For so many Americans who rely on Medicare and Medicaid, yesterday’s historic Supreme Court ruling was a major victory. According to the New York Times, many improvements that had initially passed in the bill early in 2010 and which could have evaporated had the law been overturned, have now been solidified into the act. Most important perhaps is the preservation of certain initiatives for advancing efforts to support elderly and disabled people in their homes, rather than in nursing homes, says the NYT. This includes the Community First Choice Option, “which assists states with the costs of in-home programs for
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Monthly Archives June 2012
Safety must-haves for your aging loved one
There is nothing more comforting than knowing that your aging loved one will be able to continue living at home as opposed to moving into a care facility. And although the value of dignity and independence are great, there are still some measures that must be put into place to ensure true peace of mind for all involved. By implementing certain products and equipment, family members can rest assured that their aging loved one is safe and sound at home and on their own. AgingCare.com compiled the following list of at-home care essentials, and we here at Freedom Home Care
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4 of 4: The signs of aging, a four-part series
Over the past week, we here at Freedom Home Care have been looking at the National Institute of Health’s “Eight Areas of Age-Related Change.” And we’ve been quite captivated by the list because we believe that being aware of the physical changes that our bodies undergo later in life is the best way to combat old age today. So as we post these last two topics, we’d like to thank the NIH for arming us with the knowledge that will help us better enjoy our twilight years. 7. Skin “The simplest and cheapest way to keep your skin healthy and young
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3 of 4: The signs of aging, a four-part series
The National Institute of Health has a very distinct mission. The governmental agency’s goal is to seek out information and cultivate knowledge about the “nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce the burdens of illness and disability.” In doing so, the NIH developed its list of what can be expected later in life. And we here at Freedom Home Care have dedicated our efforts to disseminating the organization’s hard work, which can be found in four consecutive posts, starting with last week’s blog roll. But without further ado, here
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2 of 4: The signs of aging, a four-part series
Mary Ann Evans, better known by her pen name, George Eliot, said, “Old men's eyes are like old men's memories; they are strongest for things a long way off.” Evens, a leading Victorian journalist and author, delivered a touching sentiment about old age with her statement; it is one that speaks to the changes that take place in one’s twilight years. According to the National Institute of Health, there are eight areas of change associated with aging. And in an effort to disseminate the information surrounding these areas of change, we here at Freedom Home Care are delivering the message
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1 of 4: The signs of aging, a four-part series
As adults get older, the signs of aging begin to emerge. And being prepared for those changes is half the battle. To be prepared, older individuals and their family members can educate themselves as to what those signs are and what they entail. Knowing what to expect is most certainly one of the healthiest and smartest approaches to getting older. According to the National Institute of Health, there are eight areas of age-related change to be familiar with. For today’s purposes, let’s hone in on the top two, which are, coincidently, the most well-known. 1. Brain: Memory and Alzheimer's Disease The
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Are Your Foods Super? My top “superfood” selections
Long ago, I learned that we really are what we eat and that the fuel we use for our bodies should possess the utmost quality and highest standards. To that end, it has been my mission to consume the best foods for my body and assist my family, friends and clients to do the same. Here are my top picks for feeling your best with the help of the most effective superfoods available in markets today. Wheatgrass Wheatgrass is immensely nutritious and full of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Its juice has a high concentration of chlorophyll, which has purification
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How do I talk to my loved one about bringing a caregiver into their home?
No matter how difficult it may seem, there comes a time when you will have to talk to your aging parent or loved one about hiring an in-home caregiver. Many people in this situation do their best to avoid the conversation, fearing a loved one will respond with denial and refusal or perhaps worse, combative behaviors. Ignoring the situation because of potential hurt feelings is the worst approach possible, considering health and safety are already at risk for candidates of in-home care. The sooner they can get help taking care of themselves, the less possibility there will be for an
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10 facts and statistics about Alzheimer's
Coping with a loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is not an easy task, and the caregivers at Freedom Health Care are sensitive to that hardship. Therefore, organizations like the American Health Assistance Foundation, which are dedicated to educating the public, serve as a great resource to Freedom Home Care’s staff. As everyone is able to learn more about the disease, it becomes easier to understand how to care for those who are affected by it. According to the AHAF website, the organization “seeks to eradicate age-related degenerative diseases by: advancing research seeking causes, prevention, treatment, and cures;
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Understanding the advantages of the National Private Duty Association
Making the decision to move forward with home health care is no simple task. Although it is often a collective decision made by a handful of concerned family members, it is still one of the most difficult choices in life. But once the choice is made, the deliberations are far from over. The next step is choosing a caregiver or caregiver organization. Often times, family members feel unqualified to differentiate one home care provider from the next. This is where the National Private Duty Association steps in. Established to help families find trusted and reliable home care providers, the National
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