The FirstLight Care Corner

Fighting off the flu

From our Care Blog

With flu season starting this weekend, doctors and health officials are reminding everyone to get the flu shot—especially seniors. Some organizations are even offering free flu shots today. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, for example, will offer free flu shots for senior citizens on Medicare or enrolled in Medicare Advantage programs through Nov. 20. The shots will only cost $15 for others. Luckily this season, a new high-dose flu shot is available for senior citizens. The vaccine contains Antigen, which produces a stronger immune response than the standard flu shot. Seniors should also beware of H1N1. After last year's...

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FirstLight Home Care Expands Across the Country

From our Care Blog

After just six months of franchising, we have expanded our services throughout six states: Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Georgia, Nebraska and Illinois. And it doesn’t stop there. We plan to award an additional 24 locations in 2011 and 36 in 2012, totaling 74 franchises awarded and/or developed within three years. During a time when many businesses are closing their doors, it feels great to be bucking the trend. At FirstLight, we do our best to help foster a “Culture of Care” based on the hallmarks of trust, open communication and solid relationships. We build a “franchise family” that will work together...

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Alzheimer’s Awareness

From our Care Blog

This Tuesday marks World Alzheimer’s Day. With this important day right around the corner, we wanted to take some time to shed light on the topic. Consider this*: • One in eight Americans aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s • 172 billion U.S. dollars are spent every year on the disease • There are 10.9 million unpaid Americans acting as caregivers to Alzheimer’s patients • Alzheimer’s was the seventh leading cause of death across all ages in the U.S. in 2006 Although Alzheimer’s affects people differently, some signs to be aware of in your loved one are: memory loss that...

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Fall Signals Time for Seniors to Stay Active

From our Care Blog

Now that the temperatures are cooling, there has never been a more optimal time to get outdoors and get active! And with the heat of summer a near memory, we encourage the elderly to enjoy the less humid temperatures. How can you help them make the most of the fresh air while it lasts? Consider these helpful tips to better keep your loved one active, alive and invigorated by fall’s cool rush: First Things First: Before starting an exercise program, consult a doctor. This is especially important when working with an in-home care provider service, such as FirstLight Home Care....

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Creating a Plan for the Future

From our Care Blog

I am often struck by the difficulty people have when it comes to discussing financial planning issues with family members. But looking ahead to how you can ensure the best possible care for someone who is no longer able to live on their own will be one of the smartest decisions you make. Often times it’s a fall, accident or diagnosis that may trigger the discussion—which may prove to be too little too late. Consider these suggestions when looking ahead to future care. • Consider the needs of a loved one: How does the senior in your life want to...

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Personal Stories, Personal Care

From our Care Blog

More than 20 years ago, Kim Motter remembers when her grandmother, Olivia, could no longer live independently in her home after suffering from a severe fall. Kim remembers how at the time, in-home care options were limited. Nursing homes were really the only viable care option for her family, who lived some 250 miles away from her ailing grandmother. Today, times are different. Kim, who recently opened a FirstLight Home Care business with her partner Liza M. Burns in Dayton, Ohio, never forgot Olivia’s story. Its lasting impact carried over into a mission of providing in-home care for those who...

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Does Fear Lead to Falls?

From our Care Blog

According to a new study, the answer is yes. Research released this week by Sydney, Australia-based medical publisher BMJ indicated that older adults who have a fear of falling are at an increased risk for future falls, regardless of physical risk assessment. The study included 500 people, aged 70 to 90, who underwent extensive medical and psychological tests that estimated the participants’ actual and perceived fall risks. Those with a high level of anxiety about falling were mostly like to endure a spill. The risk of falling can always be minimized with the aid of an in-home care giver, regardless...

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Seniors Adapt to the Loss of a Partner

From our Care Blog

Coping with the death of a spouse is never easy. This week, I was again reminded of the number of people who deal with the fall out on a daily basis. On Tuesday, The Washington Post ran an eye-opening piece that discussed not only how the loss of a spouse can emotionally and physically impact an older American—but more importantly, it delved into new coping mechanisms brought forth by boomers. How are they changing the ways senior citizens are moving forward after a loss? Given the statistical data, changes are in order. The Post reports that those senior citizens measuring...

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How to Provide Care for the Caregiver

From our Care Blog

As a caregiver, you balance a busy schedule. Between work, family and caring for a senior or loved one, sometimes you find it difficult to make time for yourself. But finding time to do so can make all the difference in your work—just ask the experts at Caring.com, a great web resource that offers tips on how you can help parents and seniors in all aspects of their lives. This week I came across an interesting article discussing the topic of “me” time. Where does “me” time fit into caregiving? In quite a few places, actually. Those who make time...

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Senior Care and Vision Impairment

From our Care Blog

I hope all of you have been enjoying the summer so far! With so much to see and do during this relaxing time, it’s important to keep our loved ones and seniors in the mix. For those who are challenged by vision impairment, taking part in summer activities may be more challenging. Fortunately, if you are a senior caregiver or companion you can help. Today there are a variety of options that will help your loved one continue to live out his or her life to the fullest despite limitations. One of my favorite resources, The Savvy Senior, offers some...

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