The FirstLight Care Corner

3 GREAT REASONS TO BECOME A CAREGIVER TODAY

From our Care Blog

“There are only four kinds of people in this world: those who have been a caregiver, those who are currently a caregiver, those who will be a caregiver and those who will need a caregiver. Caregiving is universal.”- Rosalynn Carter, Former First Lady of the United States According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and the AARP Public Policy Institute, over 40 million Americans are providing care for an adult family member or friend. Additionally, the number of new career opportunities for care jobs will be over 1 million by 2028, which would grow the current care workforce by 46%....

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HOW HOME CARE CAN HELP ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES

From our Care Blog

Non-medical home care can be a lifeline for not just seniors but for younger adults who have disabilities, whether cognitive or physical. Any adult with cognitive decline, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, vision impairment, multiple sclerosis and more could benefit from in-home support. Disability care services that support family caregivers and care for loved ones with chronic or specialized conditions can help families face the challenges in their daily lives by providing Companion Care, Personal Care, and even Respite Care to offer the family caregiver a much-needed break to take care of themselves and their needs. Here are a few...

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4 REASONS RESPITE CARE IS NECESSARY FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS

From our Care Blog

For the family caregiver, taking care of an elderly or chronically ill family member, or a loved one with a disability, is something that you do out of love, compassion and desire for a meaningful connection to the person you love. But caregiving is a demanding job. It can be all-consuming and exhausting as you try to navigate the healthcare system, manage appointments, advocate for the care receiver, and take care of their growing day-to-day needs…all while trying to do those same things for yourself and your family. Respite care, or temporary relief from your caregiving tasks, is critical. As...

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CAREGIVING IN A WORLD WITH ALZHEIMER’S

From our Care Blog

During the month of September, a lot of information is distributed about Alzheimer’s disease with the entire 30-days dedicated to World Alzheimer’s Month. Now, that it is officially October, awareness for the disease does not stop! At FirstLight Home Care we continue to raise awareness, challenge the stigma and support those who are working to find an end to this disease all year long. The quick and sobering facts of Alzheimer’s disease show us that the impact and the battle for a cure are far from over. FirstLight has always been committed to sharing helpful, and up-to-date information on Alzheimer’s...

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Keep Seniors Active During COVID-19

From our Care Blog

Caregiving during COVID-19 has been a challenge both for family caregivers and for their loved ones. Social isolation and loneliness have played a big part in these challenges as isolating during the pandemic has hit the elderly population especially hard. Isolation for those over the age of 60 has serious medical and psychological effects and can lead to depression, heart disease, anxiety and cognitive decline. Another factor that adds to these issues is chronic loneliness because more and more seniors live alone. But caregivers can keep seniors active and engaged during COVID-19 without putting them at risk: Cheer them up...

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TOP TIPS FOR MANAGING STRESS DURING COVID-19

From our Care Blog

Are you feeling stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, maybe even a little scared amid the COVID-19 pandemic? If so, you are not alone. During these unprecedented times, we are all experiencing a wide range of emotions. Just know it is normal and acceptable to feel this way during a crisis. As we care for our families and elderly loved ones in our lives, now more than ever, it’s important to take proper steps to manage stress and practice self-care. Here are our top tips for managing and reducing your stress during Covid-19. As best as you can, keep your daily routine. Routines...

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Understanding Medicare and Medicare Advantage

From our Care Blog

Medicare is a national health insurance program in the United States, begun in 1966 under the Social Security Administration and now administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It primarily provides health insurance for Americans aged 65 and older, but also for some people with disability status. In 2020, Medicare will help more than 61 million people pay for everything from hospital stays to doctor visits to prescription drugs. Then there is also Medicare Advantage, which is different than traditional Medicare. And now Medicare Advantage plans have the option of covering things that you would not normally think...

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Everyday Ways to Boost Brain Health

From our Care Blog

Brain health is the ability to remember, learn, play and maintain an active mind. According to the American Heart Association, failing brain health is a public health epidemic that could be more serious than we think. Consider these statistics: The brain begins showing signs of cognitive decline as a person enters their 20s. 3 out of 5 Americans will develop a brain disease in their lifetime. By 2030, the total cost of Alzheimer's, dementia, and stroke is expected to exceed $1 trillion. The good news is, we can develop and change our brains no matter how old we are! It’s...

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Top Caregiver Skills| FirstLight Home Care

From our Care Blog

Considering a new career in home care? FirstLight offers full training and support – but these caregiver skills will also come in handy.

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What are the Seven Stages of Alzheimer's?

From our Care Blog

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that gradually worsens over a period of four to 20 years based on recent data from the Alzheimer’s Association. On average, however, most people live between four to eight years following diagnosis. The progression of the disease may be different for each person, but typically, the sequence of this disease is consistent. Family caregivers should familiarize themselves with the progression and understand what may happen during each stage of the disease. Stage One: Normal In the first stage, a person with Alzheimer’s disease has no memory impairment and no apparent symptoms of dementia. This stage...

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