Posts by Freedom Home Care

16 initiatives that define the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

16 initiatives that define the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

March 5, 2013 | Comments Off on 16 initiatives that define the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs was established as long ago as 1636 when the early Americans were warring with the local Pequot Indians. The goal was to support disabled soldiers and show respect for the duty they had provided. Since that time, the United States has developed the world’s most comprehensive system of assistance for veterans. erectile dysfunction cures In 2009, President Obama spearheaded a transformation of the VA, enacting three guiding principles to allow the agency to be people-centric, results-driven and forward-looking. Along with those principles, 16 initiatives were put in place, including: Eliminating Veteran homelessness Enabling 21st
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Taking advantage of available U.S. programs, services

Taking advantage of available U.S. programs, services

March 4, 2013 | Comments Off on Taking advantage of available U.S. programs, services

As loved ones get older, their needs increase. And as much as family members would like to help, the necessary resources don’t always seem to be readily available. There are, in fact, several programs put in place by the U.S. government that aren’t taken advantage of enough by those who need them the most. The Administration on Aging is one of those programs. It’s funded by the Older Americans Act and it was established to provide assistance to older persons and their caregivers. The program also includes critical support services to help older adults remain independent and involved in their communities. A
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Plan ahead for when a loved one cannot live independently

Plan ahead for when a loved one cannot live independently

March 3, 2013 | Comments Off on Plan ahead for when a loved one cannot live independently

At some point in a loved one’s life, independent living may no longer be an option. When the time comes, it’s best if a plan has already been put in place to ensure that comfort levels and health are maintained. According to the Society of Actuaries, it is best to establish a care plan long before the situation arises. “Insurance coverage for long-term care covers disabilities so severe that assistance is needed with daily activities such as bathing, dressing and eating,” explain the editors of a Society of Actuaries report. “Some older policies require a nursing home only or require
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How the health care industry will be affected by the sequester

How the health care industry will be affected by the sequester

February 28, 2013 | Comments Off on How the health care industry will be affected by the sequester

Whether it be through reductions to defense or governmental staffing, tomorrow marks the day that the sequester cuts go into effect. It is yet again an issue that has Americans – and especially retirees – quite anxious. Sources say that Medicare won’t be directly affected, however, the trickle-down affect may cause rumbles to the system. According to an article published by U.S. News, there are three key areas that are cause for health care concern: 1. Hospitals: Decreases in Medicare reimbursement for hospitals and skilled nursing facilities are set to total nearly $4.5 billion, or about $1.3 million for the
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Shirley Bassey – History Repeating

Shirley Bassey – History Repeating

February 27, 2013 | Comments Off on Shirley Bassey – History Repeating

Earlier this week, the folks here at Freedom Home Care – along with the rest of the millions who watched the Academy Awards – were incredibly awe-struck with Shirley Bassey’s James Bond tribute performance. At 76, the world discovered that she is still able to belt it out. learning korean To get a feel for timeless talent, check out the video that we posted below. In it, she gives some serious soul to the Propellerheads’ History Repeating. Enjoy! http://youtu.be/yzLT6_TQmq8 zp8497586rq
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Caregiving on the silver screen, from the oldest-ever Oscar nominee

Caregiving on the silver screen, from the oldest-ever Oscar nominee

February 26, 2013 | Comments Off on Caregiving on the silver screen, from the oldest-ever Oscar nominee

Yesterday, the folks here at Freedom Home Care gave a much-deserved shout-out to 76-year-old Shirley Bassey, the voice behind multiple James Bond theme songs. Bassey serves as an inspiration not just for seniors, but for all individuals and especially those who are striving to make their way in the competitive field of entertainment. Like Bassey, Emmanuelle Riva, the 86 year old nominated for best actress for her role in the French film, “Amour,” is an inspiration for many, as well. In addition to those in the film industry, those in the field of caregiving consider her a role model. Her
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Getting in tune with Shirley Bassey

Getting in tune with Shirley Bassey

February 25, 2013 | Comments Off on Getting in tune with Shirley Bassey

Last night’s Academy Awards ceremony highlighted Hollywood’s best and brightest. It gave viewers a chance to celebrate the world’s most famous actors and actresses – as well as some of the greatest voices ever to grace the silver screen. Shirley Bassey, the famous voice behind the James Bond title hit, Goldfinger, may have stolen the show, however. At the age of 76, Bassey belted out the tune as if she were at the peak of her career. Her Oscar performance garnered a standing ovation and had viewers almost forgetting the fact that none of the James Bond actors were featured
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Keep the gas bill low with cost-saving tips

Keep the gas bill low with cost-saving tips

February 23, 2013 | Comments Off on Keep the gas bill low with cost-saving tips

Staying on a budget is important for anyone with limited income. And for seniors living on a pension or on social security, keeping costs down is a major concern. It’s especially apparent during the winter months when gas bills can shoot through the roof. Luckily, there are plenty of methods to keep heating bills to a reasonable level. Thanks to Today.com, keeping costs to a minimum doesn’t require a lot of work if the following tips are incorporated into daily living: 1. Learn to love socks. If your feet are cold, your whole body will feel cold, so make a point of
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Looking at transitional care through the eyes of family caregivers

Looking at transitional care through the eyes of family caregivers

February 21, 2013 | Comments Off on Looking at transitional care through the eyes of family caregivers

In a recent study titled, “Family Caregiving and Transitional Care: A Critical Review,” published by the Family Caregiver Alliance, authors Mary Jo Gibson, Kathleen A. Kelly and Alan K. Kaplan looked at the risks held by the elderly when transitioning to new settings, such as those between the hospital and home. In the study, they focused on the role of family caregivers. The major findings include: Family Caregivers Receive Inadequate Support – Relatively little research has been conducted on how family caregivers perceive their own roles and needs during transitions across settings. However, the evidence that is available indicates they
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Testing for macular degeneration at home

Testing for macular degeneration at home

February 20, 2013 | Comments Off on Testing for macular degeneration at home

We here at Freedom Home Care have focused much of our blogging efforts over the past week on macular degeneration, hoping to educate our readers on who the condition can affect, how they can be affected, and methods to slow or prevent its side effects. debt settlement company In the YouTube video below, viewers can test for the presence and degree of macular degeneration with the Amsler Grid, which is a simple and effective test that helps to monitor the function of the macula or central area of vision. The graph-paper-like test features a black dot in the center, where
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