Innovation

Seniors surf the web like pros!

From our Care Blog

Just last week I received an email from my 82 year old grandpa telling me to click on a LINK to his new WEBSITE that promoted a book he wrote.  Yes, I am completely impressed that he wrote a book at the age of 82 but I am even more impressed with his use of technology and the internet at the age of 82. The use of technology and the internet by seniors is ever growing.  The use of technology can be frustrating for seniors since technology industries cater more toward a younger crowd and can make it difficult for...

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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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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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Gaming for health and happiness

From our Care Blog

Last weekend, it was announced—again—that a senior citizen bowled a perfect score on Nintendo’s Wii Bowling. But if you’ve been following your video gaming news, you know that Rhea Freeman, 85, of Houma, La. isn’t the first senior to perfect the game! Earlier this year, Dayton, Ohio resident Jack Davis, 86, announced that he had rolled 40 perfect games out of the 4,300 games attempted. "I bowled when I was younger, but not like this," Davis told his local paper. "If I bowled like this when I was league bowling in 1963, then I'd be a millionaire." Well, he's not...

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Low-Tech Market Yields High Returns

From our Care Blog

From Blackberries to Droids to iPhones, the world of cell phone technology continues to outdo itself. But this week, I noticed that Tigard, Ore.-based phone company Consumer Cellular has opted to buck the trend and steer its mission in the opposite direction. Recently, The Portland State Daily Vanguard ran an engaging piece on how Consumer Cellular is marketing its stripped down cell phone models to the senior citizens. Instead of touting oodles of multi-functionary applications, the company has designed phones with bigger buttons that are easier to see and push. And in addition to being hearing aid compatible, basic plans...

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Things Keep Getting Better

From our Care Blog

The past few weeks have been packed with news stories about seniors interacting with today's technology and living it up. Some have connected with their families in brand new ways, and others have started doing the activities they have loved for years. This side of 20 years ago, seniors were much more limited in what they could do, mostly because of health concerns. Almost any sport was out of the question due to the possibility of injury, and health care was not as advanced as it is today. Now, people can enjoy their golden years in ways they never thought...

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