The FirstLight Care Corner

Seniors and Moving: How Can You Help?

From our Care Blog

In summer, it seems everyone is on the move—both literally and figuratively. For seniors who are faced with the decision to move, the situation may not seem entirely sunny. One of the hardest things we may have to do as a caregiver or child is watch a senior struggle with the prospect of leaving a residence that bears strong emotional and physical ties. Not only are many seniors bound by lifelong memories to their homes, but a physical illness or disability may prevent them from seeking friends or companions outside a new location. As a caregiver or spouse, you can...

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Welcome Aboard, Our First Franchisee!

From our Care Blog

It’s been a celebratory week for us here at FirstLight Home Care, as we announced the signing of our first franchisee as well as four additional planned openings in the coming months. Tammy Iuso, 56, who will provide care to clients in the Orlando, Fla. market, is as passionate about providing in-home care as we are. Tammy's story is an interesting one. As a first generation Cuban, she has personal ties to the caregiving field since her father was struck by an illness more than 10 years ago. Like many children of elderly or disabled parents, she had difficulty finding...

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Seniors Get Their Kicks on Summer Wellness Tip

From our Care Blog

I’ve been stirring some social media interest surrounding an article I Tweeted last week on the SilverSneakers® Fitness Program, an innovative exercise and wellness program that promotes fit lifestyles. The Arizona City Independent reports a particularly active program is kicking at the state's Tri-Valley Fitness Center, where accredited instructors are helping seniors make the most of their golden years. The award-winning SilverSneakers finds a niche in regions where older populations are choosing to retire. In Arizona, for example, many health plans cover the program, including HealthNet of Arizona, Health Choice and AARP Medicare Supplement, to name a few. And that’s...

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Holiday Presents Time to Assess Care Needs

From our Care Blog

The holiday weekend is almost upon us! As families prepare to celebrate the upcoming 4th of July with picnics, fireworks and a few rousing games of Bocce ball, it’s also an important time to remember the people who make these moments so special. With burgers on the grill and good times abounding, it may not seem like the most practical moment to start a conversation about whether an elderly individual in your life is a candidate for long-term care; but having the talk before any problems arise is actually the smartest thing to do, because it allows both parties to...

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Summer Driving and Senior Safety Tips

From our Care Blog

Summer is now in full swing and that means one thing—road trips! Last April I blogged about how dementia can impact driving among senior populations. While FirstLight Home Care remains passionate about our client companionship services, which include transportation, we also want to encourage seniors to remain independent, active and alert when enjoying the summer season. That’s why I was pleasantly surprised to read a survey released on June 22 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety that revealed seniors are actually doing a lot of right things when it comes to their driver awareness. The survey showed that fatal...

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New Study Indicates Home Care is on the Rise

From our Care Blog

While franchising in the home care industry only began in the last 20 years, the past 10 years alone have yielded some tremendous growth. A new study released by the web portal Franchise Direct indicates that the increase in demand for home care is not only the result of an aging population; now more than ever people desire to age in place surrounded by the comforts of their home and loved ones. According to the study, 70 percent of American seniors spend the rest of their lives in the place where they celebrated their 65th birthday—even though an overwhelming number...

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Summertime Tips for Seniors

From our Care Blog

Summer is finally starting to heat up, which means our seniors need to be even more mindful of how they handle their health. Each year, thousands of seniors succumb to dehydration, heat stroke and heat exhaustion. How can you help the senior in your life live out their summer season to the fullest? Check out some of my quick tips, as gleaned from a helpful article in California’s Alameda Sun. If you are providing in-home care for a senior with limited mobility, a loved one or in-home care giver should make sure he or she has a properly functioning cooling...

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Low-Tech Market Yields High Returns

From our Care Blog

From Blackberries to Droids to iPhones, the world of cell phone technology continues to outdo itself. But this week, I noticed that Tigard, Ore.-based phone company Consumer Cellular has opted to buck the trend and steer its mission in the opposite direction. Recently, The Portland State Daily Vanguard ran an engaging piece on how Consumer Cellular is marketing its stripped down cell phone models to the senior citizens. Instead of touting oodles of multi-functionary applications, the company has designed phones with bigger buttons that are easier to see and push. And in addition to being hearing aid compatible, basic plans...

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Reflections on Senior Health and Fitness Day

From our Care Blog

Summer has not officially started, but this coming Memorial Day Weekend may as well be its kick-off. It also presents an opportune time for seniors to get out and stay active with families and friends. In fact, many already got a jumpstart on their plans this past Wednesday when an estimated 100,000 seniors across the country participated in the 17th annual National Senior Health and Fitness Day. As a result, I was inspired to read about how community centers and YMCAs across the country hosted events that promoted wellness for participants of all fitness levels. In Westchester, N.Y., it was...

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The Importance of Independence for Seniors

From our Care Blog

This week, I read an article about the increasing number of seniors having joint replacement surgery. The article, “Old Patients, New Joints,” written by Paula Span for The New York Time’s blog, The New Old Age, featured a series of individuals who have recently experienced hip or knee replacement surgery as well as useful advice from a number of doctors. What I found really endearing about this article, is how much people value their independence – their ability to live their lives – no matter their age and no matter what they have to do to achieve it. One woman...

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