The FirstLight Care Corner

Essential Exercises for Seniors

From our Care Blog

For seniors, physical activity is essential. A regular exercise routine can help to boost your energy, relieve stress and manage symptoms of illness and pain. Being inactive can be extremely risky, making it hard to do even the simplest task. Your exercise doesn’t have to be a hassle—you don’t need to join a gym or buy any special equipment, everything you need to exercise can be found around the house. There are four main areas of exercise that seniors should focus on to stay healthy: 1. Cardio and Endurance For seniors, the best cardio and endurance exercises are swimming, walking and cycling....

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7 Activities You Can Do With A Parent This Summer

From our Care Blog

Summer is a fun and exciting time—the sun is out, the kids are out of school and the days are longer. But, sometimes the summer heat and humidity can be overwhelming, making it hard to spend extended amounts of time outdoors. So, how can you and your family enjoy the summer with your aging parent without having to brave the extreme heat? Try one of these fun summer activities: Attend an outdoor concert. This is an extremely popular activity in the summer. Outdoor concerts usually take place later in the evenings when the heat and humidity have died down for...

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How Can You Celebrate National Senior Citizens Day?

From our Care Blog

On August 19, 1988 President Ronald Reagan proclaimed August 21 as National Senior Citizens Day, a day to recognize and show appreciation for the value and contribution of elderly people to the family and society as a whole. In the Proclamation, he said “For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute. We can best demonstrate our gratitude and esteem by making sure that our communities are good places in which to mature and grow older—places in which older people can participate to the fullest...

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What aids are available to help elderly people walk?

From our Care Blog

Aging not only becomes apparent in the appearance of the skin and hair, it also has a marked effect on the body’s steadiness and ability to move. This is due to the body’s natural deterioration, though issues such as arthritis can also play a part. This can make moving around the house a difficult task and the prospect of going outside in the fresh air a distant hope. However, many aids are available to help elderly people remain independent and walk with renewed confidence. First, seek advice from an Occupational Therapist Before you invest in any type of mobility aid,...

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6 Unusual Ways to Beat the Heat

From our Care Blog

Sometimes the summer heat can be unbearable. But, what do you do when you’ve tried everything to cool off? Try something new! 1. Eat to sweat. Some of the hottest places in the world have some of the spiciest, hottest cuisines. So, this summer, take a cue from these cultures. Incorporate spicy foods into your summer diet. While eating spicy foods, your internal temperature rises, your blood circulation increases and you begin sweating. Once the sweat evaporates, your body has cooled off. 2. Stay cool while sleeping. It is often difficult for people to sleep when the weather is hot. Put away the down...

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What Is The Aid & Attendance Program?

From our Care Blog

Is your parent a Veteran in need of home care?  Great news, the Aid and Attendance Program is an improved pension benefit offered by the Veterans Administration that can help pay for home care services.  This relatively unknown program is available for Veterans and their spouses who require regular attendance to assist in their daily routines, including eating, bathing, dressing, undressing, and medication dosing, among others.  The Aid and Attendance Program can also be used to aid those who are blind or in assisted living facilities due to mental or physical incapacity.  Another benefit of this program is that it...

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Senior Activities

From our Care Blog

When you think of an activity night for seniors, bingo is always the first thought that comes to mind.  But did you know there are other great activities that seniors can do to improve happiness and build friendships?  Seniors activities are great for improving cognitive ability, building social interactions, and keeping active and healthy.  From dances to field trips, there are a wide range of great activities for seniors that can bring more laughter and fun into their lives.  Below we have listed some of our favorite activities for seniors. Dancing Noting keeps you youthgul and happy quite like dancing....

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Who Pays For Home Care?

From our Care Blog

There comes a time in our lives when we must address the possibility of our parents needing home care. However, many people are concerned that with their limited budget they cannot afford to pay for it out-of-pocket. This is a difficult reality that most families will have to face, but home care is often the only alternative to placing their loved ones in a nursing home.  The good news is that there are plenty of financial aid services that can help cover professional home care expenses.  The following is a list of some financial alternatives that can help you pay for home care services....

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Secrets To Living A Longer Life

From our Care Blog

How can I live longer? It’s an age-old question that everyone asks themselves onetime or another in their lifetime.  Whether you have had a recent health scare or simply want to live a healthier life, there are plenty of things you can do live a longer life.  The great news is that you don’t need to make drastic changes to your life in order to live longer; rather, you can make small changes to the way you live each day which over time will make a huge impact on your life. Below are a few key tips that you can incorporate into your day-to-day...

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Do You Need A Travel Companion?

From our Care Blog

Summer has finally arrived, and with it brings all the things we love about the season. Graduations, weddings, and trips to tropical paradises have filled our calendars waiting for the cold of winter to release its grasp and give way  to warmer weather.  It is a time of getting together with family and friends and celebrating each other’s company.  However, for many seniors who live across the country from their families, it can be stressful time as well. Everyone knows the stress that traveling entails; making your flight on time, getting through airport security, and remembering where you put your ticket. For...

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