Braving the Black Friday throngs might not be for everyone. However, giving gifts to the loved ones in our lives is truly the reason for the season. So whether you bypassed the long lines or went for it, credit cards a’ blazin’, we here at Freedom Home Care thought that we would share a few ideas for those still shopping for the seniors on their holiday list. The following ideas are courtesy of Yahoo: 1. Gift Cards, Prepaid Phone Cards and Gift Certificates Most senior citizens live on a fixed income and money is a constant concern. One of the
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Archives for Freedom Home Care
Thanksgiving – a time for traditions in food
Thanksgiving is steeped in tradition – food tradition. Often, the flavors and smells vary from house to house and family to family. However, Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same if those flavors and smells varied dramatically from generation to generation. Therefore, we here at Freedom Home Care wanted to share a special recipe for pumpkin pie, straight from those who have called The White House home over the years and decades. The following traditional pumpkin pie recipe was taken from “The White House Cook Book” by Hugo Ziemann, Steward of the White House, and Mrs. F. L. Gillette, a celebrated 19th-century
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When things don’t work out with your in-home caregiver
In a previous blog post, we here at Freedom Home Care discussed a few methods for forging a good relationship with a new in-home caregiver. Although the recommended tips, care of Scott Stafne of the Scott Stafne ALS Research Fund, can be incredibly beneficial during the initial stages of a new caregiver relationship, they’re not always fool proof. Some situations don’t end up panning out, and in those unfortunate instances, Stafne’s group again stepped up. “Sometimes discussing the issues isn’t enough to fix what isn’t working and you will have to terminate the worker,” the editors there explained. “If you’ve
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Exploring oatmeal – a powerhouse food
Oatmeal has been a long-running go-to breakfast item for all walks of life. And it’s an especially great choice for seniors due to its ability to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Oatmeal, however, doesn’t have to be bland and mushy to be healthy. In the following video, produced by the Dr. Marion Caregiver Training & Resources YouTube channel, oatmeal is given a new face. In it, caregivers and elderly individuals alike can garner a handful of good ideas to up the oatmeal ante. Overall, the suggestions are delivered from a health and medical stance, offering viewers
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Set expectations up front; get great results for the long run
When the time comes for an aging loved to hire an in-home caregiver, there are often times a handful of concerns to address. Many of those are in regard to whether a good relationship can be forged between the senior and the new caregiver. To set minds at ease, however, there are a few methods to implement to facilitate positive rapport. And it all begins with clarifying expectations. As long as both parties are clear about certain preferences, the possibility for misunderstandings or disputes down the road is greatly reduced. “Start by setting the right tone for the conversation,” explains
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Medicare – Is it time for a personal change?
As we here at Freedom Home Care outlined in a recent blog post, there are several different facets surrounding Medicare and what it can offer an individual. Additionally, individuals’ needs are prone to change and with it, so should their Medicare coverage. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website, individuals have the opportunity to change their health plans and prescription drug coverage between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7. Therefore, the time is now to make assessments and then make the necessary adjustments, if need be. Information on 2013 plans are now available online to help with the
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6 ways Freedom Home Care helps you get back home
There’s nothing better than sleeping in your bed or being in the comfort of your own home. After a hospital stay, however, getting back home can be quite the big task. Therefore, getting re-acclimated and settled in can sometimes require help from others. And that’s where Freedom Home Care Home can help. The FHC Sweet Home Program was put in place to make the return home so much easier. It was designed to assist patients and their families transitioning from any environment back to their personal place of residence. Here are six ways that FHC’s in-home caregivers can help: 1.
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AARP offers Veterans Day discount
For people age 50 and over, there are few organizations that achieve the same results or offer the same benefits as AARP. Being an AARP member offers volunteering opportunities, numerous shopping and travel discounts, health and financial insurance products as well as access to various programs and events like AARP’s Driver Safety courses. Starting Nov. 10 and running until Nov. 17, AARP is offering a 30 percent membership discount for veterans. The discount is also available for their families. And each of the new memberships will come with a 10 percent donation to the USO Warrior and Family Care Program,
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The nuts and bolts of Medicare
It’s not often that a person is asked to define Medicare. And for the most part, we should all be relieved, considering the myriad aspects that have recently been under scrutiny. As for now, however, Medicare is in tact and in a very similar fashion to how it was originally intended when the program launched in 1965. In case an individual is indeed faced with the questions, “what is Medicare?” or “How and when will I use it?” it’s good to know the basics. So, watch the following video, which is short and easy to understand. It gives a quick
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Taking a Social Security snapshot of Illinois
AARP has been providing the nation with resources related to its aging population since 1958. Since then, it has been a first stop for those over 65 wishing to improve their health, financial status or general way of life. In addition to providing articles and advice, the organization also produces a wealth of statistics that can offer senior citizens a better of idea of what the larger aging community is experiencing. In that regard, we here at Freedom Home Care are dedicating today’s blog to Social Security at the Illinois state level, care of AARP. 2012 Social Security Quick Facts
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