Maintain Their Current Lifestyle

Most people like to be independent, and it can be hard to admit to needing help. That’s why professional caregivers will work with you and your loved one to make sure their wishes are respected and that support is provided for only and exactly what they need. This empowers them to make their own choices, retain their independence and keep doing the things they love to do.

Help Them Stay Home for Longer

Personalized senior care can offer all the benefits of nursing home care – such as hygiene care, nursing services and 24-hour emergency assistance – in the privacy and comfort of the family home. FirstLight caregivers can even provide help with housekeeping duties, including laundry, grocery shopping and transportation. Not only does this save the hassle of moving and downsizing, it can be especially beneficial if one partner does not want to leave another, or in the case of dementia or Alzheimer’s when unfamiliar situations might cause confusion and distress.

Time for You

One of the great benefits of private home care services is that in addition to choosing what services you need, you can also decide how often you need them. Although you might wish you could take care of your loved one yourself, if you have your own job, children or other commitments, it can be hard to fit it in or do it to the best of your ability. With some extra help from a professional and compassionate caregiver, whether for an hour, a day or even a week, you can reclaim a bit of time for yourself and be better able to enjoy the time you do spend with your loved one.

Specialized and Skilled Caregivers

One of the main challenges faced by caregivers is dealing with specific medical conditions that require specialist treatment and management. For example, you might need wheelchair assistance, dementia care, diabetes or incontinence support, or wound care and rehabilitation. With a specially-trained and qualified caregiver, you can be sure your loved one is getting the exact care that they need.

Peace of Mind

If your loved one suffers from declining health, then it’s understandable that you might worry about them. Perhaps they have appointments to make, medications to take, or a condition that might flare up at any time – any of these would be a cause for concern. But if a professional and familiar caregiver is always there, or is checking in regularly, you can relax knowing your precious family member is in safe hands.

Caregiver Support – FirstLight Home Care

When it comes to looking after your loved ones, the benefits of private home care go far beyond the practical. As well as a familiar face, FirstLight home carers provide peace of mind, specialist care and individual, friendly service. If you’d like to know more, reach out to our support team today – we’re ready to help.

Senior Community Engagement in the Fall

Fall is a great time for seniors to engage with their local community. Many towns and cities host fall festivals and events that cater specifically to an older audience. These events are a great opportunity for seniors not only to get out and enjoy the season but also to socialize with other members of their community. It’s important for older adults to maintain social connections as they age, and fall festivities provide great opportunities for community engagement.

At most fall festivals and events, there are activities perfect for older adults. These events include hayrides, pumpkin patches and craft fairs. They offer a chance for seniors to get out and enjoy the cool fall weather while engaging in fun activities. FirstLight Home Care can help seniors attend these events by providing transportation and any necessary assistance.

Celebrating Fall at Home for Seniors

This is also a great time for seniors to enjoy the coziness of their own home. They can create a warm, welcoming atmosphere by using autumn colors and decorations, lighting candles and enjoying warm drinks like tea or cider. Seniors can also take advantage of the cooler temperatures to enjoy outdoor activities in their own backyard, such as gardening or birdwatching. By creating a cozy and inviting space, seniors can fully embrace the fall season and all that it has to offer.

5 Tips for Finding a Hobby to Fill the Fall Gap for Older Adults

The fall season is filled with exciting and vibrant celebrations that every senior can enjoy. But finding senior-friendly fall activities that are safe and fun can be a challenge. Chances are, you think more about hobbies at the beginning of the year—when resolving to try something new—than you do as autumn approaches. But for older adults, this time of year can represent a big gap: Summer has ended, and the holidays are still in the distance. Activities and visits from family can wane as fall begins, making it an ideal time to introduce or renew focus on a cherished hobby.

How can you find an activity that’s not only the right fit for the older adult in your life, but also provides health benefits? Here are FirstLight Home Care’s five tips for finding the right hobby to fill the fall gap.

Go with what you know (and love).

The simplest activity to incorporate into an older adult’s life may be the one they’re already familiar with or have dreamt about doing. Consider renewing a focus on an activity that may have been loved during years gone by but was put on the back burner when days were filled with working or raising children. Or dust off that bucket list and do something that’s always been a personal aspiration.

Be adaptable.

The physical or cognitive limitations that often come with aging don’t have to prevent older adults from enjoying activities they love. Many hobbies can be adapted to changing abilities. For example, a person who used to spend hours in the garden could create a potted version on a deck or porch. A former runner could take up nature walking. Being adaptable can lead to new ways to enjoy old interests.

Get social.

Hobbies that involve social interaction can provide compelling health benefits. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, people who continue to interact socially live longer than their isolated counterparts. In fact, social interactions are shown to improve mental health, as well as protect against certain illnesses by boosting the immune system.

Move it.

There’s a mountain of medical evidence that physical activity is integral to good health. According to the National Institutes of Health, even moderate physical activity can help older adults prevent or delay disease, manage stress and improve mood. To maximize the health benefits, consider hobbies that incorporate physical activity. Popular, low-impact options for older adults include walking, swimming and Tai Chi.

Use your head.

According to the World Health Organization, common factors such as isolation, loss of independence and loneliness can take a significant toll on the mental health of older adults. And declining mental health can affect mood, energy, sleep, appetite and physical health. Hobbies that stimulate the mind—reading, music, puzzles, games and more—can help boost mental health. And they may also contribute to preserved mental function.

Safety Precautions for Seniors During Fall Festivities

As much fun as fall activities can be, it’s important for seniors to take certain precautions to stay safe. This includes dressing warmly for the weather, wearing comfortable shoes that provide good support and making sure to stay hydrated. It’s also important to avoid activities that may be too physically strenuous for older adults. FirstLight Home Care can help seniors stay safe by providing personal care services and accompanying seniors to fall events to ensure that they can participate safely.

Fall Festivities for Seniors | FirstLight Home Care

Fall is a season full of opportunities for seniors to engage with their community, stay active and enjoy the cozy atmosphere that comes with cooler temperatures. FirstLight Home Care can help seniors participate in fall festivities by providing personal care services, transportation and companionship. Whether it’s getting outside to enjoy the fall color or staying snug inside to create autumn crafts, there are plenty of senior-friendly fall activities to enjoy. Our Companion Care Services include visits, conversation, and help with recreational activities. To learn more, find a location near you today.

Yet, when individuals are isolated for too long, studies show a dramatic increase in health complications. Loneliness and isolation can lead to issues including dementia, stroke and heart disease. There’s also an increase in hospitalizations and visits to emergency rooms for those who are socially isolated. We’re trying to minimize these potential issues for in your loved ones by sharing important information during Companion Care Month.

Companion care services can be a lifeline for seniors and other adults, providing them with the necessary and healthy social interaction they need to maintain their overall sense of well-being. This can include anything from sharing meals and playing games to simply sitting and chatting. Companion care services can also provide practical support, such as help around the house, transportation and assistance running errands.

Understanding Companion Care

Companion care needs are not always as obvious as personal care needs like bathing and hygiene. It’s about creating a true connection to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life every day. Having professional caregivers around can have a positive effect on their mental health. From companionship activities like sharing a conversation to reading a book together, companion care offers emotional support and friendship to people who don’t necessarily require medical services.

A wide range of companion care services is offered at home, in the hospital or in healthcare facility settings. Whether you need senior care services or 24-hour care for a loved one, there are overall happiness and quality of life benefits for your entire family when adding personalized care plans to your day-to-day life:

• A companion care provider can handle daily needs such as light housekeeping, errands and keeping seniors, veterans and other adults safe from harm.
• They can help with medication: making sure it’s taken on time and that your loved ones adhere to their specific treatment plans.
• They can focus on your loved one’s nutritional needs. They can do everything from grocery shopping and meal planning to meal preparation and cleanup.
• A companion caregiver can provide social interaction and keep your family member or loved one engaged while at home, attending a social event or even a special occasion.
• They can provide respite care for the family caregivers so they can have a break from their caregiving responsibilities. This break allows the primary caregiver to regroup, refresh and take care of their own personal needs.
• Companion care providers can help you or your loved one get out and about by providing transportation to the grocery store, library, health club or to meet up with their friends.
• They can help your elderly parent, veteran or adult living with a disability to live and feel independent while giving you peace of mind.

FirstLight Home Care: Your Trusted Companion Care Provider

Whether your loved one is in their own home, living with you or in a senior living community, our professional caregivers can provide the right level of companion care. We’ll work with you and your family to personalize a schedule that fits for your loved one, whether it’s on a part-time or full-time basis. We can even provide live-in services on a temporary or more permanent basis, if needed. Some of our companion care services include:

Offering Comfort & Conversation

Just the opportunity to have a friend and confidant to talk with can make a world of difference for your loved one, especially if they’re living alone. This gives them something to look forward to and it provides the social and emotional support they need. With companion care, caregivers can play games, cards, bingo or participate in other recreational activities your loved one enjoys.

Preparing Healthy Meals

A healthy diet is critical to your loved one’s overall well-being. If they’re having trouble keeping up with cooking and eating nutritious meals, our caregivers can help. We’ll prepare regular, healthy meals and can even handle all the clean-up afterward.

Helping with Light Housekeeping Chores

If your loved one doesn’t have the energy or mobility to maintain their household, our companion caregivers can provide assistance. This includes tidying rooms, removing trash, lightly cleaning kitchens and bathrooms, vacuuming and more. We can also wash, dry and fold clothing, including towels and bed linens. Their home will feel fresher, cleaner and more comfortable.

Offering Medication Reminders

Many individuals become forgetful as they age. However, when taking important medications for issues like high blood pressure or dementia, this can put their safety and health at risk. Our caregivers can remind your loved one to take their medications, and we’ll notify you if we see any new side effects or concerns regarding your loved one’s medication.

Providing Transportation

If your family member can no longer drive, it can be difficult to get to appointments or run errands. Our companion caregivers can help by driving them to appointments, to get groceries, or pick up prescriptions or dry cleaning.

Organizing Paperwork & Bills

We’ll make sure your loved one’s mail and paperwork are organized. We’ll keep track of bills and other important messages, as well as maintain an efficient system for paperwork. We can also help your loved one open and read mail if they have issues with their vision or difficulty opening envelopes.

Companion Care Month with FirstLight Home Care

When a loved one is struggling to live independently, it can put stress on you. It’s why – in addition to companion care services – we also offer respite breaks. These will give you and other family caregivers some much-needed space and freedom, whether it’s to spend time at home, manage work obligations, go on vacation or simply go out to dinner. We know caregiving is a challenging role, and we’re here to help you get the time off you need.

If you’re interested in companion care for your loved one, contact your local FirstLight Home Care today. We can provide comfort, support and help through our compassionate caregivers.

What is Long-Term Care?

Long-term care helps patients “live as independently and safely as possible when they can no longer perform everyday activities on their own,” according to the National Institute on Aging. Typically, long-term in-home care is provided by unpaid family and friends. This type of care can be anything from light housekeeping, meal preparation and transportation to bathing, grooming and eating assistance. HealthCare.gov states that Medicare and other health insurance plans do not provide long-term care insurance because most long-term care isn’t considered medical care. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management provides long-term care insurance under the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP).

Why Is Long-Term Care Important?

 For many seniors who wish to remain in their own homes for as long as possible—known as “aging in place”—long-term care is essential for ensuring their safety and comfort. For example, if your loved one has difficulty getting up from a chair without assistance or relies on help with basic grooming tasks like bathing and brushing teeth, they could greatly benefit from having someone come into the home to provide such services on a regular basis. This type of personalized attention helps seniors maintain their independence while also providing peace of mind to family members who may not be able to visit as often as they would like.

Who Needs Long-Term Care

There are many reasons why someone may need caregivers. LongTermCare.gov says that “about 60% of adults will need assistance with things like getting dressed, driving to appointments, or making meals.”

Age

The older a person gets, the more likely they are to need help.

Gender

Women live longer than men, so they have a greater chance of needing care.

Relationship status

People who are single are more likely than married people to need help from friends, family or a hired professional.

Lifestyle

Unhealthy habits, lack of exercise and poor diet can cause someone to need help sooner.

Health

People with a family history of certain health conditions may have an increased need for long-term care.

FirstLight Home Care’s Long-Term Care Services

FirstLight Home Care provides long-term care services to those who need it. Whether or not your loved one has long-term care insurance, we are here to help.

We provide care for those needing extra support with basic activities of daily living (ADLs), such as:

• Bathing
• Dressing
• Toileting
• Transferring (getting in and out of bed or chair)
• Eating
• Continence

We also provide services for instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), including:

• Cooking
• Cleaning
• Transportation
• Laundry
• Managing Finances

FirstLight Home Care – Long-Term In-Home Care

At FirstLight Home Care, we offer both short-term and long-term solutions tailored specifically to each senior’s unique needs and preferences. Our compassionate caregivers provide everything from respite care and companionship to personal care services—all within the comfort and security of your loved one’s home. If you think your loved one could benefit from our long-term care solutions, please don’t hesitate to reach out today! Our team is always here to help answer any questions you might have about our services or how we can best support your family’s needs going forward.

Senior Travel Tips For Driving During The Holidays

Winterization Of Vehicles

Make sure the brakes, headlights and windshield wipers are working properly. Also, check on the antifreeze levels, oil levels, gas tank levels and tires. It is important, especially for seniors, that the heater and defroster are fully functioning as seniors are more susceptible to the frigid winter temperatures.

Avoid Road Closures and High Traffic Times

During heavy traffic periods, there are more people on the road and higher chances for traffic accidents. If the roads are bad, avoid using back roads and shortcuts. Many of these roads are less likely to be plowed or salted and may be more dangerous than well-traveled roads.

Emergency Preparedness

Put together an emergency kit to store in the trunk of the car, including:

• A blanket
• Food and water
• A flashlight with extra batteries
• A first-aid kit
• Jumper cables
• An ice scraper
• Sand, salt or non-clumping kitty litter to provide extra tire traction
• Extra clothing, boots and gloves

If you are a family caregiver and don’t feel comfortable with your family member driving in the winter weather, don’t hesitate to ask for help. An elderly travel companion is the perfect plus-one to get your loved one from point A to point B safely.

Family Caregiver Travel Tips 

There is no doubt the holidays can be demanding. For family caregivers, this time of year can be even more difficult due to less time and additional responsibilities. FirstLight Home Care has wrapped up some tips for traveling caregivers to help them make it through the holiday season with more joy and less stress.

Establish ground rules.

In advance of family arriving, make sure you communicate the physical and mental changes or abilities of the loved one in your care so there are no surprises. It’s okay to plan for visits throughout the holidays but also plan for plenty of downtime for your loved and for you.

Simplify.

Ease the holiday chaos and burden by simplifying. Minimize holiday decorations in and around your loved one’s home. Also, be aware that flashing lights can be frightening to some Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, while wires and decorative items can become tripping hazards.

Plan ahead of time.

The more you can do in advance of company arriving, the better it will be for you and the family member in your care.

• Encourage some of your family get-togethers to be potluck meals instead of cooking everything yourself.
• Stock up on groceries in the event of impromptu visits from friends and family.
• Purchase gift cards to have on hand for last-minute gift-giving needs.
• Hire a professional caregiver to help you with day-to-day activities around the home or with specific errands so that you have the time and energy to enjoy the holidays.

Maintain routines.

Keep your loved one on a regular routine as much as possible. Sticking with their daily habits of eating, sleeping and medication schedules will help with behavioral and emotional challenges, and it can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.

Ask for assistance.

Enlist the help of friends and family who may have time off during the holidays or who are in town visiting.

• Ask family members to help with grocery shopping.
• Have friends and family bring over meals that can be frozen in advance of upcoming gatherings.
• Ask a neighbor to help string up holiday lights.
• Ask family to help with wrapping gifts or take advantage of local gift-wrapping services.
• Hire traveling caregivers to come in and support you before, during and after the holidays.

Remember self-care.

The holidays can be a crazy time of year and it can be easy to let your own needs slip. However, it has been proven that when you take care of yourself, you take better care of others. Watch for these signs:

• Loss of motivation.
• Feelings of disconnection with your loved one, other relationships or work.
• Feeling depressed, irritable or hopeless.
• Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed.

Hiring an elderly travel companion can help with burnout, in addition to reading a book, taking a long walk or having coffee with a friend.

Benefits Of A Senior Travel Companion

Elderly travel companions can be great during the winter months. Not only do they keep your loved ones awake and aware, but they can also help them navigate the slippery roads and get through heavy traffic. If your loved ones don’t have someone to travel with in bad winter weather, make sure that you or someone else knows where they’re going, and they have a cell phone in case of an emergency.

Firstlight Home Care – Senior Travel Companion Services

Senior travel can be merry with the help of traveling caregivers. ‘Tis the holiday season! It’s not just about “surviving” this time of the year – it’s also about thriving. FirstLight offers a variety of services such as travel companionship to make visiting family and friends a breeze.

Holiday travel, especially senior travel, can be hectic and stressful if it’s not properly planned with a well-organized itinerary and companion services. If you are a son or daughter in charge of caring for a senior loved one, there may be times that they will want to fly for vacation or to visit other relatives during the holidays. And you may not always be able to accompany them. The thought of your loved one embarking on elderly travel alone can be scary.

Everyone knows the stress that traveling entails, especially senior travel. Making your flight on time, getting through airport security and remembering where you put your ticket can be hectic enough. For seniors, the stress of travel is often amplified to the point that they feel uncomfortable traveling, and sadly it keeps many from participating in these family events that we all enjoy. In order to make sure no family is without their loved ones due to an inability to travel, FirstLight Home Care provides a service called travel companions for seniors that helps make sure your aging parent’s senior travel is as safe and stress-free as possible.

What is a Senior Travel Companion?

Whether your loved one is on a cruise, staying at a resort or simply visiting family or friends, we strive to make their vacation or visit as comfortable as possible. Our qualified travel companions for seniors are ready to accommodate any needs, including help getting them there, getting them home and even help throughout their entire stay.

With services like travel companions for seniors, FirstLight Home Care’s extraordinary caregivers aid any adult along their journey through companion services. From helping with travel to providing companionship along the way, our caregivers ensure your parents have a safe and enjoyable trip, the way it should be. Wherever your loved one is going, our caregivers strive to make their vacation or visit as comfortable as possible. Don’t let travel apprehension stop your loved ones from enjoying time spent with family. If you have an aging parent and are worried for their safety and care while traveling, contact us today to see how we can help with our companion services.

Benefits of A Senior Travel Companion?

• Assistance with airport check-in and ticketing
• Carrying luggage
• Assistance with getting through security or customs
• Assistance with ground transportation

Our certified personal companions can even assist with things like:

• Bathing
• Dressing
• Hygiene
• Meals
• Medication reminders

Holiday Tips For Elderly Travel

With the right research and planning, you can get your senior loved one where they need to go safely regardless of using companion services. Below are a few tips on how to make holiday travel a seamless process that keeps seniors comfortable, relaxed and arriving at their destination with ease.

Prepare documents and medications

When booking flights, you and your senior should get as much information as possible. Having an informational packet put together will help everyone know what to expect and feel prepared for whatever may arise.

Your packet should include:

• Flight departure and arrival times
• Transportation options to and from the airport
• Terminal maps and gate locations
• Medication regulations and necessary documents
• TSA safety check process

Look through the TSA website to learn about which medications are allowed and how to communicate with an officer about medically necessary bottles or containers. Request copies of prescriptions and statements of medical conditions from each physician and medical center for verification.

Making photocopies of passports, driver’s license, insurance cards, travel tickets and the trip’s itinerary provides a backup in case of any unforeseen emergencies. Keep one set of copies with you (the caregiver), place a set of the documents in your senior’s carry-on bag and forward a set of the documents to the destination.

Research elderly travel companions

For some seniors, traveling can be tricky no matter how well-planned their trip may be—whether it’s mobility issues, medication concerns or just anxiety that comes with travel. As the family caregiver, it might make sense for you to find a senior travel companion to help your loved one along on their trip, especially if you are unable to travel with them.

Elderly travel companions assist senior travelers every step of the way. They keep them company, remind them to take their medications, and provide family caregivers at home with peace of mind knowing someone is there with your traveler’s best interest in mind.

Consider insurance

When you’re a senior traveler, there are additional factors that should be considered regarding insurance. What happens if a fall takes place or you run out of your medication?

Health Insurance: If traveling within the United States, be sure to look up what hospitals accept your health insurance and if there is coverage during travel. If going abroad, look at buying a travel medical plan or vacation plan that includes medical emergencies.

Trip Insurance: There are a few different options when choosing trip insurance. For seniors, there can be unexpected delays due to appointments, or medical clearance delays. Therefore, it is ideal that trip cancellation protection is provided.

FirstLight Home Care – Senior Travel Companion Services

Remember, it’s important to continue to live life to the fullest at any age. Following these basic tips and finding the right companion services will save you a few headaches during holiday travel. Keep this merry season filled with fun adventures and safe travels. If you’re interested in learning more about our home care services, check out our pricing.

If you’d like to receive news, articles and more information subscribe to our newsletter.

Make Sure the House is Well-Lit

Whether your loved one is going to be away from the house on Halloween or at home handing out treats, make sure their porch light is working and the exterior and interior of the home are brightly lit.

Light Up the Night

Dark streets and sidewalks can pose a tripping hazard, especially for older adults. If your loved one will be out trick-or-treating with the family, make sure they carry a flashlight or wear clothing with reflective materials. This not only helps them see where they’re going but also makes them more visible to others, reducing the risk of accidents.

Choose Comfortable Costumes

While elaborate costumes can be a lot of fun, it’s essential for older adults to prioritize comfort and safety. Opt for costumes that fit well, have sturdy footwear and are easy to move in. Avoid costumes that drag on the ground to prevent tripping.

Decorate with Caution

If your senior is planning to decorate the home for Halloween, be cautious with the placement of decorations. Ensure that walkways and entrances are well-lit and free from tripping hazards. Be mindful of longer cords for decorations and secure them to the ground to prevent accidents.

Be Careful with Candles

Candles are a common Halloween decoration, but they can pose a fire hazard. Instead of real candles, choose battery-operated LED candles or other flameless alternatives. These provide a similar ambiance without the risk of accidental fires.

Avoid Scary Surprises

Haunted houses and spooky attractions are popular during Halloween, but they can be intense and startling. Make sure your loved one considers their tolerance for fear and loud noises and is prepared for a potential scare.

Companion Care During Holidays

By following these Halloween safety tips, older adults can participate in the fun without compromising their well-being. Prioritizing visibility, comfort, and common-sense precautions will help ensure a happy and safe holiday for everyone. FirstLight Home Care can provide companion care and safety during any holiday and all year long. Find a local office near you to discuss your caregiving needs

Halloween is a spooktacular night for people of all ages. But with these Halloween safety tips for seniors, you can help your aging loved one stay safe and enjoy all the fun. If you have children, read these simple steps for an extra safe Halloween.

Get In-Home Support: FirstLight’s in-home care services provide the daily support adults need to live a life of dignity, with as much independence as possible. Request personalized pricing from your local FirstLight team today.

We’re Hiring: If caring is your calling and you’re interested in a career with FirstLight Home Care, find open positions with one of our local offices.

This short-term care can last anywhere from several weeks to a few months, and it is typically provided in someone’s home. This care may include unskilled or skilled care for the elderly, veterans or people with disabilities.

Unskilled or non-medical home care assists people with activities of daily living as well as basic tasks around the home, such as these companion care services:

• Regular visits, conversations and company
• Medication reminders
• Light housekeeping
• Grocery shopping
• Meal preparation
• Laundry services
• Shopping, running errands and transportation

It can also include family respite care, which gives family caregivers a temporary break from their caregiving responsibilities. Primary caregivers often need extra support taking care of a loved one so that they can not only tend to their own personal needs, such as errands and appointments but so that they can also take time for themselves and practice self-care.

Sometimes personal care services are needed as well. This type of care can assist with everyday activities such as bathing, mobility and personal hygiene.

Skilled care is a little different in that it is typically ordered by a doctor, and it refers to skilled nursing or rehabilitation services that are provided by licensed health professionals like nurses and physical therapists. This care can include:

• Medication management
• Wound care
• Monitoring vital signs
• Catheter and ostomy care
• Providing physical therapy

Temporary in-home care can provide vital support during what can be a challenging and stressful time for individuals and their family caregivers. And while the support of a professional caregiver during this time may be temporary, the impact can be more enduring.

Home care can provide a long-term boost to what your loved one needs most – comfort, confidence and peace of mind. The great thing about services from FirstLight is that we can customize a care plan to fit the needs of your family.

Contact Us

If you need short-term assistance to navigate an illness, injury, recovery, transition or any other life event, find a location today to learn more.

Find Your Calling

If you are interested in a career with FirstLight Home Care, visit our Careers page to find open positions with one of our local offices.

Learn More

Read more about the differences between short-term and long-term home care from AgingCare.com.

Our Alzheimer’s Care Begins by Getting to Know Your Loved One

Just because your loved one is living with Alzheimer’s doesn’t mean they are a different person. It’s why we always build our services around the individual, so we can ensure we’re caring for them in a personalized way.

At FirstLight Home Care, we provide a “Who I Am” Booklet, so that we can document critical details about your loved one. We want to know more than just if they need help with meal preparation and transportation. We want to know if they like jokes, play cards, listen to music or watch old black and white movies.

What makes your loved one happy, sad or joyful? We aim to answer these and other questions as well so that we can learn about all the intangibles that make your loved one who they are. This enables us to provide the best Alzheimer’s care and help your loved one feel more comfortable and at home in our caring hands.

Based on this information, our coordinators will build the right Alzheimer’s care plan. It also helps us match your loved one with caregivers who will be the best fit for them, taking into consideration their personality and interests. We’ll even involve your family in this process to ensure you can meet with our caregivers, ask questions, and get to know them.

Throughout the time we’re delivering care, we will also regularly seek feedback and stay in contact with your family. This helps us to identify any new issues and always maintain the right level of care. Down the line, if needed, we can always adjust and modify the Alzheimer’s care we’re providing as your loved one’s condition changes.

How Our Alzheimer’s Care Can Help

At FirstLight Home Care, our caregivers are available for your loved one with Alzheimer’s during the day, overnight and even 24/7. They can provide the assistance and support your loved one needs to live a life of dignity, with as much independence as possible. This includes:

• Personal care services, such as help with mobility and while bathing, dressing and grooming, as well as with eating and personal hygiene.
• Companion services to offer conversation and comfort, supervision to avoid getting lost and transportation to recreational activities and for social outings.
• Brain health services provided by memory care practitioners to help your loved one improve or maintain their brain health and minimize cognitive decline.
• Help around the house, including meal planning and preparation, grocery shopping, light housekeeping, laundry and in other areas as well.

We can also provide family caregivers like you with a respite break to ensure you’re getting the time and freedom you need to maintain your own health and well-being. This is particularly important when a loved one has Alzheimer’s.

Providing Care at Home or in an Assisted Living Community

Sometimes an assisted living community is the right place for someone with Alzheimer’s. However, in many cases, with just some extra help, an individual can remain safe and happy right at home, especially in the early stages of the disease.

At FirstLight Home Care, we help make that happen, so your loved one will be able to age in place for as long as possible in familiar surroundings. This is important for someone with Alzheimer’s. They’re entire world has suddenly changed and is filled with uncertainty. Remaining in the place where they feel most comfortable can make a big difference in their overall health and well-being.

If, however, they’re not able to live at home safely, our team can still provide Alzheimer’s care wherever they are, whether it’s a nursing home or assisted living community or even in a hospice setting.

We can offer companion care, providing a caregiver who can sit and chat, play cards and games, take them out to their favorite restaurant and ensure their emotional and social needs are met in other ways important to them. We can also provide transportation to and from appointments, as well as help running errands, so your loved one is able to maintain a good quality of life.

Whatever their condition and needs, we are here to help with non-medical Alzheimer’s care. In everything we do, we will treat your loved one with dignity and respect. They’ll continue to enjoy life and remain independent for as long as possible.

Do you have a loved one who requires professional Alzheimer’s care? Contact your local FirstLight Home Care today. We offer specialized services, along with compassionate caregivers who will make life easier and more joyful.

Walkers & Canes

According to the National Council on Aging, an older adult dies from a fall every 19 minutes in the U.S. The good news is that a simple step, like having a cane or walker on hand, can protect your loved one from a potential injury, while giving them the independence they crave.

Both aids are the most accessible on the market today. In fact, many neighborhood drugstores sell canes. These simple tools can make a world of difference for your loved one, enabling them to walk from one place to another with more ease and comfort.

Over time, they can also help educe balance issues and lower body pain, while improving posture. Just make sure whatever cane or walker your loved one is using is set at the proper height for them for their safety and comfort.

Adjustable Beds

Adjustable beds offer another way to help your loved one when they’re aging in place. Gone are the days of traditional hospital beds. Today, there are a range of more luxurious styles and designs that can help your loved one with chronic pain, so they enjoy a more restful night’s sleep.

Most importantly, though, getting into and out of bed will be much easier with an adjustable bed. You can also add rails to the sides if you’re concerned about your loved one falling out of bed at night. In addition, an adjustable bed will make reading and watching TV more comfortable.

Motorized Stairlifts

Going up and down stairs is one the biggest hazards for seniors when aging in place. One tiny misstep can lead to a big fall and a broken bone or worse.

A stairlift can be helpful, giving your loved one the ability to navigate the staircase when they’re alone. These lifts are attached to a motorized rail that takes an individual up the staircase when they’re seated in it. They just have to be able to sit down and get up from the lift.

These can be installed on both straight and curved staircases. With today’s many options, they can even be personalized to match the style and decor of your loved one’s home, so it’s more inviting and less clinical.

Power Wheelchairs & Scooters

If your loved one has issues with mobility that are severe, including any paralysis or lower body weakness, a motorized wheelchair can help them get around. These are easier to maneuver around the home and far lighter when compared to a conventional wheelchair.

If your loved one doesn’t need a wheelchair on a regular basis, a scooter might be a better choice for helping with aging in place. These too offer greater mobility but are more heavy-duty and can be used outdoors when going for a stroll or to get around a store with more ease.

Additional Tips for Helping Your Loved One Age in Place

Before you invest in any of these mobility aids, check with your loved one’s doctor to ensure you’re making the right selections and purchasing the aids that will be most helpful. Also, call their insurance provider to find out what’s covered under their plan, so you pay less out-of-pocket for it. Oftentimes, Medicare Part B and Medicaid will cover the cost of mobility devices that are prescribed by a physician.

If your loved one is having a hard time accepting using a mobility aid, be compassionate and try to listen first. Allow them to discuss their fears and why they’re hesitant. Realize that it’s also hard for them to accept that they’re aging and require extra help. In addition, they may be fearful of continuing to lose their independence, so it’s important to be tactful and gentle.

How Home Care Can Help Your Loved One Who’s Aging in Place

Aging in place is easier and safer with the help of professionals. Consider hiring a caregiver who can assist your loved one in many ways. They can provide non-medical support, including help with mobility around the home. They can also offer transportation to and from appointments and to run errands.

Beyond providing physical assistance that helps with aging in place, a professional caregiver can offer companionship and conversation. This can be crucial if your loved one lives alone and is feeling isolated and depressed.

However, by delivering emotional and social support, combined with physical assistance, a professional caregiver can open the world back up to your loved one. They’ll be safer and happy, aging in place with as much independence as possible.

Are you interested in talking to a professional about helping a loved one with aging in place, so they can remain in familiar surroundings for as long as possible? Contact your local FirstLight® Home Care today.