“I can never remember her name. Oh, no! Could this be Alzheimer’s?” “I don’t recall losing my keys so often in my 50’s. Could I have dementia?” As seniors age, they tend to be on the lookout for signs of dementia. And, while it’s important to be diligent in taking stock of potential Alzheimer’s signs, not every memory slip is a major dysfunction of the brain. There are plenty of reasons why people, young and old alike, have trouble remembering simple details. Here are a few reasons why you may have memory loss that is not connected to Alzheimer’s disease.
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Posts by Freedom Home Care
8 Things to Consider when Selecting a Post-Hospital Rehabilitation Provider
Selecting a post-hospital rehabilitation provider is the single most important decision for a successful recovery. However, it can be an overwhelming process if you don’t know what to look for. Here are 8 of the most important factors you may want to consider and inquire about when rating the various programs or facilities you are considering. Physical Therapy • Home assessment and modification • Wound Care • Pain Relief Techniques • Updates to equipment Speech Therapy • Communication due to hearing loss • Alternative communication instructions • Communication skills and retraining Occupational Therapy • Nerve and Muscle re-education
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3 Reasons Seniors Fall That Can Be Avoided
About one-third of all seniors over 65 will have a fall this year. Many are left with serious injuries requiring medical attention and perhaps hospitalization. Staying safe from falls is more than just trying to be careful. A better prevention is knowing exactly why seniors fall and overcoming those obstacles. Here are three reasons: 1. Fear. After a senior’s first serious fall, they can become afraid of falling again. Their fear could cause them to avoid activities and become something of a couch potato. But, as we know, less activity can lead to obesity, stiffness of joints, weak muscles, and
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Freedom Home Care Offers Sit and Be Fit Classes at the Glenview Senior Center
Freedom Home Care is excited to announce that they are now teaching weekly “Sit and Be Fit” classes at the Glenview Senior Center, located at 2400 Chestnut Ave in Glenview, IL. Freedom Home Care welcomes all to join this fun and energetic, yet easy-to-do class where all activities and movements are done sitting down. The Sit and be Fit program is geared at muscle toning, and is also designed to improve mobility, decrease pain and help control blood pressure. Steven Box, Senior Wellness Center Coordinator at Freedom Home Care and instructor of the Sit and be Fit class explains, “The real premise
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5 Ways for Seniors to Beat the Summer Heat
Summer is the season to be outdoors, visit with friends, and enjoy the sunshine. But the summer heat and sun can also make it dangerous for seniors. Are you being safe enough this summer? Here at Freedom Home Care, we understand how important it is for seniors to be careful on extremely hot days. Our caregivers can help senior clients avoid dangerous situations and stay safe. Ask yourself these 5 questions and see if you are staying safe in the summer heat. Or if you have a loved one who is elderly, see if they are following these 5 safety
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Help Seniors Avoid Medication Mishaps
How many times have you gone to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription, nodded to the pharmacist without really listening, then left with the bottle of pills without really knowing the details? Have you ever asked questions or read the accompanying materials? Have you talked thoroughly with your doctor about the medications you are on and what your options are? Now is the time to improve your diligence when it comes to your medication. Here are a few things that you should be doing when picking up your prescriptions: Tell the pharmacist about any medications you are currently taking.
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There’s More to a Healthy Diet than Small Portions
While eating a very restricted and minimal diet with small portions is at times a good rule to follow, sometime seniors need to stray from that path to be at their healthiest. You should encourage the senior in your life to not just eat small amounts, but focus on what they are eating. By not eating enough, we lack the proper nutrients necessary to be healthy. Eating is social. Depression and loneliness can come easily to seniors who feel isolated. Encouraging the seniors you know to enjoy a meal out with their friends every once in a while can be
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Making the Right Decision for Aging Parents
Maybe you think it will never happen to you. You don’t really notice your parents growing older. They may at this point be completely self-sufficient. They are enjoying their retirement years to their fullest, and take care of their health. You may even still think of them as the caregivers of the family. But then, one day, it may happen. Maybe it’s an injury or a sudden illness. Or maybe it’s a long-term health problem that finally became too much. But, whatever the reason, your parents may one day no longer able to care for themselves. Now you’re in a
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5 Reasons Every Senior Should Swim
One of the greatest things about summer is that it opens more opportunities to get outside and stay fit. From walking to tennis to biking, summer is the season to get on the move. Not surprisingly, one of the best ways to get exercise in the warm months is by swimming. This is particularly a great exercise for seniors because it isn’t hard on your body like other workouts. Here are five of the top reasons why you should find a way to get in the pool today and start swimming: 1. Gentle on your joints. Although swimming is a
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Protect Your Skin This Summer
Summer is right around the corner, bringing with it sunshine, warmth, and fun. Unfortunately, those lovely afternoons outdoors can lead to skin damage, particularly for seniors. Keep your skin healthy and strong with these four tips: 1. Eat more fish. Though you may not think of eating healthy foods as a great way to keep your skin healthy and youthful, it can be a secret weapon to fight skin damage. The omega-3’s that are found in fish and some vegetables will keep skin hydrated by managing the oils naturally produced by your skin. It also acts as an antioxidant, protecting
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