Aging Archives - Page 2 of 5 - FirstLantic Blog

23 05, 2022

Home Care Options for Aging Veterans

Patricia Neuray2022-12-19T20:58:38-05:00May 23rd, 2022|Categories: Aging, At Home Healthcare, Family Caregivers, Health, Veterans|Tags: #caregiver, #homecare, #HomeCompanions, #HomeHealthcare, #MemorialDay, #Seniors, #Veterans, FirstLantic|

At FirstLantic, we believe everyone is entitled to the best healthcare possible, especially our veterans. After all, they risked their lives to protect the freedoms that all Americans enjoy. But because veterans are used to sacrificing for others, it can be difficult for them to ask for help as they get older. Many would prefer to stay in the comfort of their home while remaining independent for as long as possible. That’s why it’s ideal if they can age in place while getting necessary services such as assistance with household chores, medication management, or nursing care. With Memorial Day right around the corner, it's an excellent time to provide a refresher on the benefits available for our military heroes. Home Telehealth Operated by [...]

17 05, 2022

Five of the Best Mental Wellness Podcasts

Patricia Neuray2022-12-19T20:59:22-05:00May 17th, 2022|Categories: #Stress, Aging, Loneliness and Isolation, mental health, Mental Wellness, Mental Wellness Podcasts|Tags: #Anxiety, #caregiver, #homecare, #HomeHealthcare, #loneliness, #MentalHealth, #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, #SeniorLoneliness, #Seniors, #Stress, dementia, depression, Healthcare, mental wellness|

Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been celebrated in May. The goal is to reach as many people as possible and provide foundational knowledge about mental health and what people can do if they are concerned about themselves or a loved one. Over the last two years, feelings of loneliness and isolation have increased due to the pandemic. And there is no doubt that many of us are still struggling with anxiety or stress as we work towards finding the new “normal”. The important thing to remember is that you are not alone. If you are experiencing some of these issues, you might benefit from a “safe space” — somewhere where you can retreat (at your leisure) to hear from experts or other people [...]

2 05, 2022

Six Ways to Address Family Caregiver Stress

Patricia Neuray2022-12-19T21:00:11-05:00May 2nd, 2022|Categories: Aging, At Home Healthcare, Caregivers, Family Caregivers, Home Caregivers, Home Companions, Retirement|Tags: #caregiver, #homecare, #HomeCompanions, #HomeHealthcare, #Seniors, FirstLantic|

As more senior adults choose to age in place, family members increasingly bear the responsibility of ensuring their loved ones can live safely at home. Whether it’s helping them out with chores around the house or providing full-time support, it’s estimated that there are now 48 million family caregivers within the United States. And as caregivers try to balance their personal life with the needs of their loved ones, their stress has also increased significantly. FirstLantic explains the importance of recognizing caregiver strain and techniques to address it. Causes of Stress Caregiver stress can stem from a variety of factors, including increased responsibility, time demands, unfamiliar medical and nursing tasks, and the financial burden. A recent AARP report found that the average family [...]

4 04, 2022

How to Make Senior Life Transitions Less Stressful

Patricia Neuray2022-12-19T03:20:18-05:00April 4th, 2022|Categories: #Stess, Aging, Financial Decisions, Loneliness and Isolation|Tags: #homecare, #HomeHealthcare, #SeniorLifeTransitions, #Seniors, #Stress, eldercare, FirstLantic, senior loneliness|

12 million - The number of Americans over age 65 who live alone, according to a report by the Pew Research Center. And according to the U.S. Census, the rate of childless individuals among boomers is close to 20% with 27%. That means that many of these seniors will lack familial support and advocacy should they need it. Unfortunately, as we age and our mental or physical health may decline, that's the time when we need support the most. In addition to making critical medical decisions, there is a confusing maze of insurance, healthcare options, estate planning, etc. All these things are confusing for people of any age but especially difficult when you are at a vulnerable point in your life. Understanding the cost of [...]

11 03, 2022

Ten Amazing Facts About Social Workers

Patricia Neuray2022-12-19T03:22:54-05:00March 11th, 2022|Categories: Aging, At Home Healthcare, CaseWorkers, Social Workers|Tags: #caregiver, #homecare, #HomeHealthcare, #NationalSocialWorkAssociation, #Seniors, #socialworkers, #SWGenerationsStrong, #SWMonth, FirstLantic|

This career requires long hours, can be emotionally challenging, and often pays too little. Sounds amazing, right? Sign me up! Well, for the unsung heroes that are social workers that’s their reality. And yet, they work tirelessly every day to improve the lives of others. They help protect vulnerable children, support families in need of assistance, and clinical social workers diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional issues. So, to show appreciation for all the amazing people who have chosen this sometimes difficult but also rewarding career, we celebrate National Social Worker Month. At FirstLantic Healthcare, we see first-hand how important their work is to our patients and their families. We also recognize that many people don’t know as much as they should about the [...]

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 [...]

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. [...]