“How do I know if my loved one needs a caregiver?” A question many of us ask will ourselves at some point in our lives. It’s an all-too common scenario: “Mom once kept her home tidy and in place, but lately everything seems so scattered and unorganized.” “Dad can’t remember the last place he put his heart medication and seems to have trouble recalling important dates and information.” For seniors one of the most significant things that defines who they are, is their independence. It’s the one thing – besides their love of family and friends – they try to
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Posts by Freedom Home Care
How Seniors Utilize Ride Sharing
With a large number of Americans over the age of 65, mobility continues to be a major issue for our growing population of older loved ones. According to statistics, 20 percent of seniors have no way of getting around due to age, lack of vehicle ownership or health. The problem increases as a majority of seniors are homebound, receiving in home services or personalized elder care and for others that live in areas with a lack of access to public transportation. Social isolation challenges the livelihood of the ones we love anytime they are without transportation. And when there are
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Preparing a Loved One with Dementia for Surgery
Life can be difficult for patients who live with dementia. Many times they suffer from conditions such as depression, short attention span, difficulty concentrating and planning and memory loss and confusion. And the possibility of having to undergo surgery, can be a traumatic experience – worsening some of the symptoms your loved one may already be experiencing. It’s normal for families to be apprehensive about the effects of anesthesia on seniors with the disease. They may fear that the drugs administered prior to surgery may cause or exacerbate memory loss and changes in behavior. What’s important to understand is that
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What Seniors Should Know About the Flu
According to Dr. Tom Frieden, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu often doesn’t get taken as seriously as it should. In fact, the number of people between the ages of 50 and 64 and 65 and older who were vaccinated during the 2015-2016 flu season decreased by 3 percent. Seniors, infants and women who are pregnant are at greater risk for developing the virus than other groups. The CDC reports that 71 to 85 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths occur in those 65 and older – that same group also makes up about
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Ways to Show Your Senior Loved One You Care
Looking for ways to spend quality time with your older parent or relative? Or a gesture to show you’re thinking of them when you can’t be around? Here are a few fun and creative ways Freedom Home Care came up with to say “I love you” to that special senior in your life. Give Them A Card Whether it’s handmade or store-bought, a greeting card is a great way to express your sentiments for your loved one. Surprise them by sending it by mail or deliver it in person for an added touch. Send Flowers If your senior loves the
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Could a Stair Lift Help You Stay in Your Home?
When mobility is an issue, something as simple as going up and down the stairs can be a challenge. Certain conditions make it even more difficult to move about your home like arthritis, specific types of muscular diseases and dementia. Mobility can also be affected after having major surgery when in-home care and post-surgery care is needed in order to assist in recovery. Many people have to consider alternative solutions to stairs whenever living in a two-story home prohibits safe movement from one floor to the next – which can be costly for a senior living on a fixed income.
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Consider Meal Delivery to Make Food Prep Easier
Getting around can be difficult for seniors especially when mobility is an issue. And when going from point A to B is a challenge that makes it tough for older loved ones to maintain a healthy diet because they have no way to access they food that they need. Many people are not aware that hunger and under-nutrition are slowly becoming an epidemic in the U.S. It was reported by the National Foundation to End Senior Hunger that in 2014, 15.8 percent of the population or 10.2 million older Americans were threatened by hunger, while And 3.7 million seniors are
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Freedom Home Care Celebrates Senior Independence Month
FEBRUARY IS NATIONAL SENIOR INDEPENDENCE MONTH Freedom Home Care celebrates 20 years of helping seniors HIGHLAND PARK, IL (FEBRUARY 2017) – Freedom Home Care is celebrating National Senior Independence Month this month and 20 years of helping seniors live happy and healthy lives in the comfort of their own homes. According to the American Health Association, this month was established to help seniors remain in control of their daily lives and to encourage seniors to take the opportunity to evaluate their current living situation, and determine whether or not adjustments could be made to create a better lifestyle. This is the opportunity to
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February is National Senior Independence Month
Age can bring on a myriad of emotions, fears and concerns. And even if you’re are able to fully function on your own or are receiving in-home care or outpatient services, every senior deserves to live their life as independently as possible. In efforts to help promote a more self-sufficient lifestyle among older Americans, February has been designated National Senior Independence Month. During the “golden” years, the journey towards greater independence can include everything from healthy eating habits, physical fitness and proper medical care to accident prevention and creating new experiences. Everything you do has an impact on you lifestyle
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Staying Active in Your Golden Years
Staying fit is easier as we age when we make it a lifestyle choice. When exercise is a part of your senior’s everyday routine, not only do they develop the habit of working out, they’re much less likely to stop or interrupt it when it becomes a habit. But how do you help your loved one begin a fitness regimen, especially when they’re experiencing the aches and pains associated with arthritis and other conditions that affect health and mobility? FHC suggests consulting a doctor before beginning any work out plan. A brisk walk might be a good starting point
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