Understanding
Senior Care

Do You Need A Travel Companion?

From our Care Blog

Summer has finally arrived, and with it brings all the things we love about the season. Graduations, weddings, and trips to tropical paradises have filled our calendars waiting for the cold of winter to release its grasp and give way  to warmer weather.  It is a time of getting together with family and friends and celebrating each other’s company.  However, for many seniors who live across the country from their families, it can be stressful time as well. Everyone knows the stress that traveling entails; making your flight on time, getting through airport security, and remembering where you put your ticket. For...

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No One Can Take Of Your Mother Like You Do

From our Care Blog

But FirstLight Home Care comes very, very close. There is no doubt that as our mothers begin to age, it can be tough on sons, daughters and other family members to provide the level of care she needs. Whether you live close or far away, suddenly the roles are reversed and the dynamics of the parent-child relationship changes – in many cases, you take on the role of caretaker. You have to make sure your Mom is taking her medication and gets to doctor appointments. You may be responsible for meal preparation, financial arrangements, and household chores, the day-to-day activities that...

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Pairing Seniors and Teenagers

From our Care Blog

We all know that the teenage years can be tumultuous. We also know it can be prime time for trouble. So at FirstLight Home Care, we’d like to share with you some stories where teens can learn from senior citizens and vice versa. Maybe it will inspire you to start an intergenerational program in your area! Think about it. Many senior citizens have trouble with their mobile devices and computers. What better person to teach them than a teenager who is never far away from their favorite technological gadget? Teenagers can text faster than most of us can talk! Many...

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Helping Seniors Move

From our Care Blog

When my parents moved from a 6,000 square foot home in Florida to a two bedroom condo in Arizona, it was a nightmare. What I considered “junk” suddenly became a priceless memory. Although my parents were not hoarders, they had accumulated 20 years of “stuff”, various collections and enough photos to fill a museum. From my own experience, the #1 tip I can give you if you are moving your aging parents to a new location is patience. Whether the move is voluntary or involuntary, there are many emotions involved. Emotions are running high as they get very sentimental about...

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Health Concerns in Aging Parents

From our Care Blog

As your parents age, it is important they receive proper care, especially if there are health concerns. We all know this is easier said than done since many aging adults hate to admit their health is fading. However, there is nothing more dangerous than an elderly parent living on their own and unable to care for themselves. When visiting and speaking to your parent(s), make sure to look for tall-tale signs of health problems. Listed, are five obvious signs of distress that may require medical attention or assistance for your parent. Note, that there may be other signs not listed, so it is always...

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10 Early Signs of Alzheimer's

From our Care Blog

Early diagnosis is extremely crucial with Alzheimer's.  The sooner you know you mayhave Alzheimer's the more time you have to take advantage of all the treatment opportunities available.  It also gives you and your family time to know and understand the disease and enables you to plan for the future.  With that said, the Alzheimer's Association is a wonderful resource to use when researching information about Alzheimer's, including the brain science behind it, doctors visits, as well as early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's. Below is the list of signs and symptoms to look for when addressing the possibility of Alzheimer's....

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Care for Aging Parents - Best Foods to Eat

From our Care Blog

When you are younger, it’s not as hard on your body to eat an unbalanced or unhealthy diet, (Oh, to be young again).  Unfortunately, the more we age, the more crucial it is to eat a healthy, balanced diet on a regular basis. Focusing on the senior population specifically, it is even more essential for seniors to eat a well-balanced diet.  There are certain foods seniors should eat regularly that can benefit them greatly during the aging process: Calcium and Vitamin D – Calcium is crucial to bone growth, strength and overall health. Strong and healthy bones can help prevent falling and...

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Are Your Aging Parents Behaving Badly?

From our Care Blog

There are many stresses that people deal with as caregivers for their aging parents, but few are as difficult to handle as aggressive and negative behavior.  At FirstLight HomeCare, we receive countless questions and concerns about what to do with an aging parent who is abusive and hard to control.  The problem that many people face is the difficulty in confronting their parents about these behaviors saying things like, “they are stuck in their ways” or “they will get defensive if I bring up their behavior.”  Although these concerns are valid, you can and should address your aging parents behavior since it is...

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5 Great Senior Activities

From our Care Blog

Keeping busy can be a difficult task for aging adults.  Our entire lives have been run by schedules, whether it be homework as a kid or real work as an adult.  As aging adults enter the next chapter of their lives, they find themselves with more free time than they have experienced in a long time, and this leads to boredom, decreasing health, and lack of daily enjoyment.  In order to make sure your parents are maintaining a fulfilled life, introduce some activities in their lives.  Below we have listed 5 great activities that will not only help keep aging adults...

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Cost of Caregiving

From our Care Blog

Many of us are caregivers – for our parents, brothers or sisters, or other relatives – and don’t even think about the financial demands it places on us. Maybe you are a caregiver who provides “hands on” care right now, but may be called upon to provide financial assistance for your care recipient in the future. In addition to the emotional demands placed on caregivers, it’s important to consider the financial consequences. If it’s possible to plan ahead, this helps to avoid some costly mistakes so you don’t get yourself in a financial bind. If you’re taking care of a...

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