Monthly Archives July 2012

Competing in the 2012 Olympic Games at age 71

Hiroshi Hoketsu of Japan, pictured here, is 71 years old and is, believe it or not, competing at the 2012 London Olympics in the individual dressage for Japan's equestrian team. According to an article recently published by the Huffington Post, Hoketsu isn’t just the oldest athlete to compete at London 2012; he's the oldest one to do so in the last 92 years. As we have come to understand, staying active at a later age in life is not just important; it is imperative. And physical activity isn’t just good for aging individuals; it’s good for people of all ages. Simple
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The joy of knitting

In this video, Jane Pauley introduces viewers to Betsy Lee McCarthy, knitting extraordinaire. McCarthy was such an avid knitter, in fact, that she left her high-paying day job at age 57 in order to launch a new career – and one that she considered her life-long passion. Making the transition wasn’t easy, but McCarthy was finally able to make financial sense out of her life-changing decision. She wrote the book Knit Socks, and it sold an astounding 65,000 copies. And although McCarthy hasn’t officially retired, she is teac buy cheap levitra online hing the craft to many who are. Take
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10 facts about the nation's aging population

In a report published by the National Institute on Aging, it was said that we as a planet are living longer and healthier lives. And although this is a testament to better diets, better living conditions and an overall better understanding of the human body and what it needs to live to its fullest, an older population also carries significant challenges with it. “Longer lives must be planned for,” the report reminds us. “Societal aging may affect economic growth and many other issues, including the sustainability of families, the ability of states and communities to provide resources for older citizens,
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Three straightfoward questions to ask a potential caregiver

When it comes to choosing a caregiver for your aging loved one, there are a lot of options. And we here at Freedom Home Care understand that it is not an easy decision to make. Therefore, to make the transition easier, we offer free in-home consultations in order for you to learn more about our services and to do so face to face. During the meeting – or while interviewing any potential caregiver – it’s important to ask the right questions. TodaysSeniors.com, a website dedicated to providing tips, news and advice plus reverse mortgage and Medicare tools for seniors and
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Getting assistance for your aging loved one

At some point in time all children will be faced with the realization that their parents are getting old – and perhaps too old to care of themselves on their own. Before that day comes, it’s worthwhile to prepare. And thankfully, there are many outlets to take advantage of so that you don’t have to go it alone. These 10 programs (compiled by AgingCare.com) can offer so much and really require so little. All it usually takes is filling out an online application. So before you become overwhelmed with the financial and mental obligations that come with helping to care
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FHC finds value in Illinois' Continuity of Care organization

With locations in Oak Brook, Buffalo Grove, Grayslake, Highland Park, Hinsdale and Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, Freedom Home Care has a strong foothold in the Chicagoland area. The vast coverage was set in place to deliver the very best care possible for patients. Memberships in the Chicago, Northwest and Lake/McHenry chapters of Continuity of Care further supports that initiative. According to Continuity of Care, an Illinois healthcare association, “What makes the membership essential is the group’s ability to enhance the concept of continuity of care as both an essential part of the health care continuum and as integral to total patient
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Tips for long-distance Alzheimer's caregiving

For many adult children whose aging parents are not living in the same city or even in the same state, the well being of their loved one can be a stressful topic. And this is especially true when a parent has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Knowing that a parent is so far away but not knowing about their current condition – mental or physical – can be more than troubling. In the Chicagoland area, however, there are multiple Freedom Home Care facilities with caregivers at quick disposal to a patient. With locations in Hinsdale, Highland Park, Buffalo Grove, Oak Brook
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Establishing a prescription drug main brain

In the following video, two doctors, Dr. Andrew Duxbury, professor of clinical geriatrics at the University of Alabama, as well as Dr. Barbara Paris of New York, who specializes in internal medicine and geriatric medicine, discuss the importance of monitoring prescription medication. “One of the concepts that I use with older adults in terms of medication is the one that I call the Main Brain,” Dr. Duxbury explains. “And that is that they have one physician, nurse practitioner or health care provider whom they trust who becomes the keeper of their medication list so that no matter where the buy
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Reminding patients that there's no place like home

When a person hears the terms home health care, in-home care or home health aide services, often times the first thing that comes to mind is caring for the elderly. This, however, is a bit of a misnomer, considering that home health care can run the gamut – from post-surgery care to speech therapy. “Home health care is a wide range of health care services that can be given in your home,” Medicare.gov explains. “Home health care is usually less expensive, more convenient, and just as effective as care you get in a hospital or skilled nursing facility.” Just as it
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Life Services Network provides community to FHC

Creating community is not just a goal at Freedom Home Care; it is a mantra. Membership in leading organizations, such as Illinois’ Life Services Network, helps to fortify that initiative. Life Services Network is a statewide association that has represented the leading providers of services for older adults for more than 75 years. Its community includes more than 500 elderly health care providers in the state – the largest association in lllinois. Those members are assisted living communities, continuing care retirement communities, home and community-based services, home healthcare services, hospice care, independent living senior housing, nursing facilities and supportive living communities. “As
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