Posts by Freedom Home Care

Why Cats Improve Health in Seniors

Although many seniors think of dogs as the ideal pet, perhaps getting a cat would be a better idea.  As stated in an earlier article, dogs require quite a bit of space and daily exercise to remain healthy.  They must go outside regularly and be allowed to play.  While cats also love to play, they don’t require the same amount of space or exercise that most dogs do. Cats may be a better suited option for a senior who is looking for a companion. There are numerous health benefits that individuals can receive by adopting a feline friend. For example,
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When Should Seniors Give Up the Keys?

Balancing independence and safety can be difficult, especially when it comes to a senior’s driving ability.  Illinois is one of the few states that have fairly strict laws regarding seniors renewing their driver’s licenses; Persons over 80 years of age must renew annually and retake the road test.  It is arguably the most stringent state as far as senior driving laws. But some are able to pass these exams even though they may not be safe on the road.  What should a family member do in that case? If you suspect that your elderly family member may be a danger
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Modern Times Give Seniors More Choices

Years ago, a senior would live at home until she was unable to care for herself or her house became unmanageable.  She would then move into a nursing home.  Often the senior would miss her home and her independence, but there was not much to be done. But today, seniors have many more options.  Many seniors, an estimated 89%, would prefer to remain at home.  And with some changes, it is not only a possibility but often a reality. That’s where Freedom Home Care comes in. We offer exceptional services for seniors allowing them to stay safely in their home.
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Illinois Senior Health Ranks Surprisingly Well After Evaluation

The results are in!  The United Health Foundation has evaluated each state for how it fares with senior health.  So how does Illinois measure up with the rest of the nation? The good news is that our state ranks well for non-smoking, as more than 92% of those over 65 are non-smokers.  Also, we have the lowest prevalence of under-weight seniors at only 1.1%.  We also do very well with senior pain management and hospice care. However, there are some things that our state needs to work on.  Illinois has a high rate of obesity and a high-percentage of low-care
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The Dangers of Acetaminophen for Seniors

What’s the most widely used medication in the United States?  I’ll give you a hint:  it’s a pain killer for everything from headaches to arthritis, and it’s safe enough that even children take it.  If you said acetaminophen, you would be correct. Acetaminophen is in many medications, the most common being Tylenol.  But it can also be in prescriptions and over the counter medications alike.  It is considered one of the safest ways to alleviate pain and control fevers.  But it does have some risks too, especially for seniors. If a person takes too much, it can result in liver
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How to Preserve Eye Sight in Seniors

One-third of Americans have some sort of vision-impairing eye disease by the age of 65.  And many don’t even know it.  They simply think that their eyes are worsening because of old age. But a senior can improve his or her chances of keeping their vision clear by getting an eye exam every year and working with their doctor.  The earlier eye diseases are caught, the more likely that the eventual effects may be slowed or even stopped. The four most common conditions that affect senior eye health are cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease.  Each of
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How to Choose the Best Doctor for You

A good relationship with your doctor is essential.  The difference between a bad doctor and a great doctor could be the difference in your level of health. Here are some guidelines you can use to find the best primary care physician for you: Do the research.  Make a list of three doctors who may be a good fit.  Call your local medical society to see if any complaints were filed against any of them.  If you’re Internet savvy, check reviews online.  Get a good idea of what you’re walking into. Visit the office.  Visit the office of each and talk
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Get Screened for Heart Damaging Conditions

Nearly 800,000 Americans die each year from heart disease.  This is nearly 30 percent of all deaths.  And it is estimated that a quarter of these deaths, around 200,000, could have been avoided with proper screening and treatment for preventable causes. Physicians nowadays are aware of the risks associated with certain conditions and how critical it is to get them under control. Here are two conditions that should regularly get screened to keep a healthy heart. High blood pressure.  High blood pressure, also called hypertension, can have many causes and many devastating effects on the body.  The high pressure of
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Dogs Monitor Owners’ Blood Sugar

Dogs have long been used to help the blind, the physical and psychological disabled, the hearing impaired, and even the allergic navigate their surroundings safely.  Now, we can add “diabetics” to that list. Service dogs are being trained to detect if their owner’s blood sugar is too high or low. Amazingly, the dogs can perceive this by just smelling the person’s breath.  Seniors whose blood sugar levels are erratic and have been given a service dog report that the dog has probably saved their life on at least one occasion. cash advance cash advance This is truly an amazing life-saving
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Could Washing Your Hands Cause Alzheimer’s Disease?

Could Alzheimer’s disease be so prevalent in the United States because of our good hygiene?  Some scientists think so. The “hygiene hypothesis” has been thrown around to explain many different ailments – everything from allergies to autoimmune conditions.  The idea behind it is that because we live in such a “clean” society that our bodies are not exposed to the normal bacteria, viruses, and parasites it would normally be. Because of that, they theorize, our immune systems don’t get the exercise that they should be and so we become overly sensitive.  Essentially, our immune systems get bored and start acting
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