Archives for Freedom Home Care

What Freedom Home Care's philosophy means to Chicago

Before hiring an in-home caregiver for your loved one, there are many things to consider. One of the first – and potentially the most important – is the philosophy behind the home care agency. It serves as a glimpse into the morals and values of those overseeing your aging family member. At Freedom Home Care, we take our philosophy to heart every day when working with our patients. We are committed to the support of life and human value. Our mission is to provide consistent, high-quality home care services, which enable our clients to maximize their freedom, independence, comfort and
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Paving a road to hip replacement recovery

According to an article on AARP.com, total hip replacements are on the rise – to the tune of 285,000 each year in the United States alone. The figure equates to a 25 percent increase in just five years. “Total hip replacement surgery has some of the best results of all major surgeries,” Paul King, M.D., director of the Joint Center at the Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, Md. said in the article. Luckily, insurance will typically cover the bill, minus co-pays of course. Patients, too, will get their money’s worth, considering the implants typically last 20 to 25 years. Regardless
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Getting to know the Collaborative Healthcare Urgency Group

In the late 1990s, the concept of the Collaborative Healthcare Urgency Group emerged. Connie Polke, the concept’s innovator was a licensed respiratory therapist who recognized the frailty of patients and residents within healthcare facilities. The longer she worked in the field, the more she became concerned about patients’ well-being and especially so in cases of emergency. “Several years earlier, Bill Pretzer, a Battalion Chief for the Park Ridge, Illinois Fire Department, was called out to a flooding event at a local nursing facility, and experienced first hand, the dangers of inadequate preparation as well as the complications of moving these fragile
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Finding dignity through the clothing we wear

Your Life Calling, hosted by award-winning journalist Jane Pauley, celebrates the lives of American seniors and introduces life-changing products and ideas to anyone looking to improve their day-to-day routines. In a segment that aired last week, Pauley had the opportunity to talk to Jan Erickson who released her stylish and versatile clothing line that keeps mobility-challenged individuals in mind. From fashionabl buy sildenafil online e leg warmers to shawls that can double as lap blankets, Erickson has a deep understanding of what seniors need. As a caregiver herself, Erickson brings to light that even though some elderly individuals might not
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What the health care act means for seniors

For so many Americans who rely on Medicare and Medicaid, yesterday’s historic Supreme Court ruling was a major victory. According to the New York Times, many improvements that had initially passed in the bill early in 2010 and which could have evaporated had the law been overturned, have now been solidified into the act. Most important perhaps is the preservation of certain initiatives for advancing efforts to support elderly and disabled people in their homes, rather than in nursing homes, says the NYT. This includes the Community First Choice Option, “which assists states with the costs of in-home programs for
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Safety must-haves for your aging loved one

There is nothing more comforting than knowing that your aging loved one will be able to continue living at home as opposed to moving into a care facility. And although the value of dignity and independence are great, there are still some measures that must be put into place to ensure true peace of mind for all involved. By implementing certain products and equipment, family members can rest assured that their aging loved one is safe and sound at home and on their own. AgingCare.com compiled the following list of at-home care essentials, and we here at Freedom Home Care
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4 of 4: The signs of aging, a four-part series

Over the past week, we here at Freedom Home Care have been looking at the National Institute of Health’s “Eight Areas of Age-Related Change.” And we’ve been quite captivated by the list because we believe that being aware of the physical changes that our bodies undergo later in life is the best way to combat old age today. So as we post these last two topics, we’d like to thank the NIH for arming us with the knowledge that will help us better enjoy our twilight years. 7. Skin “The simplest and cheapest way to keep your skin healthy and young
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3 of 4: The signs of aging, a four-part series

The National Institute of Health has a very distinct mission. The governmental agency’s goal is to seek out information and cultivate knowledge about the “nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce the burdens of illness and disability.” In doing so, the NIH developed its list of what can be expected later in life. And we here at Freedom Home Care have dedicated our efforts to disseminating the organization’s hard work, which can be found in four consecutive posts, starting with last week’s blog roll. But without further ado, here
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2 of 4: The signs of aging, a four-part series

Mary Ann Evans, better known by her pen name, George Eliot, said, “Old men's eyes are like old men's memories; they are strongest for things a long way off.” Evens, a leading Victorian journalist and author, delivered a touching sentiment about old age with her statement; it is one that speaks to the changes that take place in one’s twilight years. According to the National Institute of Health, there are eight areas of change associated with aging. And in an effort to disseminate the information surrounding these areas of change, we here at Freedom Home Care are delivering the message
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How do I know when my loved one needs help at home? 20 signs to look for

There is nothing more important in this world than our loved ones. But it is inevitable that they – and we – will all grow old. Therefore, making certain that our aging family members are healthy and happy is not just a goal; it is a necessity. At some point in time, friends and family members may begin to show signs that they could benefit from home health care. The difficult part is knowing how to differentiate between the typical signs of aging and when it’s truly time to worry. AgingCare.com, an online community providing advice, information and support when
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