Alzheimer’s and
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Family Caregivers Can Balance Career, Caregiving

From our Care Blog

Family Caregiver – noun | fam·i·ly care·giv·er One who takes care of a member of his or her family, often a senior parent or disabled relative; someone who is responsible for attending to the daily needs of another person. According to an AAPR Public Policy Institute study, the average U.S. family caregiver is a 49-year-old woman who provides unpaid care of nearly 20 hours per week to her mother for nearly five years. The life of working family caregivers can be difficult. Caring for a loved one while also working a paying job is time-consuming and it's physically and emotionally demanding....

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Family Caregivers Need Vacations Too

From our Care Blog

We talk about it all the time – the tremendous responsibilities that fall on family caregivers. Caring for an elderly parent can be emotionally and physically draining. And for primary caregivers, it is often a 24/7, 365-day-a-year job. Taking any kind of break – let alone a planned vacation – seems impossible. Then when you begin to think about all the planning and preparation that is involved, you wonder if it’s even worth doing. The thought of taking time off from your caregiving duties also brings much worry. What if Mom falls? What if she forgets to take her medication?...

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New Law Involves Caregivers of Veterans During Transition Out of Military

From our Care Blog

FirstLight Home Care recently learned of news regarding the National Defense Authorization Act of 2018 and additional assistance for veterans and caregivers of veterans. The following information was published on ConnectingVets.com: Thanks to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2018, service members who are transitioning out of the military will have more assistance for them and their caregivers. Currently, caregivers of veterans are not involved when veterans are going through pre-counseling to learn about their VA benefits. The new law encourages the DoD and VA to work together to better integrate caregivers into the conversation around veteran’s and caregiver’s resources...

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Caring for Your Lonely Parent

From our Care Blog

Do you have a lonely parent who is struggling with feelings of isolation or depression? Are you having a hard time getting them to leave the house and enjoy social activities? With age comes an increased risk of loneliness and social isolation. And it can be even more prevalent in seniors who either cannot or do not want to leave their homes. This can be problematic for seniors because loneliness can often result in depression and ultimately additional health problems. Several factors may be keeping your lonely parent somewhat secluded and feeling down: They are no longer able to drive,...

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Maintaining a Positive Attitude as a Family Caregiver

From our Care Blog

Maintaining a positive attitude as a family caregiver can be difficult, especially when the role becomes overwhelming. Staying optimistic can help family caregivers cope, reduce stress and make it easier to get through the tough days. Here are some tips we often provide to our FirstLight Home Care caregivers to help them keep their amazing, positive attitudes. These may also help you - the family caregiver - to remain confident, hopeful, and encouraged when it comes to your own personal caregiving responsibilities. Learn healthy ways to manage your stress: Stress happens when you believe the demands placed on you –...

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How to Avoid Sibling Caregiver Conflict

From our Care Blog

In November, we celebrate National Home Care and Family Caregivers Month, two observances that are core to FirstLight Home Care. Throughout the month, our FirstLight blog will focus on providing the tools, tips, resources and peace of mind so many family caregivers need. We invite you to comment and share the challenges and rewarding experiences you’ve encountered throughout your caregiving journey.  How to Avoid Sibling Caregiver Conflict If not kept in check, sibling caregiver conflict can damage family relationships When it comes to caring for the needs of an aging parent, it can be helpful to share caregiving responsibilities with your...

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How to Prevent Family Caregiver Burnout

From our Care Blog

In November, we celebrate National Home Care Month and National Family Caregivers Month, two observances that are core to FirstLight Home Care. Throughout the month, our FirstLight blog will focus on providing the tools, tips, resources and peace of mind so many family caregivers need. We invite you to comment and share the challenges and rewarding experiences you’ve encountered throughout your caregiving journey. Because family caregiving is emotionally and physically draining, it can lead to caregiver burnout. For many, taking on the role of family caregiver is unfamiliar territory. While caring for a loved one is a worthwhile responsibility, it...

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Finding the Right In-Home Caregiver

From our Care Blog

In November, we celebrate National Home Care Month and National Family Caregivers Month, two observances that are core to FirstLight Home Care. Throughout the month, our FirstLight blog will focus on providing the tools, tips, resources and peace of mind so many family caregivers need. The first step is finding the right in-home caregiver. We invite you to comment and share the challenges and rewarding experiences you’ve encountered throughout your caregiving journey. Home care can be a lifeline for seniors who are aging in place, as well as those living with a disability or recovering from an illness or injury....

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Challenges Facing Family Caregivers

From our Care Blog

Caregiving for a loved one is a balancing act Many people will become the primary caregiver of an aging parent or loved one, if they haven’t already. Caregiving is worthwhile and rewarding, but there are many challenges facing family caregivers. It becomes even more challenging if the caregiver has his or her own obligations, such as a job and children to care for, or if they must travel long distances to care for their elderly relative. By recognizing the challenges facing many caregivers, you may be able to prepare in advance and reduce the difficulties that lie ahead. Some of...

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Keeping You Aging Parents' Home Safe

From our Care Blog

June is National Safety Month. It is important to keep everyone safe, especially when it comes to your aging parents living independently at home. FirstLight Home Care put together a list of home safety tips to help aging parents prevent falls and accidents in their homes. Start with the outside of your parents' home. Walk around the home to check out the condition of sidewalks, handrails, lighting and vegetation or shrubs. Uneven sidewalks, loose handrails, poor lighting and overgrown landscaping could become a trip hazard. Move or put away outdoor furniture, flower pots, and gardening tools that could obstruct their...

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