The FirstLight Care Corner

Home care’s effect on the economy

From our Care Blog

With the deadline to raise the debt ceiling getting closer each day, the economy is at the forefront of the minds of many Americans. The home care industry—and family members providing care for their adult loved ones—has a great impact on the economy. According to a recent report from the AARP Public Policy Institute, the economic impact of home care in 2009 was approximately $450 billion with more than 40 million Americans provided care for an adult family member. Family caregivers face great challenges, balancing jobs with caregiving. In 2009, the average family caregiver was a 49-year-old woman with a...

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Cancer myths can be risky assumptions

From our Care Blog

Another great post by guest blogger Joni Aldrich. This month, Joni addresses common myths associated with cancer. A myth is “an unfounded or false notion.” Although not usually considered dangerous, in the wrong context—such as associated with a cancer diagnosis—myths may lead to serious concerns. All cancers are created equal. With over 100 different types of cancer, don’t believe they are all created equal. Your own body chemistry, stage at the time of diagnosis, and overall health require special consideration in an effective treatment regimen. In The Saving of Gordon: Lifelines to W-I-N Against Cancer, we discuss the four cancer...

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How to hire a caregiver that actually cares

From our Care Blog

As awareness of elder abuse increases, the difficulties of finding and hiring a trustworthy caregiver are brought to light. Many adult children have learned the hard way, as told in a recent LA Times article. The search for the right caregiver is made even more challenging in states like California where caregiver background checks and screenings are not required. Here are a few of the most important things to consider when hiring a caregiver for an elderly loved one: • Decide exactly what you need and write it down. Create a job description that encompasses everything that is important to...

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Remembering our seniors this 4th of July

From our Care Blog

The Fourth of July holiday is a popular time for friends and family to come together for celebration. While many people look forward to this holiday weekend all summer, seniors can find this time to be especially lonely. Whether their family members live a distance away or their mobility is limited due to health issues, many seniors can end up alone for the holiday. As you plan your Fourth of July celebrations, keep in mind the seniors and other elderly loved ones in your life. If you aren’t able to spend time with them in person, making a quick phone...

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Now I know my ABC’s…

From our Care Blog

And no, we’re not talking about the alphabet! Many seniors and older adults don’t realize the importance of getting the proper amount of essential vitamins on a daily basis. Did you know that 2/3 of older people admitted to hospitals are undernourished? The elderly are at an especially high risk of malnutrition for reasons such as lack of appetite which can be a result of medications or disability and also reduced food intake because of certain medical conditions. Sometimes, a healthy, balanced diet isn’t enough—vitamin/mineral supplements become necessary as we age. Here’s a brief rundown on some of the most...

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Celebrating Dad this Father's Day

From our Care Blog

Father’s Day is a special day for dads. It’s a day to let them know how much we love them and value their place in our lives. Even if we are all grown up now, father’s day represents our appreciation for all the long talks, late night homework help, summer tree house projects, and Boy Scout meetings or daddy-daughter dances throughout the years. It is important to make your dad feel appreciated on his special day. Here are some fun ideas and gift suggestions for Father’s Day this Sunday: Give him something he is passionate about Give your dad a...

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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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Senior’s who bully—and not the high school kind

From our Care Blog

Many people assume bullying is just a part of being young but what they don’t realize is that many people suffer this type of harassment well into their elder years. Cliques in nursing homes and retirement communities are abundant and according to Gina Kaurich, FirstLight’s executive director of client care services, “there can be a type of caste system among residents and even fun activities aren’t immune from bully behavior.” Here are her tips on ways to combat senior bullies: Take care of yourself first and foremost. Recognize the behavior for what it is—abuse. Let the bullies know that what...

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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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