The demands of a caregiver are often times greater than we realize when we start out. Not only are you meeting the needs of someone else by providing home care services like preparing a care plan, evaluating medical needs, monitoring medication, preparing meals, and providing transportation – you’re also in charge of taking care of yourself. But many times, those who care for other often forget to help themselves. And one of the first rules of caregiving is that those in your care benefit most when you’re at your best. Providing personalized elder care for a loved one, like a
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Posts by Freedom Home Care
When Friends Become Caregivers
As the population of aging adults increases in the U.S., the role of caregiver has become increasingly more important. Research shows that seniors are the fastest growing segment in the country – of those, the number of people 85 and older is outpacing any other age group. And soon, baby boomers will come of age causing a rapid increase in people aged 65-84. It’s inevitable that as Americans get older, the number or people with long-term health conditions rises and the number of people requiring personalized elder care goes up with it. Today, over 50 percent of Americans aged 65
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Brain Challenge Test Could Predict Alzheimer's
What if there were a way to spot Alzheimer’s years before it was ever diagnosed? Currently, biomarker tests can help detect the disease twenty years before its onset. The procedure measures abnormal levels of the proteins beta-amyloid and tau, in spinal fluid. These proteins form plaques and tangles which researchers believe contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s. Alternatively, beta-amyloid and tau also help determine if those with underlying factors may be at risk of developing more serious forms of the disease. In addition to biomarker testing, scientists are using brain imaging to record images of any changes in the brain.
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Chair Yoga for Those Who Suffer From Arthritis
Chair Yoga is quickly becoming a preferred method of relieving some of the soreness, aches and pains associated with arthritis. Often used by people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to perform more traditional moves, Chair Yoga is one of the more gentle forms of the exercise that’s practiced by sitting on a chair or standing up using a chair as support. While it’s not yet recognized as a distinct type of Yoga like Anusara or Ashtanga, Chair Yoga has been approved by the Arthritis Foundation and is recommended by many physicians for patients suffering from the condition. It may also
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Beginning Tech Fluency in Seniors
Freedom Home Care believes that technology is the primary mode of communication for our generation today. And more and more, seniors are taking advantage of the different ways gadgets and devices allow them the convenience of staying connected to the loved ones in their lives. From 2009 to 2011, the number of seniors using the internet age 65 and older grew 150 percent – the biggest increase among demographic groups, according to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center. When the seniors that were studied used the Internet, 71 percent went online every day, while 34 percent used social
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January is Glaucoma Awareness Month
It’s important to get regular eye exams to protect your vision. And because January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, there’s no time like the present to have your eyes checked. Many people are unaware how prevalent Glaucoma is in the U.S. From babies to seniors, whether or not you receive in-home care services or personalized elder care – everyone is at risk for the disease. Its most common form, open-angle glaucoma, shows virtually no symptoms before causing blindness. Today, over three million Americans have been diagnosed with the disease and experts say that by 2030, that number will increase by 58
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Care Tips for Keeping Track of Medications
The number of older Americans taking prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medication is expected to rise significantly within the next few years. The food and Drug Administration reports that seniors purchase more than 30 percent of all prescription medication in the U.S; and the same age group also purchases over 40 percent of over-the-counter medications. Statistics show that about 90 percent of seniors take some form of medication – many of whom consume four to five different types each day. With the increase in consumption of medication, it’s now more important than ever for seniors to keep track of what they
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Ground-Breaking Plans for 2017!
Sharon Burack, founder of Freedom Home Care and resident of Highland Park, saw the need to provide seniors in the Chicagoland area with an opportunity to live happy and healthy lives within their own homes. During the time, Burack had not known there was such a demand for in-home care services but 20 years later, she and the rest of the staff at Freedom Home Care are celebrating the company’s 20th anniversary. Within these 20 successful years, Freedom Home Care opened their first location in Highland Park and now serve clients all over from Chicago’s lakeshore through Cook and Lake
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Does Your Loved One Need a Caregiver?
There comes a time in all of our lives when we’ll need assistance from the ones we care about. Health and mobility are usually the first things to decline as we age. But how do you know exactly when a parent or older family member needs help? Keeping in mind that your senior has probably lived a full, independent life will work to everyone’s benefit when thinking about how to approach care giving for a loved one. But that also makes it difficult for them to admit they can no longer take care of themselves. The fear of losing
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Is Laughter the Best Medicine?
Who knew that a good laugh was a lot like a moderate workout? Well, according to psychologist and laugh therapist, Steve Wilson, MA, CSP we change our physiological state when we laugh. Our muscles stretch, the pulse and blood pressure go up, breathing increases sending more oxygen to the tissues. Wilson says when you combine laughter and movement it boosts the heart rate. And researchers say that 10-15 minutes of laughter can burn almost 50 calories. Other ways that laughter can be beneficial to the health of your older loved one is that it helps boost the immune system. A
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