Senior
Health & Wellness

Stress Awareness Month: Tips for Home Caregivers to Reduce Stress and Improve Well-Being

From our Care Blog

Being a caregiver for a family member can be an incredibly rewarding experience—but it can also be a challenging one. It is important to remember to practice self-care. As a family caregiver, you tend to be primarily focused on your loved one and don’t always realize that your own health and well-being could be suffering from caregiver burnout. Signs and symptoms of caregiver stress and burnout Feeling overwhelmed or constantly worried Feeling tired often Getting too much (or not enough) sleep Experiencing drastic changes in weight Becoming easily irritated or angry Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy Feeling...

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Brain Injury Awareness Month - FirstLight Home Care

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March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, and if you’re caring for a family member with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), there's no better time to educate yourself on what to do in your role as a TBI caregiver. Being the main source of support and care for brain injury patients can be a long road, but it's important to remember that every situation is different and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every year, approximately 2.87 million people in the United States sustain a brain injury. Of those people, 275,000 end...

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Spring Activities For Seniors & Caregivers - FirstLight Senior Home Care

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After months of colder weather and gray skies in many parts of the country, springtime is a welcomed season for loved ones in senior home care. It can be especially refreshing for older adults who have spent the winter indoors with at home senior care. Fresh air, warmth and sunshine can play an important role in renewing the spirit and enhancing quality of life. Here are some spring activities for seniors that will help your loved ones enjoy the great outdoors alongside their at home senior care companion. Top 7 Fun Spring Activities For Seniors To help older adults who...

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How To Avoid Caregiver Stress - Tips & Tricks

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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

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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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Ways to Improve Mental Health in Older Adults

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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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Health Benefits of Pets for Seniors

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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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February is American Heart Month

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Healthy habits can lead to a healthy heart Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.? American Heart Month is observed during February to raise awareness about the importance of a healthy heart and to encourage healthy habits that help reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, the first Friday in February is National Wear Red Day. On this day, people across the country don the color red to bring greater attention to heart disease. If we know the risks, we can all do what it takes to help protect our hearts. Be...

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Are You Facing Caregiver Burnout?

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It’s well-documented that caregivers often suffer from emotional and physical health problems because of their overwhelming caregiving duties. According to the Mayo Clinic, caregiver stress is common. In fact, one in three American adults cares for a family member, and this figure is sure to rise. As a caregiver, you might not realize you're facing caregiver burnout, but friends and family are often the first ones to notice that your behavior is different. Luckily, these folks can be your greatest supporters during the caregiving journey. Here are three factors that may indicate you're facing caregiver burnout. You have a short...

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For Caregivers, Laughter is the Best Medicine

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It’s no secret that caring for an aging family member can be a very stressful role. But that doesn’t mean that caregivers – and their loved ones – can’t spend a few moments of the day finding the humor in life. For caregivers, laughing can be a lifesaver. According to research by the Mayo Clinic, data suggests that laughter really is some of the best medicine out there. In the short term, laughter: Enhances your oxygen intake, which stimulates the heart, lungs and muscles Increases the production of endorphins, which helps relieve stress Soothes tensions by stimulating circulation and muscle...

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