Patricia Neuray, Author at FirstLantic Blog

7 03, 2022

How to Help a Loved One Dealing with Loneliness

Patricia Neuray2022-12-19T03:46:50-05:00March 7th, 2022|Categories: Aging, At Home Healthcare, Home Caregivers, Home Companions, Loneliness and Isolation|Tags: #caregiver, #homecare, #HomeCompanions, #HomeHealthcare, #Seniors, FirstLantic, mental wellness, senior loneliness|

It’s not easy to watch someone you love get older. It can be even harder when you don’t live close by, and you know that they are suffering from loneliness. Although many people choose to stay in their own home as they age, it can also be isolating. In fact, according to a recent study, nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated. In addition to the emotional toll, loneliness can also lead to health risks. Research has shown that social isolation was associated with about a 50% percent increased risk of dementia, a 29% increased risk of heart disease, and a 32% increased risk of stroke. But how can you help a loved one that is dealing with [...]

28 02, 2022

Why Everyone Should Celebrate International Women’s Day

Patricia Neuray2022-12-19T05:38:25-05:00February 28th, 2022|Categories: International Women's Day, Women|Tags: #BreakTheBias, #GenderEquality, #InternationalWomensDay|

On March 8th we celebrate International Women’s Day. Originating in the early 1900s, the purpose is to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day is also a call to action for accelerating gender parity. This year’s theme is Break the Bias with an aspirational goal of creating a world that is free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination against women. And although women around the world have made significant progress and key contributions in numerous areas, there is still a long way to go to reach full parity with men. So, in support of International Women’s Day, FirstLantic shares five statistics that should remind us all why breaking the bias is so important. #BreakTheBias Gender discrimination is embedded [...]

22 02, 2022

Safety-Proofing Your Home to Prevent Falls

Patricia Neuray2022-12-19T05:37:48-05:00February 22nd, 2022|Categories: At Home Healthcare, Eye Sight, Falling at home, Hearing loss, Home safety proofing|Tags: #homecare, #HomeHealthcare, #HomeSafety, #Seniors, FirstLantic|

Safety-proofing your home to prevent falls is so important because about 36 million falls are reported among older adults each year. Falls are actually the number one cause of injuries in seniors, and they result in more than 32,000 deaths. Fortunately, many are preventable, especially inside the home, but you must take the necessary precautions. To help you stay as safe as possible, FirstLantic has put together this helpful checklist so you remain safely in your home. Start by going through your list of medications with your doctor or pharmacist to review side effects or drug interactions that may cause dizziness. If you get dizzy or lightheaded when you go from sitting to standing, you could have Postural Hypotension. You can find out [...]

8 02, 2022

Hearing Loss and Aging – Know the Signs and Treatments

Patricia Neuray2022-12-19T20:44:20-05:00February 8th, 2022|Categories: Health, Hearing loss|Tags: #FirstLantic #Seniors, #HearingLoss, #SeniorHealth, #SeniorHearing, senior loneliness|

Hearing loss is common as we age. In fact, one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing. Presbycusis or age-related hearing loss usually comes on gradually. However, difficulty in hearing can also result from other health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, ear infections such as otitis media, and even certain medications. Losing hair cells (sensory receptors in the inner ear) is also a contributing factor. While a loss of hearing makes people feel more socially isolated, it can also be a factor in cognitive decline. Studies show that older adults with hearing problems have a greater risk of developing dementia while memory and concentration decline faster as well. Unfortunately, [...]

1 02, 2022

Alzheimer’s Treatment – What is the Future?

Patricia Neuray2022-12-19T20:44:31-05:00February 1st, 2022|Categories: Aging, Alzheimers, Dementia, Home Caregivers, Mental Wellness|Tags: #Aging #AgeRelatedConditions, #Alzheimers, #AlzheimersResearch, #homecare, #HomeHealthcare, #Seniors, dementia, FirstLantic, mental wellness|

New Alzheimer's treatments seem painfully slow to emerge for those currently living with the disease or watching a loved one suffer. Medications presently available temporarily improve symptoms of memory loss, thinking, and reasoning, but they don’t stop the decline and death of brain cells. Discovering how to control that decline is akin to the holy grail in Alzheimer’s research and would offer millions of people hope. Although there is no guarantee that a cure is imminent, there is a reason for optimism. FirstLantic explores five different Alzheimer's treatment paths in the research phase that are showing promise. Saracatinib. A drug initially developed as a possible cancer treatment is now being tested for Alzheimer's treatment. In studies, Saracatinib turned off a protein that allowed synapses [...]

25 01, 2022

Aging Affects Vision Loss – How to See More Clearly

Patricia Neuray2022-12-19T20:46:45-05:00January 25th, 2022|Categories: Aging, Eye Sight, Vision|Tags: #homecare, #HomeHealthcare, #SeniorEyesight, #Seniors, Eyesight, FirstLantic, Healthcare|

Updated January 24, 2022 Unfortunately aging and vision loss go hand in hand. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, one in three individuals suffers from some form of vision-reducing eye disease by the age of 65. In one of our blogs last year, we explained the most common causes of vision loss as well as conditions to be aware of as you age. It is crucial for seniors and their family members to be aware of the signs, especially since approximately 70 million Americans will be over the age of 65 by the year 2023. FirstLantic wants to make sure you and your loved ones are informed about how aging affects vision loss and can get help if necessary. You can [...]

18 01, 2022

Seven Ways that Seniors Can Combat Isolation and Loneliness

Patricia Neuray2022-12-19T20:47:46-05:00January 18th, 2022|Categories: Aging, Loneliness and Isolation|Tags: #homecare, #SeniorCompanions, #SeniorIsolation, #SeniorLoneliness #FirstLantic|

Senior isolation and loneliness have become a crisis. With a global pandemic raging for almost two years forcing us to isolate as much as possible, it's not hard to understand why so many people feel lonely right now. However, it can be incredibly challenging for seniors. Nearly one-third live alone and are encouraged to avoid outside social contact entirely. And loneliness is not something that hurts us emotionally; it can also lead to health problems. According to a study conducted by Brigham Young University, loneliness can be as deadly as smoking or obesity by complicating existing conditions, encouraging an unhealthy lifestyle, and affecting cognition. It can even increase the chances of Alzheimer’s disease. A study conducted by the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging reported that the [...]

11 01, 2022

Debunking the Myths About Home Health Care

Patricia Neuray2022-12-19T06:07:03-05:00January 11th, 2022|Categories: Aging, assisted living, Dementia, Health, Home Caregivers|Tags: #caregiver, #HHA, #homecare, #Seniors, dementia, FirstLantic|

Do you or your loved one fully understand how home healthcare works? Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions. FirstLantic wants to help you make the best possible decision for care. Take their short quiz below to test your knowledge and ensure you have the facts. Answers are provided at the end. Home Healthcare Aides (HHA) always live in the home of their clients. True or False Home Healthcare services can include which of the following? Medication management Light household chores Transportation to appointments Companionship All of the above 3. Home Healthcare is often more expensive than assisted living. True or False 4. Home care is only for patients who have been recently discharged from rehab or a hospital. True or False 5. [...]

4 01, 2022

The Best Way to Build a Strong Bond with Your Home Healthcare Provider

Patricia Neuray2022-12-19T20:48:24-05:00January 4th, 2022|Categories: Health, Home Caregivers|Tags: #homecare, #HomeHealthAide, #HomeHealthcare, #Seniors, FirstLantic, Healthcare|

Home health aides and caregivers provide invaluable services. They ensure that older adults who need support can get the care they need at home. Depending on their client's needs, they can assist with medication management, personal hygiene, light housekeeping, transportation, and more. And they become a much-needed resource so that children and other relatives can feel comfortable that their loved one is receiving the best care possible. That's why it’s so crucial to not only find the right person but build a strong partnership based on mutual trust and respect. Learn more from FirstLantic Healthcare on the best ways to make that connection with your caregiver. Communication Communication is the key to any good relationship, so why would it be different with a [...]

27 12, 2021

How to Get Your Finances Back on Track After the Holidays

Patricia Neuray2022-12-19T20:48:56-05:00December 27th, 2021|Categories: #holidays, #Stess, Budgets, Credit card debt, Debt-free, Financial Decisions|Tags: #Budget, #CreditCardDebt, #Debt, #DebtFree, #Holidays, #Seniors, FirstLantic|

The Grinch may not have stolen Christmas, but it might feel like he stole your wallet! Research shows that the average American will spend $835.00 on gifts this year, and that does not include the extras like decorations, food, and of course, the blinking sweater. So, if you are starting to panic about January, read on as FirstLantic (with help from NerdWallet) has some great tips for getting back your financial footing after the holidays. Stay positive Recognize that you can get back on track if you have a plan and stick to it. The most important thing is to act. Don’t bury your head in the sand and think the money will fall from the sky (although it would be nice if [...]

About Patricia Neuray