Archives for 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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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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The Secret to Eating Right for a Senior

The Secret to Eating Right for a Senior

August 6, 2013 | No Comments

As people age, they need less food to keep them going.  This makes food choices even more imperative.  Gone are the days where you can get away with eating a slice of cake for lunch or a no-veggie dinner.  Balance and variety are keys to any senior’s diet.  Here are some tips to eating well as you age:  1. Protein.  Protein is essential for a healthy body.  It is found in large amounts in meats, dairy, beans, and tofu.  If you have a portion of meat that is the size of a deck of cards, that is 50% of your daily
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Technology Helps Seniors Live At Home

Technology Helps Seniors Live At Home

July 26, 2013 | No Comments

A senior living on his or her own can be worrisome to family members.  Will he remember to turn off the stove burner?  Will he think to call 911 if he is feeling short of breath?  What will happen if he falls? Luckily, new technology is being created to alert family and emergency services when the senior needs help.  Here are some new gadgets to help a senior live on his own for longer. Motion sensors.  Motion sensors can be placed on the door, aimed at the sofa, or even on the refrigerator to detect if and how often the senior
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Simple Senior Home Repairs

Simple Senior Home Repairs

July 25, 2013 | No Comments

Many seniors want to remain at home and maintain their independence.  However, if the senior’s home is in need of repair, it can become dangerous. Simple repairs and renovations can be made to better accommodate the senior.  Here are some simple home repairs to watch out for: Banisters.  Stairs can be very difficult to maneuver for many seniors.  Check to see that the banisters are sturdy enough to hold the senior should he or she need to grab it if they lose balance.  If the banister is loose, you may need to drill new holes to secure it to the
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Tips for Senior Independence on a Budget

Tips for Senior Independence on a Budget

July 23, 2013 | No Comments

As more seniors retire and live on a lower income, a challenge emerges.  The goal is to find a healthy balance between getting adequate care while staying within a budget.  As nursing homes and assisted living facilities can be very expensive, many seniors opt instead to stay at home.  A few small changes can help to maintain senior independence without breaking the bank. 1.  In-home care.  Many adult children are unable to help their parents because of their children or work obligations.  Finding someone to care for the senior by running errands, cleaning, and being a companion can encourage independence
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Freedom Home Care Listed as One of Illinois' Best Providers of Home Health Care Services

Freedom Home Care Listed as One of Illinois' Best Providers of Home Health Care Services

July 9, 2013 | No Comments

Freedom Home Care is a Highland-Park based home care agency that provides patients with in-home care. Freedom Home Care focus has made them one of Illinois’ leading Home Care Services firms in 2013. Founded in 1997 by Sharon Burack, Freedom Home Care’s services aim to help those who are elderly, ill, disabled or are undergoing rehabilitation. These services include post-hospital and hospice care, housekeeping, bathing, dressing, meal preparation, transportation, companionship and other various needs ranging from live-in help to hourly care. Freedom Home Care helps a wide range of patients including allowing the elderly to age in the comfort of
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Study Find Seniors Living with Children Unhappy

Study Find Seniors Living with Children Unhappy

July 1, 2013 | No Comments

Today many grandparents are living with their children and grandchildren.  Is this trend good for the happiness of the senior?  Studies say no. With the economy the way it is, as many as 16% of families are forced to have several generations in one home.  The common thought is  that it will be good for everyone involved:  the grandparents will have more time with their grandchildren, the parents will be able to care for the grandparents, and the children will have more adults to learn from. But studies surprisingly show that seniors living with children have a lower quality of
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Key to Good Senior Care is Planning

Key to Good Senior Care is Planning

June 12, 2013 | Comments Off on Key to Good Senior Care is Planning

Are you providing senior care to a loved one?  You are not alone. Today, there are nearly 67 million people in America providing care to a family member.  Helping him or her age with dignity and independence can be overwhelming for the adult child.  Here are some tips to help you cope: Devise an individual plan for care.  Every senior is different and will need different resources for care.  Make sure that you look for help when you need it.  Just because a friend you know easily takes care of her parent at home, don’t think that you can do it all on
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