It’s meant to remind us that you are never too old (or young) to take part in activities that can enrich your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It also celebrates the ways...

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