The first things that come to mind when you think about winter dangers for elders are probably falls and hypothermia. But the reality is that your elderly loved ones are far more at risk for invisible, lesser known hazards. Seasonal affective disorder and vitamin D deficiencies affect thousands of senior citizens every year and can often be quite insidious to their health. The good news is, if recognized and treated in a timely fashion, they can be dealt with quite easily. Seasonal Affective Disorder, often known by the very appropriate acronym SAD, is a form of depression that cycles with
Read More
Monthly Archives January 2016
Tips To Help You Keep Your New Year's Resolutions
New Year’s resolutions. We all make them. But how good are we really at keeping them? Those of us here at Freedom Home Care know how difficult it can be to stick to them. So, we offer a few simple tips from the experts that could make a difference in the planning and successful of your resolutions. Ask Yourself Why You’re Making the Resolution in the First Place Once you ask why you actually want to make the resolution, then you can assess if whether your reasons for doing it are the right ones. When we find ourselves doing something because we think
Read More
Older Americans Face Hunger
Recently, the topic of hunger has come even more into focus here in America, and this time the focus is on the elderly. Even with the numerous programs in place here in the United States, there are millions of people who go without proper nourishment every day. Those who are aging are not excluded from these statistics. It’s estimated that close to 10 million people ages 50 and over and are currently described as “food insecure.” This number has nearly doubled since 2001. Here at Freedom Home Care we know firsthand how important diet and nutrition are, and just how
Read More
Chronic Stress Can Lead to Early Alzheimer’s
Researchers say that frequent stress over time can lead to early Alzheimer’s. In a study reported in the journal Alzheimer’s Disease and Associated Disorders, psychiatrist Richard Lipton and colleagues administered a stress assessment test to just over 500 individuals ages 70 and older. The test rated their level of perceived stress. None of the participants had signs of mild cognitive impairment or dementia at the start of the study, called the Einstein Aging Study. They were followed for an average of 3.5 years with a battery of psychological tests and physical exams. During the study, 71 participants were diagnosed with
Read More
Upcoming Alzheimer’s Events Across the Country
January is a big month for Alzheimer’s awareness events across the country. From learning the basics of the disease to attending a caregiver workshop, there’s so much support for friends and family members of sufferers. Read below to find events in your area that can help you help your loved one. The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease If you or someone you know is affected by Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, it’s time to learn the facts. This program provides information on detection, causes and risk factors, stages of the disease, treatment, and much more. Registration required. Designed for
Read More
