Many family caregivers know that the seniors they care for can sometimes experience loneliness and depression, which can cause long-term physical health issues. But did you know that therapy for this sense of isolation might just be found at the nearest animal shelter or pet store?Americans love their pets! Recent surveys show that two out of every three American homes have a pet, and that number has risen 20% over the past 30 years.Medical studies prove that the health benefits of pets for seniors and the outpouring of affection for our furry friends are real and lasting. Here are some of the benefits:Improvement in mental health: A 2020 study by the Cleveland Clinic reports that pets elevate moods, decrease depression and slow the impact of dementia in seniors because they provide companionship, a source of entertainment and a sense of purpose. Socialization with a pet also lowers stress hormones and increases stabilizing hormones like serotonin.Increase in heart health: Because pets require both physical and emotional care, older adults who own a pet tend to be more active. This results in a reduction in cardiovascular disease.Better quality of life: When seniors have an animal to keep healthy, they tend to keep themselves healthier in order to care for their pets. Reports have shown that seniors with pets require fewer doctors visits, have a lower body mass and voluntarily exercise more often. Pets can also improve a seniors outlook on life.A longer lifespan: According to a report from the American Heart Association, people who own dogs live 24% longer than those who do not. As mentioned above, owning a dog encourages more physical activity, which can decrease disease and illness. But the study also suggests that simply petting a dog or cat can reduce stress and improve blood pressure.Pets ease the pain: A 2012 study in Pain Magazine found that pets provide a reduction in pain and emotional distress for chronic pain patients. The study also noted that dogs significantly improve emotional distress and feelings of well-being in family and friends who accompany these patients.Security: While statistics have shown for years that burglars will resist a home with a barking dog, pets also offer seniors a sense of emotional security.Caregivers should note, however, that picking a pet for their loved one is not without challenges. There are several things to assess before making a decision:How much help your loved one can provide in caring for the petHow much additional work caring for a pet could create for the family caregiverHow to match the pets temperament with your loved ones personalityThe age of the pet and what is best suited for the householdFinances. Pet care can be expensive, and many seniors are on fixed budgets.Finally, consider where to adopt or purchase a pet. Municipal and not-for-profit animal rescue shelters top the list. Some of these shelters have free or reduced-price programs for seniors looking to adopt that include the fees for spaying or neutering the pet. Pets can also be purchased at local pet stores, but the cost of spaying or neutering the animal is additional and may not fit your seniors budget.While there are many challenges to think about when considering adopting a pet for your loved one, there is overwhelming evidence of the health benefits of pets for seniors.

The holidays will be here before we know it. If your senior loved one wants to travel this merry season, be sure to get them where they need to go safely and with minimal stress. Travel companions for seniors can be a great option to take the worry out of the holidays.Holiday travel, especially senior travel, can be hectic and stressful if its 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 parents 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 Cares 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. Dont 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 ticketingCarrying luggageAssistance with getting through security or customsAssistance with ground transportationOur certified personal companions can even assist with things like:BathingDressingHygieneMealsMedication remindersHoliday Tips For Elderly TravelWith 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 medicationsWhen 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 timesTransportation options to and from the airportTerminal maps and gate locationsMedication regulations and necessary documentsTSA safety check processLook 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, drivers license, insurance cards, travel tickets and the trips 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 seniors carry-on bag and forward a set of the documents to the destination.Research elderly travel companionsFor some seniors, traveling can be tricky no matter how well-planned their trip may bewhether its 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 travelers best interest in mind.Consider insuranceWhen youre 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 ServicesRemember, its 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 youre interested in learning more about our home care services, check out our pricing.

Seniors are some of the biggest travelers out there. The idea that as you get older you should slow down and take it easy has been comprehensively debunked.Traveling more, further and to new and exciting locations is the number one aspiration for people over the age of 50. And its not hard to understand why! Seniors tend to have more time on their hands, more disposable income, and the drive to discover the world having worked hard their whole lives.Travel can also be hugely beneficial for seniors. Medical studies show that travel is great for older folks, helping with heart disease, brain function, and preventing depression and other mental issues.Traveling with a companion is a superb way to see the world, make new friends and enjoy the well-earned leisure time that a life of dedication to a career brings. But the question remains: where to go?These days there arent many barriers to traveling anywhere for older people, but some destinations and travel plans do have their advantages. Here we offer three ideas that are perfect for older travelers and their companions, to make it even easier to plan to pack your bags and explore the wide world!Take a cruiseA cruise is a classic vacation choice for seniors and with good reason! The combination of comfort, convenience, and adventure that a trip on a cruise ship offers is absolutely perfect for older people and their traveling companions.When it comes to destinations, the world is your oyster! Cozumel is a beautiful cruise destination, allowing you to discover the gorgeous and magical Mexican Riviera Maya as well as enjoy a Caribbean island. Alaska offers wide-open skies and stunning scenery, while cruises to Singapore, Hong Kong, or the Philippines offer the chance to discover the excitement and mystery of the Far East.Explore national parksAmericas stunning National Parks area great choice for adventurous seniors, offering excitement, beautiful landscapes, and wonderful wildlife everywhere you turn.While hiking up to the summit of Half Dome in Yosemite might be a little ambitious, there are adventures to be had for all ages and physical abilities throughout the U.S. National Park system, including ranger-led hikes and amazing scenic drives. And dont forget, anyone over 62 can get a National Park Service Lifetime Pass for just $80, opening up the great outdoors in an entirely new way!Get cultural in EuropeEuropes cultural highlights should be on everyones bucket list, and a grand tour of the exquisite capital cities and extraordinary sights that the Old World has to offer is a real treat.One of the finest and most convenient ways for older people and their companions to see the best that Europe has to offer isby boat, along the network of grand rivers which crisscross the continent. Float down the Danube, the Rhine and the Rhone, and discover history, culture and the grandest of architecture on an amazing European exploration.FirstLight Home Care provides travel companion services for seniors and other loved ones. Our travel companions will be with your loved one every step of the way, providing support for them and peace of mind for you, helping through every leg of the journey.

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. One in four older Americans experience a fall annually. At FirstLight, our goal is to provide senior home care that makes your loved ones feel safe. Elderly fall prevention is just one way we care for your loved ones as if they were our own. Read on to learn more about fall prevention for seniors.What Are The Dangers Of Seniors Falling?Falls threaten seniors safety and independence. They are a substantial medical risk that can result in hip fractures, cuts and sometimes life-threatening head and brain injuries. Oftentimes, a fall is so scary that seniors may avoid certain activities because they are worried that theyll fall again. So, how important is senior fall prevention?Elderly fall prevention can greatly improve the quality of life in our seniors. The data is startling. Sixty and Me, an online community of 500,000 women over 60, provided some very helpful information that explores basic statistics related to falls in older Americans. For example, more than one in every three falls involving older adults either requires medical assistance, such as going to a regular doctors appointment or a trip to the emergency room, or results in activity limitations for a day or more. Falls are too common. We need to work together to learn about fall prevention to keep our aging family and friends healthy.If you are a family caregiver, the following quick guide to elderly fall prevention can help keep your aging loved one safe inside the place they call home and provide you with comfort and peace of mind. Most Common Fall Risks For ElderlyCarrying excessive amounts of weight.Having poor balance.Wearing impractical shoes.Having pathways in the home filled with clutter or objects.Standing up to dress or undress.Slipping in the shower or tub.Lighting is not bright enough in rooms.Having poor vision.Being on medication with side effects such as drowsiness or dizziness.Getting feet caught in wheelchair feet supports. Senior Fall Prevention StrategiesAlthough falls are not a normal part of aging, most of us lose some coordination, flexibility and balance as we age. This can increase our potential to fall. Elderly fall prevention is the best way to counteract the negative effects of a fall before it happens. Here are some ways to help prevent falls in your elderly loved one.Remove clutter.The simplest way to promote fall prevention is to remove clutter from floors, hallways, staircases and sidewalks around your loved ones home. Unnecessary clutter can be a tripping hazard. Plus, your loved one is at risk of losing their balance and falling when they bend down to pick up the clutter.Fix trip hazards.Walk through every room of the house and identify potential trip hazards. Fix, remove, or repair items such as loose carpets, throw rugs, uneven flooring, electrical cords or unnecessary furniture, as well as things like old newspapers and magazines that may be piled up. Patterned rugs, especially, can cause a tripping hazard because they affect depth perception.Keep necessary items within reach.Limiting overreaching can be a great form of fall prevention. The potential of falling is minimized by not placing anything on shelves that are too high or need to be reached using a chair or ladder. In their bedroom specifically, your loved ones bed should be a comfortable height, stable and firm enough to get in and out of easily. A telephone and lamp should be reachable on the bedside table. Eyeglasses, canes and walkers should also be easily accessible.Keep the bathroom safe.Buying rubberized slip-resistant mats both inside and outside of the shower or tub helps prevent slipping. A raised toilet seat makes it easier and safer for someone who is weak or has balance problems.Install grab bars and handrails. Hire a handyman or have a family member install grab bars by toilets and bathtubs and handrails in stairways and hallways. Most seniors have lived in their homes for such a long time they may have never thought about making simple home modifications that could make aging in place a viable and safer option.Install proper lighting. Poor lighting is another hazard that can cause falls. Install brighter light bulbs in each room for everyday use. Add night lights in bedrooms and bathrooms for better guidance at night. Light switches should be accessible at room entrances and at the beginning of any dark area. Automatic touch lights that turn on when you touch the base of the lamp are helpful for those with arthritis or painful joints. Adapters are available to convert existing lamps into touch-sensitive lamps.Encourage shoes, even in the home. Preventing falls at home can be as simple as wearing sensible shoes. Socks might be more comfortable, but they can also be slippery. Encourage your loved one to wear shoes, even inside the house. Shoes should have low heels and good tread.Make sure to keep shoelaces tied or Velcro firmly fastened. If your loved one chooses to wear slippers, they should have rubber soles and should not be worn outside.Remember outdoor safety.Step edges should be marked with reflective tape that is designed for outdoor use. Traction tape on stair treads will minimize the chance of falls when the stairs are wet. Using a contrasting color adhesive strip along the edge of the threshold will make it more visible. Leaves, moss, snow and ice can cause serious falls. Paths and sidewalks that are raised and cracked create a hazard.Promote balance.Get a shower bench or chair for someone if they are unsteady on their feet. Balance can be easily thrown off by trying to carry heavy objects and having vision obscured.Look into medication information.Review all medications with your loved ones the physician or pharmacist to see if there is an increased risk for falls. Some drugs that contribute to falls are diuretics, blood pressure medicine and medications given for psychological reasons.Review walker and wheelchair safety.When using a walker, both hands must be free to grasp the handles on either side. Avoid carrying heavy objects, which could cause a loss of balance or overload a wheelchair. Wheelchairs should be checked periodically to make sure they are in good working condition.Urge your older adult to slow down. Teaching aging adults that they are not as agile as they used to be is a helpful way to promote senior fall prevention. Many falls at home are caused by your elderly loved one moving too quickly while getting in or out of a seated position. Advise them to pause before sitting or standing to make sure they are steady before moving.Emergency alarm systems provide peace of mind.Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) provide emergency help at the press of a button, 24 hours a day. While not a form of fall prevention, if you are not able to have an actual person in the home with your loved one, these devices are an effective way to alert others of a fall. The response button is worn around the neck, on the belt or on the wrist of your loved one. These systems help alleviate the fear of being alone during an emergency such as a fall.FirstLight Home Care Senior Home Care ServicesAt FirstLight, our caregivers are taught to watch for possible fall hazards and to manage them before an accident happens. In addition to senior fall prevention and home safety checks, our team provides a variety of senior home care services to help you or your loved one stay safe and independent.

Our Culture of Care Promise:At FirstLight Home Care, a leading home care agency, the genuine health and well-being of others is our greatest concern. We vow to provide first-class personal service for our clients so that they may enjoy warmth, independence and relaxed comfort in their own home or any setting. FirstLight Home Care is built on a solid foundation of core values and dedication to client happiness, peace of mind, and quality of life that supports our Culture of Careour commitment to service excellence, personal growth, and accountability.The Caregiver BondAt FirstLight Home Care, our extraordinary caregivers are the most significant members of our team in delivering our service commitment to others. By embracing each day with values of trust, honesty, respect, integrity and dedication, we cultivate our relationships to the benefit of each caregiver and the entire organization as a whole. FirstLight promotes a caregiving atmosphere where diversity is respected, quality of life is valued, personal ambitions are attained, and the FirstLight Culture of Care is emboldened.What Makes Our In-Home Care Different?All of our caregivers are direct employees (not contractors) state licensed where required and thoroughly screened with a corresponding background-check and must pass through our rigorous in-home care training.We are a fully compliant home healthcare agency regarding the privacy of every clients personal health data, with caregivers trained in privacy issues.Following our thorough recruitment and home care training, all of our employees must go through our unique Culture of Care training and orientation process.

It can be overwhelming to take care of a loved one who is aging or living with cognitive problems or a disability. Too much stress can be harmful to you and to the one in your care. Its important to recognize the signs of caregiver stress and put actions in place to manage and reduce your stress to avoid caregiver stress syndrome.What Are The Signs Of Caregiver StressAs a family caregiver, you are on call almost all the time. This ongoing demand can make you so focused on the loved one in your care, that you forget about yourself. This can lead to caregiver stress. You put your own health and well-being on the backburner to take care of them and their everyday needs. If you are suffering from caregiver stress syndrome, you cant provide the proper care to your loved ones.How Caregiver Stress ManifestsStress from caregiving can sneak up on you. Its important to keep watch for these signs of caregiver stress: Feeling overwhelmed or constantly worried Feeling tired often Getting too much sleep or not enough sleep Gaining or losing weight Becoming easily irritated or angry Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy Feeling sad for no reason Having frequent headaches, bodily pain or other physical problems Abusing alcohol or drugs, including prescription medicationsHow To Deal With Caregiver StressAccept help.Make a list of the ways family and friends can help you and let them choose what they would like to do. Be specific and let them know the days and times that you could use their help.Set daily goals.Having a laundry list of tasks that must get done each week can be overwhelming. Break down your week into daily goals and then prioritize, make lists and establish a daily routine.Exercise regularly.Schedule time each day to do some type of physical activity. Not only will it help you stay fit, but exercise is also a stress reliever. Being active can boost your feel- good endorphins and distract you from daily worries.Eat a healthy, balanced diet.Unhealthy eating patterns can cause stress levels to skyrocket and potentially increase your risk of health problems in the future. Being stressed can increase your need for certain nutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin, B, selenium (an antioxidant that fights oxidative stress and helps defend the body from chronic diseases) and magnesium. A well-balanced and nutritious diet is one of the most important ingredients for good health.Get plenty of sleep.Not getting quality sleep over a long period of time can cause health issues. If you have trouble getting a good nights sleep, talk to your doctor.Join a support group.If youre feeling alone and overwhelmed, finding a local support group can provide connection and interaction, as well as problem-solving strategies for difficult situations. The people in support groups will be nonjudgmental to your situation. They understand what you may be going through and can provide counsel, support and even friendship.Take a well-deserved break.Everyone needs time away to relieve stress and restore energy. And, lets face ittaking personal time for yourself can do a world of good! Hiring an outside source to offer support with respite carefrom a few hours each week to several dayscan allow family caregivers to step away from caregiving responsibilities and take care of themselves. Respite care is an essential part of being a caregiver.Keep your doctor appointments.Studies have shown that caregivers are likely to suffer from several health problems. Make it a priority to see your doctor regularly to discuss any concerns or symptoms you have.Why Is Stress Management Important Caregiver Stress SyndromeFamily caregivers face a lot of stress. Many work full-time jobs and raise their own families on top of the responsibilities of looking after their aging parents. The demands of the job can take both a physical and mental toll on even the most resilient people, leaving them drained and exhausted. This can lead to caregiver stress syndrome In order to be more patient and available, its important to keep caregiver stress within manageable boundaries. These tips reveal why its important for family caregivers to lower their stress levels and how to do so every day.Why is stress bad?While a little stress is natural, too much can cause long-term problems. Developing caregiver stress by prolonged exposure to stressful situations canleave caregivers more vulnerable to developing health issues. It can raise your blood pressure, lower the strength of your immune system and lead to long-term diseases like heart disease or stroke. This demanding lifestyle can also interrupt sleep while causing irritability and headaches. Certain caregivers are at an exceptional risk of feeling stressfemales, live-in caregivers and those with depression often have higher stress levels than others.Caregiver stress can not only lead to illness, but it can also preoccupy your mind and lower your patience with whomever youre caring for. Its important to make sure youre regulating your stress levels and identifying when you need to take a step back to look after yourself before others.FirstLight Home Care Senior Home Caregiver ServicesWe understand how stressful family caregiving can be, but hopefully, these tips will help you learn to manage the demands of the job while remaining relaxed and happy. One of our main goals is to relieve you of caregiver stress.If you need family caregiving support so that you can take care of your loved one without caregiver stress, we can help. Contact FirstLight Home Care today.

Mental health consists of emotional, psychological and social well-being. It impacts the way we think, feel, act and relate to others. Positive mental health is essential to overall health and quality of life.The American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry estimates that 20% of people aged 55 years and older experience some type of mental health concern. The most common mental health problems in older adults include anxiety, severe cognitive impairment and mood disorders, such as depression.There are many ways to help improve mental health in older adults.Incorporate regular movement and exercise. Making time for exercise or some type of physical movement every day can add up. For example, just 30 minutes of daily walking can help boost ones mood and improve overall health. Other activities include yoga, meditation, swimming and gardening. Remember, you can stay active at any age, and doing something you enjoy will help you stick with it!Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Eating healthy, regular meals and drinking plenty of water can increase energy and focus. Good nutrition can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease or diabetes, and it may also help keep your brain healthy. A nutritious diet typically consists of a variety of fruits and vegetables; whole grains; lean meats, fish and poultry; and low-fat dairy. Limiting alcohol and foods that contain high amounts of sugar and salt may also help.Follow a consistent sleep schedule. Getting enough sleep is important for mental health in older adults, as well as a good immune system. Poor sleep habits can increase the risk of chronic disease. Most healthy adults aged 65 or older need seven or more hours of sleep every night. The National Council on Aging recommends these practices to help improve sleep.Stay socially connected. The physical and emotional health of older adults is impacted by social connections. Being disengaged can lead to loneliness and even isolation in seniors. This not only affects mental health, but it can have physical consequences as well.Studies show that people who engage in meaningful, productive activities can improve their mental well-being and cognitive function. Some ways seniors can stay socially connected include:Setting aside time each day to stay in touch with family, friends and neighbors, whether in person, over the phone or via video chatTaking up a new (or renewing an old) hobbyJoining a faith-based organizationHelping others through volunteering or participating in a cause in the communityPractice an attitude of gratitude. Practicing gratitude can make us more emotionally balanced, happier and more positive, which can impact our mental health. Expressing appreciation for others, saying thank you and taking actions to show gratitude to the people you care about makes you feel good overall. Send a thank-you note. Remind yourself of the things you are grateful for. Write them down and repeat them daily.Laugh out loud. A good laugh is healthy for you! It can help you feel more relaxed and reduce anxiety. The simple act of smiling can help to lower your heart rate. Find something to laugh or smile about every day. Focus on the things that make you happy. Have a good laugh with a friend, watch a funny movie, and surround yourself with positive people.To improve mental health in older adults, family caregivers can encourage their loved ones to incorporate these activities into their daily routines. A healthy body and mind can keep mental well-being intact and help older adults age gracefully.