Senior Comfort During Holidays

While the holidays can be a time of joy and celebration, they can also be somewhat challenging for the elderly as they often experience loneliness and isolation. Here are some ideas of how you can spread cheer with your loved ones this holiday season:

• Deck the halls with some of their beloved holiday decorations such as wreaths, garlands and ornaments.
• Set aside time to bake holiday cookies, candy or other seasonal favorites together. You can even do this virtually if you are not able to visit in person.
• Watch their favorite holiday movie. If you cannot be there, FirstLight Home Care Services can provide caregivers who also make great movie-watching companions. 
• Drive through your neighborhood to take in some of the holiday light displays and decorations.
• Eat a traditional holiday meal together. Family recipes can evoke special memories from years past. 

Importance of Holiday Safety for Senior Home Care

The holidays and winter in general can be a challenging time for seniors, especially those who require extra support at home. With festive decorations, cooking and entertaining, the risk of falls, fires and other accidents increases.

Reducing Fall Risks & Fire Hazards

Falls are a common occurrence in the elderly, and the holiday season can increase the risk of falls due to additional clutter, holiday décor, icy walkways and crowds. Avoiding falls during the holidays is important. To minimize the risk, ensure that your loved one’s home is free of clutter, that carpets are secured and slippery floors are cleaned regularly. Ensure that outdoor areas are free of ice and snow and that pathways are well-lit. To reduce the risk of fire, check that all electrical cords and outlets are in good condition, decorations are flame-resistant and smoke detectors are installed and functioning properly. Additionally, ensure the stove and oven are turned off after use, and never leave food cooking unattended.

Safe Holiday Decorations for Seniors

Holiday decorations can create a festive atmosphere that lifts spirits and brings joy. Consider senior-friendly holiday decorating that is safe for your loved one, including battery-operated candles and lights, shatter-proof ornaments and a flame-resistant artificial tree. Also make sure to limit the number of decorations that obstruct hallways and walking pathways.

FirstLight Home Care For Seniors

The holiday season can be overwhelming for older adults but taking the time to create a comfortable and safe environment for seniors can provide peace of mind for the entire family. As you prepare for the holidays, remember that a few simple adjustments can help make the season enjoyable for everyone. If you are a family caregiver and you need help tackling all the things that come with the holiday season, request more information about FirstLight Home Care services from your local office. Our extraordinary caregivers can provide companion care, respite care and elder care solutions at home, or in any setting, now and throughout the new year.

Family caregivers play an important role in our communities, taking on the responsibility of caring for aging parents, disabled family members or loved ones with chronic illnesses. They dedicate countless hours to ensure the health, safety and well-being of their family members, often juggling multiple responsibilities alongside their caregiving duties.

The Significance of Family Caregivers Month

Family Caregivers Month was established to recognize the contributions of family caregivers. By shedding light on their contributions, we can create a better understanding of their needs and challenges.

It’s also an opportunity to offer caregiver support. Caregiving can be emotionally and physically draining. During November especially, various organizations and communities organize events and resources to support caregivers, providing them with tools, information and assistance.

Ways to Recognize and Celebrate Family Caregivers

Express Gratitude

Take the time to thank the caregivers in your life. Write a heartfelt note or express your appreciation in person. A simple “thank you” can go a long way in acknowledging their efforts.

Share Their Stories

Share the stories of family caregivers in your community or on social media. By amplifying their experiences, you can help raise awareness and inspire others to show support.

Offer Respite Care

Consider offering respite care to give a family member or friend a much-needed break. Even a few hours of relief can make a significant difference in their lives.

Volunteer or Donate

Volunteer your time or donate to organizations dedicated to supporting family caregivers. Your contribution can make a difference in providing essential services and resources.

Educate Yourself

Learn more about the challenges caregivers face and the resources available to them. Understanding their needs can help you offer better support.

FirstLight Home Care Support for Family Caregivers

National Family Caregivers Month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the unwavering dedication of family caregivers. By expressing our gratitude, offering support, and raising awareness, we can help alleviate some of the daily challenges they face.

Respite care services from FirstLight Home Care provide a short-term break so that family caregivers can focus on themselves. While they take time off from their caregiving responsibilities, we’re there to make sure loved ones are taken care of and that they get the quality care and attention they need.

Find a local caregiving team near you.

Signs and symptoms of caregiver stress and burnout

• Feeling overwhelmed or constantly worried
• Feeling tired often
• Getting too much (or not enough) sleep
• Experiencing drastic changes in weight
• Becoming easily irritated or angry
• Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Feeling sad much of the time
• Having frequent headaches or other physical pains
• Abusing alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications

Studies have shown that family caregivers are more likely to experience symptoms of depression or anxiety. A lack of stress management, especially over a long period of time, can harm your health. Feeling stressed and overwhelmed can impact your quality of sleep, levels of physical activity and/or your diet—which increases your risk of medical problems, such as heart disease and diabetes.

When you’re constantly worried about someone else, you don’t always spot what’s happening with your own emotional and physical well-being. It is important to recognize the caregiver stress you are feeling and address it early to help prevent future health problems. By caring for yourself, you will take better care of your loved one.

Tips for Reducing Stress and Improving Well-Being

Now more than ever, family caregivers are faced with the stress that comes with caring for an aging loved one. Follow these tips from FirstLight to help with stress reduction.

Learn ways to better help your loved one.

For example, some senior centers and hospitals offer classes that educate you on how to care for someone with an injury or chronic illness. To find these classes, ask your doctor.

Find caregiving resources in your community.

Many communities have adult daycare services or respite services to give primary caregivers a break from their daily caregiving duties.

Ask for and accept help.

Make a list of ways others can assist you. Let family members choose how they can jump in and help. For instance, someone might sit with the person you care for while you run an errand. Someone else might pick up groceries for you. If family and friends are not available, look into services like FirstLight Home Care’s Companion Care to help with light housekeeping and laundry, grocery shopping, meal preparation, errands, transportation and more.

Join a support group for home caregivers.

You can find general family caregiver support groups or groups of caregivers who care for someone with the same illness or disability as your loved one. You can share stories, pick up caregiving tips and get support from others who may face the same challenges as you.

Take time for yourself.

Stay in touch with family and friends and continue to do the things you enjoy. It’s important to take breaks. Respite care allows you to take some time off from your responsibilities as a primary caregiver so you can focus on yourself for a while. While you’re away, professional caregivers are there to make sure your loved one is taken care of, even if it’s just for a few hours.

Take care of your health.

Find time to be physically active most days of the week, choose healthy foods and get plenty of sleep.

See your doctor for regular checkups.

Regular wellness visits can help prevent future health problems, so make sure you are seeing your own doctor as well. Tell your doctor or nurse you are a caregiver and share with them the potential stress you are experiencing.

FirstLight Home Care – Senior Home Care Services

If you’re like many home caregivers, asking your family and friends to help can be difficult. Unfortunately, not asking can lead to feeling isolated, frustrated and even depressed. Don’t struggle on your own, take advantage of our local FirstLight Home Care caregivers. They are here to help you with the care of your loved one and you.

Use the tools and techniques in this blog to help relieve stress, care for your loved one and gain greater satisfaction and fulfillment from taking on such an important and rewarding responsibility.

You don’t have to manage caregiving alone. We’re ready to help! Get a personalized price quote today.

What Are The Signs Of Caregiver Stress

As 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 can’t provide the proper care to your loved ones.

How Caregiver Stress Manifests

Stress from caregiving can sneak up on you. It’s 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 medications

How To Deal With Caregiver Stress

Accept 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 night’s sleep, talk to your doctor.

Join a support group.

If you’re 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, let’s face it…taking personal time for yourself can do a world of good! Hiring an outside source to offer support with respite care—from a few hours each week to several days—can 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 Syndrome

Family 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, it’s important to keep caregiver stress within manageable boundaries. These tips reveal why it’s 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 can
leave 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 stress—females, 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 you’re caring for. It’s important to make sure you’re 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 Services

We 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.

If you would like to receive news, articles and more information like this, please subscribe to our blog.

What is Caregiver Burden?

Caregiver burden is used to describe the emotional, physical and financial toll experienced by family caregivers. Think of burden as being a load, pressure, an immense duty, and/or responsibility. For some caregivers, the burden of caregiving may encompass all the stressors listed above. For others, the toll might be financial.

AARP and The National Alliance for Caregiving report that from 2015 to 2020 the number of Americans providing unpaid care increased from 43.5 million to 53 million. Women make up 61 percent, and 45 percent report an impact financially. Difficulty coordinating care has risen from 19 percent in 2015 to 26 percent in 2020. All of this adds to the caregiver’s burden.

What’s the difference between caregiver burden and caregiver burnout?

The caregiver burden can be thought of as the weight of responsibility that a person shoulders due to their caregiving activities. This burden can lead to caregiver burnout, but not always. As the responsibilities and burden of caregiving grow, however, the risk of burnout also increases.

Caregiver burnout is accompanied by symptoms of depression or anxiety, declining health, alcohol or drug use, poor sleep, inadequate nutrition, irritability and anger. It can also lead to resentment and a lack of empathy.

What Are the Common Signs of Caregiver Burden?

Recognizing the signs of caregiver burden can help you cope and manage better, potentially preventing burnout. Some signs are simply the byproducts of a lack of support and resources. Many may be familiar, but you may not think of them as burdens.

Overwhelm: Many caregivers need to provide care before they are ready. If your loved one goes into the hospital for a medical need, they may not qualify for in-patient rehabilitation. That means they will come home, and someone has to take care of them. If the person deals with cognitive impairment, the caregiver burden can be even greater. Other situations increase caregiver burden over time due to continued decline or added disability.

Being unprepared: People are discharged from hospital stays with little instruction or guidance for the caregiver. You may be expected to provide medical responsibilities, and even with support from home health services, you may not feel prepared.

If you have a loved one with both dementia and medical problems, you may have no idea how to manage memory loss, agitation, or refusing care. Much of caregiving is learned on the job, and the burden can be too much to handle.

Financial and work strain: Caregiver burden is further complicated by the financial toll it takes on families. Caregivers provide an average of 4 and a half years of care, but many provide care for much longer. Loss of full-time employment can strain already-tight budgets. Getting back into the workforce can be extremely challenging and, for some, impossible.

The AARP/National Alliance on Caregiving report says that “six in 10 caregivers report working while caregiving and the majority have experienced at least one work-related impact…When this happens, caregivers more often face financial impacts and are twice as likely to report high financial strain.”

Preventing Caregiver Burden

The situation might feel dire, but caregiver resources can help prevent caregiver burden.

Caregiver resources: First, see if your loved one qualifies for any respite, adult daycare, or caregiver services through your local area agency on aging. Next, look online for free caregiver resources and caregiver training. Also, consider online forums and group chats to get ideas and emotional support.

Next, look online for free caregiver resources and caregiver training. For example, AARP, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the National Alliance for Caregiving offer education, training, and support. Also, consider online forums and group chats to get ideas and emotional support.

Counseling: Counseling for caregivers is available and can be helpful when managing emotions and solving caregiver problems. More therapists are specializing in the unique needs of family caregivers and the burdens they face. Counseling can provide a safe space to vent your frustrations and learn coping strategies to diminish the amount of strain and burden you feel.

Self-Care: Taking care of yourself is a critical piece of the puzzle and shouldn’t be neglected. Start small by taking a walk around the block or meeting a friend for coffee. Try and get the best night of sleep you can so you’ll have energy and be able to cope. Maintain a balanced diet with plenty of non-processed foods, low sugar, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

How Can You Help Someone Experiencing Caregiver Burden?

You can do a lot to help someone experiencing caregiver burden. Here are several of the best ways to help a caregiver you know.

Communicate: Caregivers may feel very alone. They might also feel like their identity has been erased. Staying in touch helps bring the outside world in and gives the caregiver an opportunity to express their feelings. By regularly communicating, you can also learn about ways to help ease the caregiver’s burden. Find out the best communication method for the caregiver, whether it be a phone call, email, Facetime, or texting.

Make specific suggestions: Rather than asking “how can I help,” offer to accomplish specific tasks such as picking up prescriptions, shopping for groceries, or spending time with the care receiver so the caregiver can take a break.

Deliver meals: Delivering meals is often a very appreciated gesture. Taking care of a meal or two means the caregiver has one less thing to worry about. Make it even easier by delivering the meals in containers that don’t need to be returned.

Offer to research: It is very time-consuming to find out about available caregiver resources. You can make calls, gather information, and keep a list of phone numbers, criteria for support, and contact information.

Caregiver burden is a real problem for many caregivers. Knowing that you are not alone may be a small consolation, but just know that this problem can be solved, and burnout prevented, by seeking support, taking care of yourself, and maintaining some balance in your life.

We would like to thank all the caregivers who provide essential care to family members, friends and neighbors. Your acts of love, dedication, empathy, and sacrifice allow the individuals in your care to receive the support they need to live a life with dignity.

Read some of our most popular articles, and check out the bit of inspiration we found to help make your days a little brighter.

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Trends in family mobility and urbanization are moving more adult children farther from their aging parents. Here are six tips for those long-distance caregivers.

Need a boost? Perhaps a little encouragement? Read these 50 inspirational quotes that will get you through tough days

Get In-Home Support

Whether you need elderly companion care services, 24-hour home care, or in-home caregiver services for a loved one who is recovering from surgery, FirstLight Home Care can help. We give you the support you need to provide the best care for your loved one. Request a personalized price quote from your local FirstLight Home Care team.

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.

Here are a few things to keep in mind while researching care for your parents:

Assess their current needs

The first step to keep in mind is what your parents need physically and mentally. Think about the main tasks that seniors need help with: mobility, transportation, medications, personal care, and nutrition. It’s not uncommon for seniors to require a little extra assistance for day-to-day tasks, but are they struggling more with a specific task? What about their mental health? Do you find that your parent is becoming forgetful, or maybe even lonely?

There are multiple caregiving options available (personal care, memory care, companion care, travel care), so it’s important to take note of your parent’s needs before choosing a home care service. Once you have an idea of the type of care needed, you can delve into further research.

Research financial aspects

A crucial step in the process of allowing your parents to age gracefully is to do your research on the financial commitment of senior care. There is no wrong way to finance home care; it’s just a matter of properly looking into each option. Consider exploring Medicare options, private pay, and government or community programs. If your loved one is a veteran, look into benefits they could potentially receive thanks to their service. Another option you could explore is a personal line of credit. A personal line of credit is a set amount of money from which you can borrow in a given time period, only paying interest on the amount that you’ve drawn. Knowing the different options available to you or whoever is funding the care is an essential part of the research process, so don’t hesitate to get all the details on any financial option you’re considering.

Look for an extraordinary caregiver

It can be difficult to accept the fact that you need to find extra care for your parents because you can’t do it all yourself. For many family members, it can be one of the toughest decisions to have to make. You want to find someone who will love and care for your parents the same way you do. This is arguably the most important part of the research process: don’t settle for care that’s anything short of extraordinary. This means that while researching care for your parents, take time to look for a caregiver who is patient, compassionate, detail-oriented, and present. You’ll be able to rest easy knowing that the person you love the most is being taken care of by someone who has their best interest and wellbeing at the forefront.

Remember that you know your loved ones and what their priorities are more than anyone else. Doing the proper research to ensure they’re taken care of—physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially—will help give you peace of mind in the future.

We offer a range of professional caregiving opportunities for individuals like you who want a meaningful career. Some of these positions include:

• Home Health Aides
• CNAs
• Care Coordinators
• Companion Care and Personal Care Assistants

Even if you’ve never worked professionally as a caregiver, we’ll train you thoroughly and match you with clients who are an ideal fit.

At FirstLight Home Care, we are always looking to hire those who want to enrich the lives of others. If this sounds like something you’re interested in, here are some of the ways you’ll be able to help other families as a professional caregiver.

Our Professional Caregivers Provide Respite Care

One of the primary ways our caregivers help families is through respite care. Perhaps, in the past, you had a caregiver who provided you and your family with relief so you could step away for a bit while knowing your loved one was in capable hands.

As a professional caregiver, you can be that person for another family, offering their loved one practical assistance at home, as well as emotional and social support to improve their quality of life.

Our Professional Caregivers Provide Personal Care

When a loved one requires help with bathing and dressing, as well as personal hygiene, you may know from personal experience that it can be awkward for a family caregiver to handle these needs.

When you’re providing care at a professional level, you’ll be able to help an individual, whether they’re elderly, disabled or recovering, to ensure they’re safe and comfortable. You can also assist those with mobility issues, whether it’s going up and down stairs, getting into or out of bed or moving around the home. Meanwhile, you’ll give their family peace of mind knowing you’re watching closely and can help whenever needed.

Our Professional Caregivers Provide Companion Care

Family caregivers are often focused on the physical needs of their loved one. Yet, those who are older or disabled need social and emotional support too. Some of the ways our professional caregivers provide this support are through sitting and talking with their clients, assisting with getting out of the house to shop, eat out, or visit with friends, or participating in recreational activities. When you work at FirstLight Home Care, you’ll be providing this kind of companion care to an individual, so they have a trusted confidant and friend to turn to.

Our Professional Caregivers Provide Specialized Care

If an individual has dementia or Alzheimer’s, it requires a compassionate, knowledgeable and dedicated person to care for them. If you’ve cared for your own loved one with these or other chronic, debilitating conditions, then you know it’s a painful journey. However, you may also know that the right caregiver can make a world of difference in the life of the individual and their whole family.

Professional Caregiver Jobs at FirstLight Home Care: We’re Hiring!

Whether you’re currently caring for a loved one or have in the past, a career as a professional care provider can help you put your skills and experience to use. You’ll be able to offer individuals the kindness and respect you’d want for your loved one. At the same time, you can make their life easier by helping around the house in many ways – such as with meal preparation and light housekeeping – all while ensuring they’re safe and comfortable.

It takes a special kind of person to be a caregiver. If you are or have been a family caregiver and would like to build a career in this field, FirstLight Home Care offers rewarding and meaningful jobs as a professional caregiver. We also provide the industry’s best training, so you feel comfortable and confident walking into that first client’s home.

In addition, our culture is one that values our caregivers. We believe deeply in client happiness, as well as caregiver satisfaction. It’s why we offer a fun and engaging culture in which to work, one that offers competitive pay and opportunities for advancement.

Are you interested in finding a job as a professional caregiver? Contact your local FirstLight Home Care today to learn more about the openings available in your area.

If you are interested, here’s what you need to know about joining our team.

What Do Companion Caregivers Do?

When a family member notices an aging or disabled loved one is missing meals, letting their food expire, having trouble with housework or dealing with loneliness and depression, companion care can help. It includes a range of different non-medical support services.

As a companion caregiver, you may be responsible for performing the following.

Providing Emotional & Social Support

Isolation and loneliness are extremely common among older adults. Concerned families hire companion caregivers to help alleviate some of the issues related to isolation, providing their loved one with someone who can offer companionship, conversation and comfort. This can include anything from simply sitting and chatting to playing games or taking a client out to visit a friend or family member.

Handling Light Housekeeping Tasks

In addition to being a source of friendship and support, companion caregivers also handle light housekeeping chores, such as laundry, dusting, sweeping and washing dishes or cleaning up after meals. This ensures those individuals who have issues with mobility don’t get overwhelmed by housekeeping tasks.

Preparing Nutritious Meals

Another part of your job if hired as a companion caregiver is preparing healthy meals, including meal planning, grocery shopping and meal preparation. It can also include helping a client follow a prescribed diet, such as low-sodium or low-sugar.

Providing Transportation

If your client has an appointment with their doctor, you might be asked to transport and assist them in navigating their way through the medical office. Companion caregivers can also help with running errands, like going to the post office and picking up prescriptions.

Communicating With Families

In addition to the above responsibilities, another aspect of the job is monitoring your client and notifying their family members if you see any new issues arise related to their well-being or safety. If the individual you’re caring for starts to change their behavior or isn’t eating, for instance, it’s up to you to communicate that to those involved in their care to ensure they’re able to get the medical attention they need.

Over time, you’ll become a friend and confidant who boosts their mood and quality of life. They’ll also have the extra help they need, wherever they call home, so they remain comfortable and safe.

We’re Hiring Companion Caregivers!

FirstLight Home Care is dedicated to hiring the kind of companion caregivers we would trust with our own families. We’re currently searching for compassionate and committed companion caregivers who want to make a difference in the lives of others. For the kinds of people we’re looking for, caring is a calling and a way of life, not just another job.

When we find these exceptional individuals, we take excellent care of them because they are truly the heart and soul of our home care company. Each day, they help us live out our mission of providing top-quality home care services, including companion care, to our many clients who depend on us. This enables those we serve to live life with more independence, joy and comfort.

If you’re interested in getting hired as a companion caregiver with our team, we will provide you with comprehensive paid training. We also have a system for providing feedback and additional learning, so you’ll feel supported and confident when caring for clients.

In addition, we also offer:

• Flexible schedules
• Rewards and recognition programs
• A fun, supportive and safe working environment
• Exceptional support team

When you work at FirstLight Home Care, you’ll have the opportunity to do something that matters. Each day, when you go to work, you’ll be making a positive difference in ways, large and small. You’ll be a partner, a listener, a problem solver, an organizer and so much more. Most importantly, though, you’ll be that person our clients can count on where and when they need help and support.

We’re hiring companion caregivers across many locations. Contact your local FirstLight Home Care today to learn more about our openings and opportunities.

As a caregiver, you’ll be helping many different people. For instance, seniors who want to age in place often have caregivers come into their homes to assist with daily tasks. Other individuals who often need the help of a caregiver include those with disabilities, dementia, chronic illnesses or who are recovering after surgery.

6 Traits of Great Caregivers

If you’re a natural caregiver at heart and want to turn it into a career opportunity, what traits are important to have? Here’s a look at a six:

1. Compassion

Having compassion is critical for success in caregiver jobs. You’re going to be helping individuals navigate through many ups and downs. At the same time, their families will also be turning to you for support and guidance. Treating them with compassion and respect is a must, always keeping in mind that your job as a caregiver is to make their lives easier while providing peace of mind.

2. Patience and Composure

When you’re caring for someone who is elderly or disabled, you’re often tasked with helping them through many personal tasks, like bathing, grooming, dressing or even going to the bathroom.

It’s your job as a caregiver to maintain your composure and treat each individual with dignity, respect and patience. There will be times when you get frustrated, especially after a long day on your feet. However, it’s important to stay calm and carry on.

3. Creativity and Problem Solving

As with any job, certain caregiving tasks are more difficult than others. That’s where creativity and problem-solving skills come in. For instance, if the individual you’re caring for doesn’t want to get out of bed, you might turn on some upbeat music to motivate them. If they’re having a hard time remembering things, you may encourage them with memory exercises, such as playing a card game, playing Sudoku or doing a crossword puzzle together.

The key as a caregiver is to approach each day with optimism and a desire to find creative solutions for any roadblock that appears.

4. Flexibility

Even when you have the day planned out, you need to maintain a flexible attitude when it comes to your job as a caregiver. For instance, if your client is having a bad day, physically or mentally, it can derail your plans. In these instances, it’s important to adapt quickly to the changing situation and ensure you’re meeting your client’s needs in the moment.

In addition, it is essential to adapt your personality to the particular client you’re taking care of. For instance, if you tend to be outgoing and extroverted and your client prefers quiet and calm, you may need to be more reserved so that they feel comfortable.

5. Dependability

Clients and families alike are depending on you for a consistent and reliable level of care. It’s critical to arrive on time and adhere to each individual’s personalized care plan. Over time, this will show both your client and their family that you are trustworthy and dependable, which is essential to forming a strong bond with both.

6. A Good Attitude

There are times when the job of caregiving can be sad or stressful. This includes when a client is severely ill or nearing the end of life. However, you must maintain a positive attitude throughout and understand the importance of the care you are delivering. You are making their journey easier, as well as their family’s, serving as an invaluable source of help and support along the way.

We Offer Access to Rewarding Caregiver Jobs

The need for home caregivers is on the rise. More and more of the country’s population is aging, and they want to remain in their own homes where they feel safe and comfortable. Your job as a caregiver is to empower and enable them to do that, improving their quality of life in the process. You’re also helping their family by providing respite breaks, making life easier for everyone.

If you’re looking for a job as a caregiver, FirstLight® Home Care is hiring. We’re always on the lookout for compassionate, experienced and reliable caregivers to add to our team. If you have the traits above and want to work in home care, consider joining us.

Some of the advantages of working for FirstLight Home Care include:

• Competitive pay and access to the industry’s best home care training and technology.
• A flexible schedule so you can choose the hours that align with your personal needs and lifestyle.
• Systems for feedback, additional learning opportunities and career development.
• A range of positions, from caregivers to PCA, CNA, case manager, scheduler, networking manager and more.

At FirstLight Home Care, our caregivers are the heart and soul of our company. We couldn’t help our clients without them and it’s why we take such good care of our team. We’re dedicated to providing rewarding and meaningful jobs as caregivers, along with advanced training, competitive pay and a fun and supportive work culture.

If you’re looking for caregiver jobs, consider joining our team. Simply contact your local FirstLight® Home Care today to learn more about positions in your area.