Monthly Archives November 2012

Rhonda Guzman introduces the six aspects of wellness

Rhonda Guzman introduces the six aspects of wellness

November 30, 2012 | No Comments

On Nov. 20, Freedom Home Care welcomed Rhonda Guzman, director of therapy at the Claremont Rehab and Living Center, to speak about the six aspects of wellness. She spoke about the life choices that are instrumental in leading to improved health, wellness and an overall better quality of life. Focused on wellness as the active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a more successful existence, the attendees of the event were engrossed in her expertise on the topic of better living. Guzman explained that the aspects of wellness are broken into six specific areas, including emotional, intellectual,
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Freedom Home Care, Conney’s Pharmacy host flu shot clinic

Freedom Home Care, Conney’s Pharmacy host flu shot clinic

November 29, 2012 | No Comments

Some individuals might think that it’s too late to get a flu shot, but according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there’s still plenty of time. Flu shots can be beneficial even after the holiday season is over. And they’re incredibly important for those over the age of 65. Freedom Home Care understands the health benefits that come from getting flu vaccinations every year, which is why we partnered with Conney’s Pharmacy in Winnetka, Ill., to host a flu shot clinic this week at the Homestead at Morton Grove. For anyone who may have missed the clinic,
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AARP puts Social Security in a nutshell

AARP puts Social Security in a nutshell

November 27, 2012 | No Comments

Not too long ago, the folks here at Freedom Home Care posted a video that gave a rundown on Medicare. What seemingly is a well-known program often times isn’t fully understood by those who use it. Similarly, Social Security can come with a lot of unanswered questions, which is why we sought out the expertise of the AARP to break it down. In the following video, Social Security expert Jonathan Peterson discusses his new book “Social Security for Dummies.” In it, he covers the basics and also answers specific questions surrounding when to take your benefit and how the program works.
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8 holiday gift ideas for seniors

8 holiday gift ideas for seniors

November 25, 2012 | No Comments

Braving the Black Friday throngs might not be for everyone. However, giving gifts to the loved ones in our lives is truly the reason for the season. So whether you bypassed the long lines or went for it, credit cards a’ blazin’, we here at Freedom Home Care thought that we would share a few ideas for those still shopping for the seniors on their holiday list. The following ideas are courtesy of Yahoo: 1. Gift Cards, Prepaid Phone Cards and Gift Certificates Most senior citizens live on a fixed income and money is a constant concern. One of the
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Thanksgiving – a time for traditions in food

Thanksgiving – a time for traditions in food

November 21, 2012 | No Comments

Thanksgiving is steeped in tradition – food tradition. Often, the flavors and smells vary from house to house and family to family. However, Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same if those flavors and smells varied dramatically from generation to generation. Therefore, we here at Freedom Home Care wanted to share a special recipe for pumpkin pie, straight from those who have called The White House home over the years and decades. The following traditional pumpkin pie recipe was taken from “The White House Cook Book” by Hugo Ziemann, Steward of the White House, and Mrs. F. L. Gillette, a celebrated 19th-century
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Healthy gums and healthy minds

Healthy gums and healthy minds

November 20, 2012 | No Comments

The old folks song, Dem Bones, talks about the relationship that one body part has with another. And just as the head bone’s connected to the neck bone, as it turns out, healthy gums are directly connected to a healthy mind. According to WellnessResources.com, the Glostrop Aging Study, conducted by American and Danish researchers, revealed a link between inflammatory gum-related problems to cognitive decline and a risk for Alzheimer’s. “Lead researcher, Dr. Angela Kamer, Assistant Professor of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry at New York University, published previous research in 2008 explaining the theoretical link between Alzheimer’s and gum disease,” WellnessResources.com explained. “In 2009 she clearly
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When things don’t work out with your in-home caregiver

When things don’t work out with your in-home caregiver

November 19, 2012 | No Comments

In a previous blog post, we here at Freedom Home Care discussed a few methods for forging a good relationship with a new in-home caregiver. Although the recommended tips, care of Scott Stafne of the Scott Stafne ALS Research Fund, can be incredibly beneficial during the initial stages of a new caregiver relationship, they’re not always fool proof. Some situations don’t end up panning out, and in those unfortunate instances, Stafne’s group again stepped up. “Sometimes discussing the issues isn’t enough to fix what isn’t working and you will have to terminate the worker,” the editors there explained. “If you’ve
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Exploring oatmeal – a powerhouse food

Exploring oatmeal – a powerhouse food

November 18, 2012 | No Comments

Oatmeal has been a long-running go-to breakfast item for all walks of life. And it’s an especially great choice for seniors due to its ability to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Oatmeal, however, doesn’t have to be bland and mushy to be healthy. In the following video, produced by the Dr. Marion Caregiver Training & Resources YouTube channel, oatmeal is given a new face. In it, caregivers and elderly individuals alike can garner a handful of good ideas to up the oatmeal ante. Overall, the suggestions are delivered from a health and medical stance, offering viewers
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Set expectations up front; get great results for the long run

Set expectations up front; get great results for the long run

November 16, 2012 | No Comments

When the time comes for an aging loved to hire an in-home caregiver, there are often times a handful of concerns to address. Many of those are in regard to whether a good relationship can be forged between the senior and the new caregiver. To set minds at ease, however, there are a few methods to implement to facilitate positive rapport. And it all begins with clarifying expectations. As long as both parties are clear about certain preferences, the possibility for misunderstandings or disputes down the road is greatly reduced. “Start by setting the right tone for the conversation,” explains
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Medicare – Is it time for a personal change?

Medicare – Is it time for a personal change?

November 14, 2012 | No Comments

As we here at Freedom Home Care outlined in a recent blog post, there are several different facets surrounding Medicare and what it can offer an individual. Additionally, individuals’ needs are prone to change and with it, so should their Medicare coverage. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website, individuals have the opportunity to change their health plans and prescription drug coverage between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7. Therefore, the time is now to make assessments and then make the necessary adjustments, if need be. Information on 2013 plans are now available online to help with the
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