The word cancer can hit a person like a ton of bricks, and every year more and more people are diagnosed with various types of cancer including one of the most serious, lung cancer. Although coping with treatment and daily life that goes along with lung cancer isn’t easy. There are a few things you can do to make life a bit more manageable for caregivers and loved ones as well. The American Lung Association notes that a senior with lung cancer can expect a survival rate of 53% when detected early before it has spread to other areas in
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As lifespans are increasing and the number of seniors is growing in America, we are seeing the children who are acting as caregivers being torn between two places:  where the caregiver lives and where the senior lives. While long-distance care-giving can work for a time with regular visits, it often breaks down when emergencies happen.  What if the senior injures himself?  What if he or she falls and can’t get up? The worries never stop for a long-distance caregiver.  And often the caregiver must then make a difficult choice:  Should you move closer to your elderly loved one or should
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If you are a senior experiencing hearing loss, you aren’t alone.  One in three seniors over the age of 60 has some form of hearing loss, and the number jumps to one in two for those over 85.  And while not being able to hear clearly can be frustrating and inconvenient, technology is improving seniors’ quality of life, especially when it comes to hearing loss. Here are two ways technology is helping today’s seniors suffering from hearing loss: 1. Cochlear Implants.  Just a few years back, if you had hearing loss due to damage of the tiny hairs in the
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Does playing games cause bigger brains and sharper thinking, or are those who already have healthier brains more likely to play games? This chicken or egg question is something that scientists have been wondering for some time.  The popular theory is that the mental activity of playing games exercises the brain in such a way that deters dementia. But, another theory says that those who already have sharper minds and have a mental reserve of sorts are inclined towards game playing and naturally less susceptible to suffering from dementia. However, in either case, doctors can agree on one thing –
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About one-third of all seniors over 65 will have a fall this year.  Many are left with serious injuries requiring medical attention and perhaps hospitalization. Staying safe from falls is more than just trying to be careful.  A better prevention is knowing exactly why seniors fall and overcoming those obstacles. Here are three reasons: 1. Fear. After a senior’s first serious fall, they can become afraid of falling again.  Their fear could cause them to avoid activities and become something of a couch potato.  But, as we know, less activity can lead to obesity, stiffness of joints, weak muscles, and
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Summer is the season to be outdoors, visit with friends, and enjoy the sunshine.  But the summer heat and sun can also make it dangerous for seniors. Are you being safe enough this summer? Here at Freedom Home Care, we understand how important it is for seniors to be careful on extremely hot days. Our caregivers can help senior clients avoid dangerous situations and stay safe. Ask yourself these 5 questions and see if you are staying safe in the summer heat. Or if you have a loved one who is elderly, see if they are following these 5 safety
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Many years ago, hardly anyone knew what a chiropractor was.  Now, it seems that everyone is making weekly trips to get adjusted.  But this phenomenon is not just a new trend.  Chiropractic care has many healthy benefits, especially for seniors.  Here is what seniors should know about the importance of chiropractic care: What exactly is a chiropractor? A chiropractor is a doctor specialized in joint movement.  The vertebrae of the spine, for example, can become misaligned due to muscle tension, posture, or a past fall or accident.  When the vertebrae aren’t lined up correctly, that person can experience pain and
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Many assume that they will be able to tell when they are getting too cold.  But that may not be true for everyone.  Seniors are more susceptible to hypothermia than nearly every other age group. Due to decreased activity, seniors usually produce less body heat, which makes it more difficult for them to warm up once they feel cold.  And that’s if the senior notices that he is getting too cold to begin with.  Some medical conditions and medications can suppress the nervous system, resulting in decreased awareness that they are getting dangerously close to hypothermia. So, how should seniors
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Caring for a family member with dementia is truly a labor of love.  Once you get past figuring out how to assist with various aspects of care giving, there is an emotional component that never quite gets easier.  It’s a combination of stress and the sadness of watching your loved one’s memory slip away. Because you can best care for the senior when you are well, taking care of yourself is essential.  Here are a few things that you can do to keep yourself healthy and happy: Exercise.  Exercise keeps the body health and the mind at ease.  Working out
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Arthritis affects nearly half of all seniors, and the numbers are on the rise.  But what exactly is arthritis?  It’s not a general term for joint pain as many people think.  In fact, there are a few different kinds of arthritis, each with its own symptoms and treatments.  Here are a few things that all seniors should know about arthritis. Types of Arthritis: Osteoarthritis. This arthritis has to do with wear and tear.  In our joints, there is cartilage at the end of each bone.  The cartilage, which is as smooth as ice, covers the rough ends of the bone. 
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