Elder care planning involves a plan of action that not only involves communicating an older loved one’s choices in their personal, physical and financial matters, but also aids family members, caregivers and advocates in helping them plan the final years of life. Although it may be a difficult conversation to have, the long-term care and comfort of your loved one is something that should be discussed and planned out by everyone involved out well in advance. Because there are so many important topics to cover – from money management, home care agencies and senior assisted living, to retirement income, savings and
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Posts by Freedom Home Care
What to Look for When Choosing the Right Senior Care
Choosing a home care agency that you are confident in providing quality care for a loved one does not have to be a daunting task. It may involve an assessment of needs, compatibility check, informal interviews, calls and meetings. But searching for the right senior care agency will ultimately benefit both you and your loved one, as they will provide meaningful support that helps both parties enjoy life and relax a little more. Just remind yourself of this anytime the search feels overwhelming. When you start the search for a care agency, here are a few things to consider
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Winterize to Prevent Falls
When the winter weather comes, safe paths can become treacherous. Slick surfaces pose new hazards and everyone has to get a little more careful. Each year, it’s estimated that about one in every four adults over 65 years will fall, with nearly 2.8 million seniors needing treatment in emergency departments. Don’t let the winter be at fault for a fall, instead take the following tips to winterize and prevent falls from happening. Get Your Gear In Order The first order of business is making sure proper footwear is on hand. Shoes with firm soles and good traction are optimal
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Three Winter Safety Tips for Seniors
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season and the new year festivities can leave us dashing through the snow in less than ideal temperatures. And along with the beauty of a perpetual winter wonderland, comes the risk of slips and falls for anyone who ventures out into inclement weather conditions. It’s important to ensure the safest conditions possible for our senior loved ones to prevent some of the common dangers that occur this time of year. Here are a few tips that Freedom Home Care came up with to help keep your family member accident-free during the winter months. Check
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How To Make Sure Your Senior Doesn’t Feel Lonely This Holiday Season
For many people, this time of the year means family get-togethers, holiday shopping sprees, gift-giving and holiday merriment. But for many seniors, the same season that elicits feelings of peace and joy in some can bring about a sense of loneliness and isolation in others. According to the AARP’s 2010 Survey on Loneliness, more than half of seniors who had been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders said they felt lonely. In fact, 43 percent of older loved ones reported feeling lonely on a regular basis. Loneliness is a subjective feeling of disconnection on a social and emotional
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Helping Seniors With Holiday Stress
Filled with lots of love, laughter and special times with family, the holidays are a joyous occasion. But with holiday shopping, dinners and travels things can sometimes get a little stressful for even the most spirited of individuals. This is especially true for older loved ones. It’s important that your senior takes steps to avert some of the unnecessary pressure that can sometimes be associated with the holidays. Here are some ways Freedom Home Care found that you can help make this season a more enjoyable one for you and your family. Plan Ahead A little bit of planning goes
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Giving to Seniors During the Season of Giving
Make it a holly jolly Christmas for a senior who may not be feeling in the holiday spirit this year. Whether it is because of lost friendships, health decline, an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, little family interaction or financial instability, there are a lot of older individuals who could use a little extra encouragement and gifts this winter. In fact, it’s not just help they could use at this one single season of the year, many seniors need assistance throughout the year. The National Council on Aging estimates that there are over 25 million Americans aged 60 years or older are economically
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The Gift of Family
Although there are all kinds of apps to help seniors communicate with family and technology to keep us connected, there is truly nothing like spending time together, especially in this season. In the time of celebration, amid the busyness the holidays bring, loneliness can largely affect seniors, especially those with Alzheimer’s, as they aren’t able to do everything they once could. But there’s an easy way to combat the feelings of solitude: family. A family isn’t just blood relatives – it’s the people who care and are willing to sacrifice time for someone else. Not just during one time of
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Ways to Volunteer With Seniors for the Holidays
Giving to others is one of the most rewarding aspects of the holiday season. And what better way to make a difference in the life of a senior than by volunteering your time. Most of us will be surrounded by family and friends this season, but for many seniors, this may not be a reality. Volunteering to offer a little time to meet the needs of a senior who lives alone, could be the very thing that makes their holiday a little bit brighter. If you’re wondering how you can make a difference in the lives of others, consider volunteering
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Important Warning Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes
For more than 12 million Americans over the age 65, living with diabetes is a reality that is far too common. In some cases, older loved ones aren’t even aware that they have the disease until they’ve been diagnosed. It can manifest in different ways for different people. Some may not have symptoms at first, while others may experience them very quickly. While scientists are not certain why some people develop diabetes, evidence shows that symptoms can vary depending on the elevation of blood sugar. Part of the challenge for many seniors is being able to identify the signs of
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