The FirstLight Care Corner

FirstLight offers unique approach to dementia care

From our Care Blog

As the number of people suffering from Alzheimer’s continues to rise, so does the number of unpaid caregivers. According to a recent article in USA Today, nearly 15 million unpaid caregivers in the U.S. help someone with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Any family member or caregiver can tell you that caring for a person with dementia is not an easy, glamorous job; it’s often filled with stress and exhaustion. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, increasing awareness and education of the disease, and planning for care in the early stages can help relieve much of the stress...

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How Daylight Savings Time Effects Your Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease

From our Care Blog

It occurred to me as I sat at breakfast with my mother in law, Martha, who suffers with Alzheimer’s disease that she didn’t seem quite herself today.  That may sound strange to some of you but even as an individual is progressing through the dementia stages they do retain certain parts of their personality.  Now, sometimes the subtle changes can occur before an illness such as a urinary tract infection or even dehydration.  So I started this morning with running through the gamut of potential problems.  Beginning with the small things such as the lighting being adequate, is she warm...

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Caregiving Stories from Nurse Gina – Personal stories of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease from the perspective of a Certified Dementia Practitioner

From our Care Blog

[caption id="attachment_330" align="alignleft" width="99" caption="In addition to being a Registered Nurse and Certified Dementia Practitioner, Gina Kaurich (above) is also a caregiver of her mother-in-law."][/caption] You would think by now I would be accustom to the depersonalization of the hospital system. After all, I have been a Registered Nurse since 1973 and worked as a candy striper starting in junior high. But I continue to be faced with generalizations when it comes to some of the medical community working with people. It saddens me for those who do not have the knowledge to make decisions, often very tough decisions regarding...

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How to cope with a loved one’s memory loss

From our Care Blog

Studies estimate that up to 40 percent of adults over age 50 suffer from age-related memory loss. Diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia affect thousands of elderly Americans as well as their caregivers and loved ones. Renowned psychologist Dr. Dale Atkins, PhD. was recently interviewed on the TODAY show where she offered ways caregivers and friends and family members of victims of memory loss can remain connected. Here are a few of her suggestions: • Continue to take part in events and activities that you both previously enjoyed together and still love to do. This helps remind...

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In the News: FirstLight Franchisee Offers Tips for Seniors on Social Media

From our Care Blog

An increasing number of seniors are turning to social media as a way to connect with family and friends. Social media can provide a safe and easy way for seniors to stay updated and connected with family members – especially with loved ones that live out-of-state. Websites like Facebook can provide seniors who might be feeling lonely with a good sense of companionship. FirstLight franchisee Michael LaVell was featured this week in Michigan Senior Living and provided expert commentary on ways seniors can utilize social media safely. Here are some things to keep in mind when getting your senior familiar...

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In the news: FirstLight’s director of client services Gina Kaurich discusses seniors who bully

From our Care Blog

Msnbc.com published an article this week that brought much needed attention to the issue of senior bullying. FirstLight’s director of client services, Gina Kaurich, lent her expertise on the matter. As a previous director of nursing at an assisted living facility she has seen how far senior bullying can go. According to Kaurich, there is a type of caste system among residents in many nursing home facilities that can exacerbate the mistreatment of seniors in the home. There is little research on elderly bullying but senior care experts estimate about 10-20 percent of seniors have experienced some type of aggression...

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Are you physically able to be your parents' caregiver?

From our Care Blog

I stumbled upon an article today on the Maturity Matters blog that raised a very poignant question: Are you physically able to be your parents’ caregiver? With the boomer population rapidly increasing and the desire to age in place greater than ever, it’s no surprise many of us will inevitably start taking care of our parents. As anyone in the home care industry can attest, the job of caregiver is -- albeit filled with love -- also a frustrating, exhausting, emotional, sometimes boring and often lonely experience. What can caregivers do to keep themselves in shape for this kind of...

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What is a PERS?

From our Care Blog

FirstLight franchisee, Michael LaVell, of Clarkston, Mich. discussed the benefits of a personal emergency response system (PERS) with The Eldercompass Blog earlier this week. Here are a few facts to get started: Approximately 12 million individuals currently receive home care from over 33,000 providers in the United States according to the National Association for Home Care and Hospice. As many of our nation’s elderly opt to remain in their home as they age, extra measures need to be taken to ensure their safety and independence. Part of maintaining autonomy is being prepared for unforeseen accidents or emergencies that may occur....

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Hello, retirement

From our Care Blog

As most of you know, the first wave of the 79 million Baby Boomers in America, are entering retirement this year. What can this generation expect as they begin the transition into their “Golden Years?” Surprisingly, a whole new world of money-saving benefits and opportunities are available. From life and health, finances, travel and transportation to entertainment and leisure activities, senior citizens and soon-to-be retirees are eligible for perks that affect almost every area of their lives. Here are five discounts to start taking advantage of: 1.    Auto-insurance: Many companies provide incentives if seniors take a safe-driving course. AARP’s Driver...

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New year, new you

From our Care Blog

Happy New Year! Have you made your resolution yet? As the holidays come to a close, I wanted to take some time to discuss a resolution that’s on the top of many peoples’ list: staying fit. It’s very important especially for seniors to take care of themselves as they get older. Many don’t realize, however, that this can be done with a few simple adjustments to one’s diet and daily routine. Below are some fitness and nutrition tips that fit the unique needs of the seniors in our lives. FITNESS TIPS Talk To A Doctor Before starting your loved one...

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