Patricia Neuray, Author at FirstLantic Blog

20 12, 2021

How to Determine If Your Parents Need Help

Patricia Neuray2022-12-19T20:49:19-05:00December 20th, 2021|Categories: #holidays, #Stress, Aging, assisted living, Holidays|Tags: #AssistedLiving, #caregiver, #Celebrations, #ElderParents, #Holidays, #homecare, #HomeHelp, #Seniors, FirstLantic, Healthcare|

The U.S. population is aging quickly. In fact, by 2050, the number of people that are 65 or older is expected to double. That means significant implications for our society and families. Many adult children are already helping their parents either financially or with other support. But how do you know when your parents need more help than you can provide? And how do you get them to accept that? While spending time with your parents over the holidays, it’s a good opportunity to look for signs that they need assistance—FirstLantic guides you on things to look for and how to approach a discussion that could be difficult. Watch for significant changes in behavior. Were your parents highly organized, and now you find bills [...]

13 12, 2021

How to Make Your Holidays Stress-Free

Patricia Neuray2022-12-19T20:49:54-05:00December 13th, 2021|Categories: #holidays, #Stess, Celebrations, Mindset|Tags: #Celebrations, #HolidayStress, #Mindset, #PostiveMindset, #Stress, FirstLantic|

For some of us, the holidays can be the best time of the year. For others, it’s one big stress-induced season. But does it have to be? Why do we let something that should be joyful turn into something that gives us anxiety? One reason is that many of us put too much pressure on ourselves to have the perfect Norman Rockwell image of a holiday. In fact, a survey conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that the holidays contributed to feeling sad or dissatisfied for many of those surveyed. 68 percent reported feeling financially strained, 63 percent said there was too much pressure, and 57 percent said they had unrealistic expectations. So, let's try turning that around this year. Let's try some [...]

6 12, 2021

You’re Only as Young as You Feel

Patricia Neuray2022-12-19T20:50:05-05:00December 6th, 2021|Categories: Growth Mindset, Health, mental health, Mental Wellness, Mindset|Tags: #GrowthMindset, #Mindset, #Seniors, #ThinkingPositive, mental wellness|

We have all heard the old adage that it’s all in your head. But what if it really is? What if your mindset could literally change your life for the better? Well, the reality is that it can. At least the right attitude can. Scientists have done a vast amount of research on how the mind affects the body. And it becomes even more critical as you age. And that’s when that other cliché turns out to be correct as well; “you’re only as old as you feel." In fact, studies have shown that people with a positive mindset about aging live on average 7.5 years longer than those without because attitude affects happiness, health, the speed of the aging process, and even how long we [...]

23 11, 2021

New Takes on Old Holiday Recipes

Patricia Neuray2022-12-19T20:51:02-05:00November 23rd, 2021|Categories: Celebrations, Entertainment, food, Holidays, Recipes, Thanksgiving|Tags: #Celebrations, #cooking, #Family, #FamilyCelebrations, #Holidays, #Recipes, #Thanksgiving, eating healthy, FirstLantic|

Thanksgiving is always a special time of year. It officially starts the holiday season providing an opportunity to get together with family and friends. And after the difficulty in traveling in 2020 due to COVID, it’s especially meaningful this year. But while you’re looking forward to the holiday, you might also be struggling with what to cook. Well, what about putting a new spin on some holiday classics? FirstLantic found three iconic recipes from our neighbors in the states of Hawaii, Missouri, and New Hampshire courtesy of Eat This, Not That. These dishes are sure to please even the pickiest eater. So, let’s get cookin’ and eatin’! Brown Sugar and Pineapple Roasted Acorn Squash with Spiced Brown Butter Ingredients 2 acorn squashes [...]

15 11, 2021

Why Insomnia Increases as We Age

Patricia Neuray2022-12-19T20:51:37-05:00November 15th, 2021|Categories: Aging, Health, Insomnia, mental health, Mental Wellness|Tags: #AgeRelatedConditions, #Insomnia, #Seniors, depression, eating healthy, FirstLantic, Healthcare, mental wellness|

Do you ever wish you could literally sleep like a baby again? Sleep does not come easy for many of us, and it becomes even more problematic as we age. Of course, that's not true for everyone, like my husband snoring next to me as I write this. However, it is a fact that the older we get, the more problems we have falling asleep and staying asleep. In fact, researchers estimate that between 40% and 70% of older adults have chronic sleep issues, and up to half of those cases may go undiagnosed. So why do sleep patterns change as we age, and what can we do about it? Changes in Circadian Rhythm There are many theories as to why sleep patterns [...]

9 11, 2021

Home Care Benefits for Senior Veterans

Patricia Neuray2022-12-19T20:51:56-05:00November 9th, 2021|Categories: Aging, assisted living, Financial Decisions, Home Caregivers, Loneliness and Isolation, Retirement, Veterans|Tags: #homecare, #Veterans #VeteransDay #HomeHealthCare|

Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11th to remember the sacrifices of those who served in the military protecting our freedoms. As Americans, we owe them and their families a huge debt of gratitude and respect. That's why no Veteran should ever have to worry about receiving proper care as they age. Although Vets are used to giving to others, they may require help as they get older. Home care is one of the best options as it allows Vets to remain safely in their homes while maintaining as much independence as possible. Fortunately, there are various types of home healthcare services available, so you can find the one that best suits you or a loved ones’ needs. Telehealth Operated by the U.S. [...]

2 11, 2021

Payment Options for Senior HomeCare Services

Patricia Neuray2022-12-19T20:52:38-05:00November 2nd, 2021|Categories: Aging, assisted living, Financial Decisions, Home Caregivers, Nursing, Retirement, Veterans|Tags: #homecare, #HomeHealthcare, #LifeInsurance, #LongTermCare, #LongTermCareInsurance, #MedicareAdvantage, #Veterans, FirstLantic|

One of the most challenging decisions seniors or their relatives can make is determining if and when to get help with their care. Many seniors would prefer to stay in their own home, but sometimes the basic chores they take for granted may become too much. They need some assistance with cooking, transportation, medication management, or simply could use some companionship. Whatever the reason, the more difficult question often becomes how to pay for care. FirstLantic offers guidance on payment options. However, before determining the best way to fund it, it’s helpful to differentiate between home care and home health care. Home Care Aides assist with daily living such as dressing, housekeeping, and transportation, referred to as personal care, attendant care, non-medical care, and companion care. [...]

25 10, 2021

Six Ways for Adults to Get in the Halloween Spirit

Patricia Neuray2022-12-19T20:53:19-05:00October 25th, 2021|Categories: Celebrations, Cooking, Entertainment, Holidays, Pets|Tags: #Celebrations #HalloweenPets #CaseWorkers #HomeHealthcare #HomeCare #ElderCare, #cooking, #Halloween, FirstLantic|

Do you feel like you’re too mature to celebrate Halloween? Have you given up on costumes since your kids moved out of the house? Well, you’re never too old to have some fun. And Halloween can be a great holiday to spend with friends and family with the right kind of adult activities (nothing too risqué, of course)! FirstLantic has ideas that might make you forget your age and turn into a Halloween believer. Remember, even the Grinch came around in the end! Horror Movie Marathon Invite some friends over that are scary movie fans, make some festive Halloween cocktails, pop some corn, light some candles, and prepare to cover your eyes if the movie gets too frightening. You can even make a [...]

19 10, 2021

The Resilience of Seniors

Patricia Neuray2022-12-19T20:07:01-05:00October 19th, 2021|Categories: Aging, mental health, Mental Wellness|Tags: #COVID, #DrBeach, #MentalWellness, #OpenMindHealth, #Seniors, depression|

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everyone’s lives in innumerable ways. However, for many seniors, it has come at a highly vulnerable point in their life. Seniors are already more susceptible to contagious disease because of decreased immunity and other age-related health issues. However, add social isolation and anxiety about the health of friends and family, and you have an assumption that seniors would become increasingly depressed. In fact, studies show that the older population has been able to withstand the effects of COVID on their mental health much more than younger people. For example, in August 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a survey noting that the 933 participants aged 65 years or older reported significantly lower percentages of an anxiety [...]

11 10, 2021

Celebrating Case Manager Week

Patricia Neuray2022-12-19T20:02:26-05:00October 11th, 2021|Categories: Aging, assisted living, CaseWorkers, Health, Nursing|Tags: #FirstLantic #CaseWorkers #HomeHealthcare #HomeCare #ElderCare, #homecare, #NationalCaseWorkerWeek, Healthcare|

If any group of professionals has been tasked with a herculean task, it is certainly those working within the healthcare industry. From doctors to nurses to case managers, they have been on the front lines risking their own health, working grueling schedules, and dealing with incredible stress. That’s why it’s so crucial to celebrate these professionals for their contributions. Case management week which begins on October 11th and continues through the 17th is an opportunity to recognize the importance of this role and to thank them for their dedication. This year’s theme is Transitions through Care, Expertise, and Integrity and it could not be more appropriate as healthcare professionals try to maneuver within the new reality of a global pandemic. Many people may not [...]

About Patricia Neuray