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
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Posts by Freedom Home Care
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
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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
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Deliciously Healthy Meal Ideas
Celebrating the holidays with our favorite meals is one of the things that makes time spent with family the most enjoyable. And health-conscious dinners and desserts prepared with love add even more joy to the holiday season (and post-holiday season, too).Freedom Home Care has compiled a list low carb, low calorie recipes for the whole family to enjoy, even after the holidays are over, allowing us all to get back on track. These tidbits are so tasty, you probably won’t mind sharing…or reheating the leftovers. Your whole family is sure to gobble up a handful of these Whole Wheat Sugar Cookies! Cookies can be drizzled
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The Best New Year’s Resolutions for Seniors
The dawn of a new year is the perfect time to start building a healthier new you! Making a New Year’s resolution to eat better and exercise more often can boost your health and daily energy for years to come. The American Geriatrics Society’s Health in Aging Foundation recommends these eight healthy changes for older adults to help you achieve your goal of getting — and staying — healthy. Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, low-fat dairy and healthy fats. Just because you’re not a kid any more doesn’t mean you’re excused from consulting the food pyramid. The
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Helping Those with Alzheimer’s this Holiday Season
The Holiday season is full of family parties, crowded malls filled with shoppers, and glimmering lights shinning bright everywhere. While most revel in the merriment of the season for those living with dementia or Alzheimer’s this can be a very difficult and even stressful time. Here at Freedom Home Care we’ve compiled a few ways you can help your loved one feel included in the celebration of the holiday season. When in Doubt, Ask If you are concerned about your loved one or their feelings or reaction in regards to an event or activity, talk to them. Ask what their
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Let Freedom Home Care Help You Get Up to Speed on Preparing for A Cozy (and Safe) Winter Season!
Though the winter season certainly has some undeniable power to create a picturesque wonderland, it’s important for us to remember that with the beauty of cold weather also comes much season-specific danger. When preparation makes all the difference between cozy comfort and a host of imposing winter dangers, there’s no doubt that it’s worth taking some time to plan for the best possible holiday season a bit ahead of the icy curve. In the spirit of preparation and of a truly enjoyable winter season, the folks here at Freedom Home Care have organized some of the most common risks, and
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Thanksgiving for those with Alzheimer’s
The holiday season can be a stressful time as it is, but when you have a family member with Alzheimer’s planning can get even more complicated. If someone in your family has Alzheimer’s, there are some additional considerations that you need to plan in advance so that everyone will be able to enjoy the day. Most people with Alzheimer’s do best with a predictable daily routine – which the holidays inexorably disrupt. To cope, try to keep as much of their daily routine intact. Would one large Thanksgiving gathering with all the family really be better than shorter visits throughout
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Helping Your Loved Ones Hold On to the Past this Holiday Season
It’s that time of year when families get together and talk about all the good times they’ve had over the years. This Thanksgiving, we will all most likely gather around the table and take a collective trip down memory lane. Sometimes, there are instances where you try to recall a memory but you just can’t grasp it from your recollection. While this type of occurrence may seem a rare occasion for most, for those dealing with dementia it is a recurring event that can be frustrating and painful. And as these lapses progress, it can be difficult for a family
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How Can Essential Oils Benefit Seniors?
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years for cosmetic purposes as well as for their purported spiritual and emotionally uplifting properties. Recent research now shows that essential oils used as aromatherapy or during massage can combat physical and mental stressors in senior citizens, as well as improve the symptoms of diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. We spoke to Dr. Tom McNulty of Highland Park’s Back and Body Health Center to find out more. Dr. McNulty is a Doctor of Chiropractic, a digestive health specialist, a certified acupuncturist, and an Active Release Techniques Practitioner. He is also certified
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