Posts by Freedom Home Care

How to Avoid Senior Depression

How to Avoid Senior Depression

August 19, 2013 | No Comments

Depression is all too common amongst the elderly population.  If a senior’s body is declining and independence is waning, it is no wonder.  However, many doctors take little time to discuss mental health with seniors. The average time a doctor talks with an elderly patient about their mental health is two minutes, and over half of seniors report that the doctors never brought the subject up.  So it is becoming clear that the caregivers must be vigilant and keep an eye out for any signs of serious depression. Here are a few signs that an elderly person may need to
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Leading Elderly Parents By Example

Leading Elderly Parents By Example

August 16, 2013 | No Comments

No one likes to see their elderly parents with unhealthy habits such as eating too much junk food or smoking cigarettes.  Their children most likely worry that those habits will lead to chronic health conditions.  However,  no one likes to be told to eat better or put down the cigarettes.  Oftentimes the discussion between an adult and their elderly parent turns negative and ends in frustration. So how does a child encourage his or her elderly parents pick up healthier habits? The best way is to lead by example.  When the parent sees you making simple healthy choices, it may encourage
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Caring for Someone with Alzheimers

Caring for Someone with Alzheimers

August 15, 2013 | No Comments

Nearly one third of the United States adult population has identified themselves as a caregiver.  And a large portion of those caregivers are helping someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease can be very difficult not only for the senior, but also for the caregiver.  As it is a long-term disease, the care can last from two years to easily two decades.  During that time, the caregiver often feels overwhelmed and isolated caring for someone with such a complex and difficult condition.  Here are some ways to ease some of that anxiety: Educate yourself.  The stress of caring for someone with
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Listening to Your Elderly Loved Ones

Listening to Your Elderly Loved Ones

August 14, 2013 | No Comments

Many people don’t visit their elderly loved ones as often as they’d like.  Maybe it’s just every weekend or a phone call here and there. Adult children at times forget the importance of listening carefully to their elderly loved ones.  When the conversation of their health comes up, sometimes seniors brush it off and avoid the subject. Families need to be cautious of their loved one’s needs and notice if there is a medical issue that is not being properly addressed. Sometimes seniors get confused with their medications and do not always understand what their doctor tells them. Sometimes important
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Assisted Living May Not Be Right for You

Assisted Living May Not Be Right for You

August 13, 2013 | No Comments

If the time has come that living on your own is getting too difficult, you may be researching various options.  A common choice is moving into assisted living, but it isn’t for everyone.  Here are some ways to know that assisted living is not for you. You value your independence.  Living in an assisted living center can feel like your every move is predetermined.  Meals are only served at specific times, you can only take the shuttle to the store on certain days, and even social time is structured. You like having space.  Assisted living often has very small living
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Surprising Link Found Between Teeth and Dementia

Surprising Link Found Between Teeth and Dementia

August 12, 2013 | No Comments

When you skip your six-month dental cleaning, you’re doing more than hurting your teeth.  You may have heard that healthy teeth are related to a healthy heart.  But a new study is showing that unhealthy teeth may also be affecting other areas of your body as well – most importantly, your brain. Research has found a surprising link between individuals with gingivitis and unhealthy teeth and Dementia. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, most commonly caused by bacterial biofilms, also called plaque.  While gingivitis may not always hurt the teeth, the bacteria may be able to make its way into
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Step Your Way into Heart Health

Step Your Way into Heart Health

August 12, 2013 | No Comments

As we age, heart health becomes more important.  One out of four people will eventually die of heart disease.  So it is important to keep it strong and pumping well. And to do so is easy in theory.  We need to eat right, exercise more, and continue to do those things for the rest of our lives.  We begin well, with having salad for lunch, dutifully pedaling the exercise bicycle, and drinking only water.  But then we begin to slip back into our old habits.  Before we know it, we’re sitting on the couch watching T.V. while eating ice cream! 
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Does Beauty Sleep Really Work?

Does Beauty Sleep Really Work?

August 9, 2013 | No Comments

We’ve all heard the old wives’ tales.  Get a decent amount of “beauty sleep” and you will resist aging for longer.  But are the stories true? According to new research, it appears so.  While you’re off in dreamland, your skin, brain, and other organs are in fix-it mode. The cells get repaired so that they can function optimally for longer.  This means fewer wrinkles, a stronger memory, and a healthier body. Knowing the importance of beauty sleep does not help you get it though.  Next is the challenge to fall asleep and stay that way.  Here are some tips to
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Get Your Immune System In Shape

Get Your Immune System In Shape

August 8, 2013 | No Comments

Even though we think of summer as a healthy time of year, germs are still everywhere.  Your grandchild who hugs you may have a cold.  That grocery store clerk who rang up your veggies may have just gotten over the stomach flu.  We never know when we will next become ill. A great way to ensure that your body is ready to fight those germs off is to get your immune system in shape.  Here are some ways that you can do just that, according to nytimes.com: Eat foods with antioxidants.  Antioxidants protect cells from molecules that can be damaging. 
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Being a Senior in Youth-Centric America

Being a Senior in Youth-Centric America

August 7, 2013 | No Comments

It’s no secret that the U.S. values youth.  You just have to look at the advertisements.  The women who are pushing anti-wrinkle, anti-gray hair, and anti-aging products are all probably in their early 30’s.  And some are younger. For a long time, seniors were generally seen not to have as much value once they stopped working.  Many were tucked away in nursing homes while the younger generation got on with their busy lives.  Sad and alone, the elderly had only each other to rely on. But being a senior in today’s society is starting to involve more independence and freedom. According
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