The FirstLight Care Corner

Out of Town Siblings Doesn’t Mean Out of Sight

From our Care Blog

By Dr. Thomas Hoess Taking care of an elderly parent from out-of-town is not easy. It’s the late night calls from the group home that your Mom is on the way to the hospital because she may have a blood clot that causes your heart to race. It’s when the phone rings after 10PM that you worry it’s the final call, the one telling you that your Mom passed away. It is challenging. Harrowing. Stressful. In my family there’s only my sister and I. Sometimes I think having a bigger family and spreading  the caregiving around would be easier. I...

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Holiday Meals with Aging Loved Ones

From our Care Blog

The holiday season is upon us! For many, the holidays are a time to gather with family around the dining room table, enjoying food and conversation. However, the holidays are often a time when many seniors become increasingly frustrated by their disabilities. As a family caregiver, it is important to be aware of any limitations that your aging loved one may have while planning a holiday meal. That includes everything from adapted cooking tools that will allow them to stay involved in the meal preparation to seating arrangements to help them feel comfortable with conversation during the meal. Meal Preparation:...

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The Best Christmas Gift For Seniors Is You!

From our Care Blog

As we all get caught up in the throes of holiday shopping, it’s important to remember the gifts that are the most meaningful. You probably don’t remember what you got for Hanukah or Christmas last year, because they were just “things”. It may have been the latest high tech gadget or even some bling or a bauble. Chances are by this time it’s out-of-date or in the Goodwill bag you have been meaning to donate. Buying gifts for seniors can be challenging, since they usually have everything they need, and the last thing they want is more clutter.  So here...

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Winter Safety Tips for Seniors: Driving With Care

From our Care Blog

Winter brings new challenges to seniors, especially while driving. Explore winter safety tips for seniors to keep you safe.

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5 Senior Friendly Remodels That Won't Break The Bank

From our Care Blog

Living well during your golden years is something of a double-edge sword.  You now have the time to fill your days pursuing hobbies and interests that were put on hold due to other life demands.  The other side of the coin – the possibility of failing health or a fall – needs to be addressed before disruptions push your new found pursuits aside for good.   Moving to a care facility or a smaller, accessibility friendly home isn’t much of a choice.   In economically challenging times, there’s a reason why remodeling your home, including additions like stair lifts and walk-In showers/tub...

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Helping Your Aging Parents Quit Smoking

From our Care Blog

Did you know that today, the third Thursday of November, is the Great American Smokeout? Each year, smokers are encouraged to use this date to make a plan for quitting or to quit smoking on that day. Smoking can be especially dangerous for older adults. According to the American Lung Association, older smokers are “significantly less likely than younger smokers to believe that smoking harms their health.” About 8% of those 65 or older are smokers. Even if it’s just for one day, quitting smoking has many health benefits. In one day, your blood circulation increases and your risk of...

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4 Quick Alzheimer's Communication Tips

From our Care Blog

Did you know that 1 in 9 people ages 65 and older has Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s changes the way that your loved ones communicate. Some caregivers may not see very many differences, but others may notice that it becomes increasingly difficult to communicate with loved ones with Alzheimer’s. There are some common communication changes that caregivers may notice as Alzheimer’s disease progresses. You might hear your loved one repeating familiar words, speaking in their native language or mixing up the order of words in a sentence. They may also have trouble communicating their feelings or speak less often than usual....

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Six Signs of Caregiver Burnout and Some Tips for Recovering

From our Care Blog

As a caregiver, you spend considerable time and energy determining and meeting the needs of the person you are caring for, but all too often, you neglect to devote the same attention to your own needs. When this happens you are likely to suffer from caregiver burnout. Without considering your own needs, you’ll often find that you have a harder time coping with stress and you begin to suffer physically, emotionally, and mentally. Why Caregiver Burnout Happens Whether you are providing care for a parent, a spouse, or a child, you are still at risk for caregiver burnout. Burnout isn’t...

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Activities for Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

From our Care Blog

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. When spending time with seniors who have Alzheimer’s or dementia, it is important consider what they enjoyed doing before they began to lose their memory. Find an activity that makes them feel purposeful—they may not remember what they did that day but they will remember how they felt doing it. Go through photo albums. This is a fun activity for people with memory challenges and you might hear a story you’ve never heard before. Seeing the old pictures takes them back to a time that they can remember—the memories are still there and...

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Missing The Crazy Christmas Lady

From our Care Blog

The other day my daughter asked me to watch “The Grinch That Stole Christmas” with Jim Carrey. It was the first snow of the year, and it seemed like a fun thing to do, even though it was way ahead of the holidays. It’s a fun movie with a heartfelt message. When the movie ended, I started to cry. Not little sniffles, but heaving sobs. When my daughter asked me why, I explained that it was the first holiday season without my Mom. These “milestone” moments are always hard, particularly the first year.  We liked to make fun of her...

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