Alzheimer’s and
Memory Loss

What is Caregiver Stress Syndrome?

From our Care Blog

Caregiver Stress Syndrome is a condition in which a caregiver experiences physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. Typically, this occurs when a caregiver neglects their own physical and emotional health because they are focused on caring for an ill, injured, disabled, or aging loved one. They also often try to take on more responsibility than they should, and they feel guilty about taking time for themselves. Signs of caregiver stress syndrome: Feeling overwhelmed or constantly worried Feeling tired often Getting too much sleep or not enough sleep Gaining or losing weight Becoming easily irritated or angry Losing interest in activities you...

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6 THINGS YOU MUST ASK YOURSELF BEFORE BECOMING YOUR PARENT'S CAREGIVER

From our Care Blog

Every year, an estimated 43.5 million adults in the U.S.—about 60% of them women—become a parent's caregiver. (Source: AARP). Taking care of someone you love is rewarding, but it does come with its own challenges. Here are six things you must ask yourself before becoming your parent’s caregiver: Are you prepared for the physical challenges of caregiving? Many people sign up to be the primary caregiver out of a sense of duty or even guilt. While it is admirable to become the family caregiver, you may not be entirely prepared for the roller coaster of emotions and physical stress that...

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Safely Resume Activities in the New Normal

From our Care Blog

We all want to stay safe and connected. With cities across the United States easing restrictions and lifting stay-at-home orders, many family caregivers may be wondering if it is safe for seniors to venture out? There is still a high coronavirus risk to older adults, but there are ways to help them get out of the house and resume activities in the new normal while keeping them safe and healthy. We put together some helpful tips on how to test the waters and safely ease back into social activities while minimizing coronavirus exposure. This piece was originally featured on the...

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Considering Options for Your Loved One? Home Care is the Answer

From our Care Blog

Most adults over the age of 65 prefer to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. We know that there are many long-term benefits of allowing adults the freedom to age in place. Staying at home helps seniors maintain a routine, and home provides the familiarity and comfort that no other place can. While aging at home is the ideal situation, many seniors need help with various tasks throughout the day to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. When faced with this need, some gravitate toward assisted living or other senior living communities. While these options offer...

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How to Talk to Kids and Teens About Coronavirus

From our Care Blog

Everywhere you turn people are talking about the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). This unprecedented pandemic is affecting nearly everyone and everything - from school closures and job loss to the cancellation of special events to limited interaction with friends and family. If the news of these uncertain and unusual times is impacting how you are feeling, it most likely is impacting the children in your household too. Kids and teenagers alike need adults to help them put something like COVID-19 into perspective. It is important to create an open and supportive environment where children can ask questions… and if they are...

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WHAT MAKES A GREAT CAREGIVER?

From our Care Blog

Caregiving is more than just taking care of the physical needs of a senior, a person with disabilities, or someone recovering from surgery. A good in-home caregiver provides support and encouragement. They form a relationship and foster a bond with the person in their care. And for many families, the caregiver becomes part of their family. At FirstLight Home Care, we have found that the best professional caregivers go above and beyond for the families in their care. They are reliable, responsible and trustworthy. They are respectful, kind and patient. If you’re searching for a professional home caregiver, it’s important...

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TOP REASONS TO HIRE A COMPANION CAREGIVER FOR YOUR AGING PARENT

From our Care Blog

Everyone needs companionship, and all of us need a helping hand every now and again. If you have an elderly parent who lives alone, then chances are they could benefit from in-home companionship when family members cannot be there. At FirstLight Home Care we specialize in elderly companion care services. We provide a wide range of caregiver services to support your aging parent with daily activities, as well as personal companionship so that they can maintain their independence. Here are some top reasons to hire a companion caregiver for your aging parent: Company and conversation. Simply having a visitor from time...

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Wishing You a New Year Full of Blessings

From our Care Blog

As we close out 2019 (and an entire decade!), we want to wish you all a wonderful new year. May 2020 be your best one yet! We’ve rounded up a few inspiring posts to help you stress less through the remainder of the holiday season and to assist in making and keeping those New Year’s resolutions. We hope you enjoy! Here are some useful tips for all of us to help with the stress of the holiday season. Read 5 Tips to Manage Holiday Stress. The beginning of the year is a perfect time to evaluate our lives, address challenges...

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3 Reasons Caregiving is So Hard

From our Care Blog

Caring for a loved one strains even the most resilient people. At FirstLight® we have found that family caregivers tend to be very compassionate people that only want to provide what is best for the loved one in their care. They appreciate the satisfaction and fulfillment that comes with taking care of someone, but the shift in parental roles and the emotions connected to an aging or ailing loved one can change the dynamics of any situation. Caregiving is hard work. It can involve many stressors. Over the last 10 years working with families, our local caregivers have found these...

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The Biggest Challenges Facing Family Caregivers

From our Care Blog

Family caregiver skills cover a wide range of responsibilities that require endless amounts of energy, empathy, and patience. Most family caregivers will tell you that the time they spend caring for a loved one is one of the most fulfilling experiences they have had in their adult life, but it also comes with its own unique challenges. At FirstLight Home Care, we know that each home care situation is unique. But over the last 10 years we have seen that many of the biggest challenges that caregivers face are very similar: Emotional and physical stress: Studies have confirmed that family caregivers have higher levels...

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