Living with a chronic illness can present its own set of challenges. But when conditions like diabetes are linked to dementia, the importance of finding the connection between the two becomes even greater. For every American aged 65 and older, regardless of whether they receive in-home care services, there are almost eight people who have Alzheimer’s disease. That number increases after age 85 to one in two people. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2014, more than 29 million Americans were diagnosed with diabetes, while 86 million adults were identified as pre-diabetic. In a study
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Posts by Freedom Home Care
Exercises That Help Improve Arthritis in Seniors
It’s a little known fact that exercise can actually help improve the lives of people who suffer from arthritis. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention aerobic activity can help lessen the effects of joint pain and stiffness, while improving flexibility, mobility, mood, general health and well-being. As more and more Americans over the age of 65 are diagnosed with the condition, FHC, a Chicago Home Care Service, created a list below to help raise the awareness about the benefits of exercise in arthritic patients. For many with the condition it’s difficult to even imagine swimming and biking with joint pain
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Caring for a Childless Relative
As our older loved ones age, the need may arise for assistance from family members, as health concerns leave them unable to be as independent as they once were. Determining the best way to go about meeting the needs of your relative can be difficult without a long-term care plan in place. There are a few things that you can do to help your older one decide what the proper course of action will be for them as an individual – what they expect, what their needs are, if they will need personalized care services, etc. According to the Department
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Is It Alzheimer's?
There is still so much to know and understand about Alzheimer’s. One thing experts are sure about is that it is a steadily progressive disease that often rears its head before symptoms begin. While almost 40 percent of all dementia patients can point to genes as playing a significant part in their diagnosis most cases, scientists say, occur with no family history or genetic predisposition. FHC searched and found new research stating that in dementia patients, the deterioration of the brain is linked to an abnormal build-up of protein. This accumulation of proteins is said to cause “frontotemporal degeneration.” What
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Handling the Stress of a New Baby
There’s nothing more magical than the birth of a new baby. First time parents often experience a myriad of emotions all while celebrating the arrival of their little bundle of joy. And with of all of the responsibilities that come with newborn care, it’s normal for parents feel the stress of the task at hand. FHC came up with a few ways to help moms and dads juggle everything from feedings and changings to relaxing and sleeping, while still experiencing the fulfillment that goes along with parenting. Decide How To Tackle Each Task – Who will get up at night
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How to Handle Bill Paying as a Caregiver
Caring for an older loved one with dementia can sometimes be difficult. But what makes it even more challenging is deciding who will handle the responsibility of your senior’s financial obligations when they’re no longer able to do it themselves. FHC searched and found advice that suggests that starting the financial planning process early not only helps alleviate more stress and fear, but also allows older loved ones the chance to participate in the decision-making at an earlier stage in their diagnosis. Organizations like alz.org that are advocates in the fight against Alzheimer’s, recommend first creating a long-term budget. They
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Protecting Seniors in Rising Temperatures
Many people are unaware of the dangers associated with hyperthermia and the growing number of heat-induced emergency room visits and deaths seniors experience every year. And it’s not likely to get any better in the near future, as summer temperatures seem to be steadily increasing. Hyperthermia is recognized in several forms: heat cramps, heat edema, heat syncope, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Of these, the most common types seniors experience are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Older Americans are particularly susceptible to hyperthermia because of existing health conditions and chronic illness. According to a Harvard School of Public Health study
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Ways to Help Protect Your Senior Against Fraud
With age, comes good times, great memories and lots of wisdom and fulfillment. As more and more Baby Boomers begin to reach the age of retirement, the likelihood of scammers and con artists attempting to use financial schemes to target seniors receiving personalized elder care, grows. Freedom Home Care did some digging and found out that according to the National Council on Aging, while the number of older Americans falling victim to fraud is rising at alarming rates, 90 percent of elder abuse associated with finances happens involving another family member. Because they are more to likely to have savings
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Join Us for the Upcoming Backyard Bash at Highland Park Senior Center – August 12th
Since 1976, the Highland Park Senior Center has been servicing the needs of seniors of the Highland Park community. Built in 1929, the renovated facility was dedicated as the center’s location by General Robert E. Wood, providing recreational, cultural, educational, health and counseling services for seniors, while advocating their overall well-being. A division of the city of Highland Park, the Highland Park Senior Center provides important services that include housing and transportation, crisis intervention, counseling and advice,support groups, home and hospital visits and referrals for Chicago caregiver services. It also offers activities and entertainment likeaerobics, educational lectures, luncheons, and social
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Discussing Dementia with Family and Friends
Dementia is an illness that can affect everyone that it comes in contact with. Everyday can be a new challenge for both dementia patients receiving outpatient services and their loved ones. It may also be harder for some to accept the diagnosis than others, but it doesn’t lessen the effects of the disease. Although progression in patients is slow, family members can use the time that they spend with their loved one to understand the diagnosis and communicate to the rest of the family the changes that are gradually taking place. Dementia can be managed if properly handled, allowing loved
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