Firstlight Resources

Holiday Tips For Senior Travel & Travel Companions

From our Care Blog

The holidays will be here before we know it. If your senior loved one wants to travel this merry season, be sure to get them where they need to go safely and with minimal stress. Travel companions for seniors can be a great option to take the worry out of the holidays. Holiday travel, especially senior travel, can be hectic and stressful if it’s not properly planned with a well-organized itinerary and companion services. If you are a son or daughter in charge of caring for a senior loved one, there may be times that they will want to fly for...

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2022 Caregiver of the Year

From our Care Blog

Brian Roh of Charlotte, NC, was recognized as FirstLight’s National Caregiver of the Year during our 2022 National Conference. Ken and Mary Ellen Fleming, owners of FirstLight Home Care of Charlotte, describe Brian as thoughtful, genuine, compassionate, and someone who goes the extra mile to keep his clients safe and treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve. Brian lives our Culture of Care and our mission to help others have their best day - every day.

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How To Avoid Caregiver Stress - Tips & Tricks

From our Care Blog

It can be overwhelming to take care of a loved one who is aging or living with cognitive problems or a disability. Too much stress can be harmful to you and to the one in your care. It’s important to recognize the signs of caregiver stress and put actions in place to manage and reduce your stress to avoid caregiver stress syndrome. What Are The Signs Of Caregiver Stress As a family caregiver, you are “on call” almost all the time. This ongoing demand can make you so focused on the loved one in your care, that you forget about...

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Elderly Fall Prevention Tips - Senior Home Care

From our Care Blog

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. One in four older Americans experience a fall annually. At FirstLight®, our goal is to provide senior home care that makes your loved ones feel safe. Elderly fall prevention is just one way we care for your loved ones as if they were our own. Read on to learn more about fall prevention for seniors. What Are The Dangers Of Seniors Falling? Falls threaten seniors’ safety and independence. They are a substantial medical risk that can result in hip...

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New Bill Would Help Older Adults Afford Home Modifications

From our Care Blog

As a leading provider of home care services and a member of the HomesRenewed Coalition, FirstLight supports the introduction of the Home Modifications for Accessibility Act. Earlier this month, Representatives Charlie Crist (D-FL) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY) introduced the Home Modification and Accessibility Act, which creates financial incentives for homeowners to proactively make accessibility upgrades to their homes. The bill would help older adults afford home modifications, allowing them to live safely and comfortably in their own homes as they age. AARP reports that around 90 percent of people ages 65 and older would prefer to age in their homes...

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Ways to Improve Mental Health in Older Adults

From our Care Blog

Mental health consists of emotional, psychological and social well-being. It impacts the way we think, feel, act and relate to others. Positive mental health is essential to overall health and quality of life. The American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry estimates that 20% of people aged 55 years and older experience some type of mental health concern. The most common mental health problems in older adults include anxiety, severe cognitive impairment and mood disorders, such as depression. There are many ways to help improve mental health in older adults. Incorporate regular movement and exercise. Making time for exercise or some type of...

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Caregiving as a Second Career

From our Care Blog

If you’ve ever considered a second career, now may be an ideal time to learn more about the career opportunities that are available in professional caregiving. Many adults who retire from their long-term jobs decide to embark on a second-act career. Caregiving as a second career can be extremely rewarding for individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds. Caregivers for older adults are in great demand right now, and there are numerous openings for these positions across the nation. There is no denying the many rewards of caregiving It’s fulfilling work It provides the opportunity to build meaningful...

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Care After a Hospital Discharge

From our Care Blog

For aging adults, a trip to the hospital has the potential to stretch on for several days, and medical procedures can bring a host of new caregiving responsibilities that continue even after the patient heads home. Older adults often need greater levels of care during a hospital stay, and this translates into greater care requirements after a discharge as well. It’s important that family caregivers fully understand what’s needed as soon as possible, which can better equip them to organize the care necessary to keep their loved ones safe and help them heal. Understanding Hospital Discharge Care Depending on your...

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Health Benefits of Pets for Seniors

From our Care Blog

Many family caregivers know that the seniors they care for can sometimes experience loneliness and depression, which can cause long-term physical health issues. But did you know that therapy for this sense of isolation might just be found at the nearest animal shelter or pet store? Americans love their pets! Recent surveys show that two out of every three American homes have a pet, and that number has risen 20% over the past 30 years. Medical studies prove that the health benefits of pets for seniors and the outpouring of affection for our furry friends are real and lasting. Here are...

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Understanding Caregiver Burden and How to Prevent Burnout

From our Care Blog

Caregiving is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Each situation has its unique pressures and specific caregiver duties. A caregiver for an adult with schizophrenia can be different than someone taking care of a loved one with multiple physical problems. The burden may be equal but the areas of life affected might be very different. What is Caregiver Burden? Caregiver burden is used to describe the emotional, physical and financial toll experienced by family caregivers. Think of burden as being a load, pressure, an immense duty, and/or responsibility. For some caregivers, the burden of caregiving may encompass all the stressors listed above....

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