Alzheimer’s and
Memory Loss

Building a winning team against cancer

From our Care Blog

Today, we welcome our first guest post from caregiving expert, author and speaker, Joni Aldrich. Here is Joni's advice on how to build a winning team against cancer: The reality is that 4,000 people are diagnosed with cancer every day in the United States. To put that in perspective, that’s the population of my hometown in North Carolina. When these patients and their families hear the words “you have cancer”, they feel exactly the way my husband, Gordon, and I did seven years ago. We didn’t know what to do. The Saving of Gordon: Lifelines to W-I-N Against Cancer contains...

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FirstLight Home Care welcomes guest blogger Joni Aldrich

From our Care Blog

FirstLight Home Care is proud to welcome guest blogger Joni Aldrich to the family! Joni will share her insight and expertise on caregiving with a blog post on the 15th of each month. Understanding first-hand the challenges, anguish, and even rewards that are associated with caring for loved ones, Joni will offer advice and suggestions and share her own trials and tribulations. It was her extensive care for her late husband, mother, and now her boyfriend that inspired Joni to share her knowledge and support with fellow caregivers as well as current cancer fighters. With her, you will always have...

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Secrets of maintaining a healthy relationship

From our Care Blog

Recently, the media has been having a field day covering the downfall of successful couples. Even breaking news stations such as CNN are covering the scandals of a certain California governor. With the negative attitudes surrounding marriage everywhere, it is refreshing to see inspirational print about couples. Here are some tips, courtesy of AARP.com, for maintaining a successful relationship: Find new activities to do together Doing the same activities as a couple quickly turns into a dull routine that leaves little excitement for either partner. Switching up these bonding activities makes couples feel younger and more in sync. Fun activities...

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Relocating an elder parent

From our Care Blog

Recently, my parents, who are in their late 70’s, decided to relocate from California to Ohio in order to be closer to other family members, including me. After my dad broke his hip and my mom suffered a fall, they knew it was in their best interests to be near family who could provide future care, if need be. Surprisingly, my parents approached me about the issue—in many instances, adult children are the ones initiating this conversation and the elder may be reluctant or apprehensive to relocate. Going in, I had no idea of the details that had to be...

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Calming the storms

From our Care Blog

Martha, my mother-in-law who has Alzheimer’s disease, is now requiring more personal care every day.  It has been a long winter for her; she has been in the hospital several times with urinary tract infections, pneumonia, dehydration and this last admission was because she became weak, unconscious and fell.  With the resulting gash on her head, multiple bruises and right arm in a sling, she looks like she just lost a fight.  All of this kept her recovering between the hospital, rehabilitation unit and our homes. Her memory is lessening; her paranoia is worse.  She asked her daughter, Carol, if...

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Easter holiday offers chance to connect with elderly loved ones

From our Care Blog

Another holiday has arrived and for many people, holidays equal family, food and fun. This can be especially exciting for seniors who don’t have the opportunity to spend a lot of quality time with friends and loved ones. Regardless of the religious beliefs of the seniors involved, Easter is a good opportunity to welcome the spring season and engage in Easter-related activities. If you’re planning a get-together this weekend, here are a few fun activities that will surely put a smile on your senior’s face. Prep time If you’re hosting the shindig, invite your elderly family members or friends over...

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I'm the pastrami

From our Care Blog

This week has been more challenging than most.  My 35-year-old daughter, Angie, has been having back problems and had to go for an outpatient surgery procedure in an attempt to reduce the numbness, tingling and sharp pain she has been experiencing.  Her and my son-in-law, Bob, needed to leave around 5:30 am for the surgery center so I took what was supposed to be a “mental health” day to get my 3 grandchildren off to school.  Honestly, getting the 5 and 7 year olds up, fed, dressed and on the school bus was not difficult.  The only near miss we...

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Must-have traits for every caregiver

From our Care Blog

In the United States, over 65 million people provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving. Even though 29 percent of the U.S. population is providing care, this doesn’t mean that all 29 percent is cut out for the job. Anyone can attest to the joys, rewards and challenges of caring for another but how do you know what characteristics should be present when looking to hire a caregiver for an elderly loved one? Keep the following traits in mind when you’re on the hunt: Companionship A caregiver...

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Another End of the Spectrum

From our Care Blog

My mother in law, Martha, who has Alzheimer’s disease, has been my main focus here; however, today I would like to talk about my foster mother who is 88 years old.  Her name is Jule, short for Julia, and I can still hear my foster dad say, “Now Jule” when they would disagree about something and he felt she had crossed the line.  I guess because this was such a rare event it made an impression on me.  It just occurred to me you might be wondering how I ended up with foster parents.  Well, first let me say these...

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The Mystery of the Observation Status

From our Care Blog

As of today, Martha, my mother in law, has been in the hospital 6 days.  She has received a multitude of tests, IV’s and nurses and doctors have been in and out to see her.  The medical social worker (MSW) visited and told us she could make arrangements for her to be discharged to a Rehabilitation center for physical and occupational therapy; however, the facility wanted $8,000.00 up front.  After the initial shock, where I almost had to resuscitate the rest of the family, we began to ask questions.  Come to find out, Martha has been an observation patient this...

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