The FirstLight Care Corner

Thank You, Family Caregivers

From our Care Blog

Celebrated every November, National Family Caregivers Month recognizes the more than 53 million family caregivers across the country. This annual observance gives us the opportunity to increase awareness of caregiving issues, educate communities, and increase support for family caregivers. We would like to thank all the caregivers who provide essential care to family members, friends and neighbors. Your acts of love, dedication, empathy, and sacrifice allow the individuals in your care to receive the support they need to live a life with dignity. Read some of our most popular articles, and check out the bit of inspiration we found to...

Learn More about Thank You, Family Caregivers

Halloween Safety Tips for Seniors

From our Care Blog

Halloween is a fun holiday for people of all ages. However, for older adults, it can come with its own set of unique safety concerns, and it can be a little unsettling, especially if they live alone. Older adults should feel safe and secure on Halloween. These Halloween safety tips for adults can help family caregivers ensure their older loved ones enjoy the holiday no matter what. Make Sure the House is Well-Lit Whether your loved one is going to be away from the house on Halloween or at home handing out treats, make sure their porch light is working...

Learn More about Halloween Safety Tips for Seniors

Keep These in Mind While Researching Care for Your Parents

From our Care Blog

Caring for the people you love can be an honor, but it can quickly become an overwhelming task, too. It can be difficult to maintain your daily routine—whether you’re working, raising a family, or both—while simultaneously caring for your aging parents. It’s natural to want them to have the best possible care, and passing that responsibility to someone else can involve some hard decisions. Here are a few things to keep in mind while researching care for your parents: Assess their current needs The first step to keep in mind is what your parents need physically and mentally. Think about...

Learn More about Keep These in Mind While Researching Care for Your Parents

Finding Stability During the Uncertainty of the Pandemic

From our Care Blog

Being a caregiver is already overwhelming, even if every day is calm and peaceful. Caring for a person adds stress across nearly every aspect of life. And with the added challenges of COVID-19, that stress can blossom into difficult challenges. However, there are means by which family caregivers can take control of the world around them. With a few simple tips, anyone can increase the dependability of their own resources. Here are three straightforward tips for caregivers looking to reduce instability due to the uncertainty of the pandemic. Focus on Adapting and Stress Management Managing stress during this time is...

Learn More about Finding Stability During the Uncertainty of the Pandemic

Celebrating the Positivity of Aging

From our Care Blog

Active Aging Week celebrates the positivity of aging today. It also focuses on the capabilities of older adults as fully participating members of society and spotlights the role models that lead the way. This week-long campaign, started by the International Council on Active Aging®, challenges society’s outlook on aging by showing that, regardless of age or health conditions, adults over 50 can live a full life in all areas, including physical, social, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, vocational and environmental. The purpose of this annual health observance is to give older adults the means to experience wellness activities and exercise in a...

Learn More about Celebrating the Positivity of Aging

Moving Your Elderly Parents

From our Care Blog

Moving is one of the most stressful events a person will experience in their lifetime. Going to a new home at any stage in life is not an easy decision and it can be extremely emotional. When it’s an elderly parent, that can bring even more challenges. Whether you are moving your elderly parents into a new home, a senior living community, or having them live with you, the entire process can be overwhelming. This is especially true for their adult children, as any of the major decisions will fall on them. Of course, everyone involved in a loved one’s...

Learn More about Moving Your Elderly Parents

How Temporary In-Home Care Can Help Your Family

From our Care Blog

Temporary in-home care can help individuals who are recovering from illness, injury or surgery, as well as after a hospital stay. This short-term care can last anywhere from several weeks to a few months, and it is typically provided in someone’s home. This care may include unskilled or skilled care for the elderly, veterans or people with disabilities. Unskilled or non-medical home care assists people with activities of daily living as well as basic tasks around the home, such as these companion care services: Regular visits, conversations and company Medication reminders Light housekeeping Grocery shopping Meal preparation Laundry services Shopping,...

Learn More about How Temporary In-Home Care Can Help Your Family

Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease

From our Care Blog

Worldwide, 50 million people are living with Alzheimer's and other dementias. In case you didn't know, Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease and the most common form of dementia. Dementia is not a specific disease. It is a general term that describes a group of symptoms. Every September during World Alzheimer’s Month, people from around the world strive to raise awareness and to challenge the stigma around Alzheimer’s and dementia. 2021 marks the 10th year of this important global campaign. The Alzheimer's Association®, the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research, is a valuable resource for those...

Learn More about Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease

Resources for Veterans and Their Family Caregivers

From our Care Blog

There are a number of resources for military veterans and the family members who care for them. We’ve collected several helpful links for you here, from assistance with benefits to caregiver support to how to save on housing costs. We invite you to share in the comments below any additional resources for veterans you have found to be helpful to your family. VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound Allowance VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits provide monthly payments added to the amount of a monthly VA pension for qualified Veterans and survivors. If you or your loved one needs...

Learn More about Resources for Veterans and Their Family Caregivers

Home Modifications to Support Aging in Place

From our Care Blog

A 2018 study by AARP revealed that 76% of US residents over the age of 50 would prefer to live in their homes indefinitely as they get older. It’s easy to empathize with this desire, particularly when you consider how continuity of location can help with staying connected to your loved ones and engaged with your community. Adapting certain features of your home to make certain daily tasks easier can help seniors maintain their independence longer. Here are a few of the most common home modifications for aging in place. Converting a tub into a walk-in shower Reduced mobility in...

Learn More about Home Modifications to Support Aging in Place