Caregivers are a vital member of our community and perhaps more personal- your family. At Freedom Home Care we know just how much time they spend with your loved one and how much effort they put into developing a relationship with a family. Caregivers come from all over and serve a purpose in a variety of roles. Some of these roles may be an advocate, nurse, consoler, helper, chef, companion, safety guard, merrymaker, and steward. Each role unique and important, they all require different strengths and skills that should be celebrated and appreciated. Our caregivers are constantly reading
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Archives for caregiver chicago
Old Timer, Seniors, Elderly Person, What Else?
Figuring out what to call someone who is higher on the age scale is not as simple as it may sound. If you call someone in their late fifties “elder” they will be offended, and you will probably be getting some mean looks. So how do you go about it? Find out here at Freedom Home Care. This topic is getting more challenging each day because more and more people are living longer than ever before. People feel more youthful longer because of this and those over the age of fifty don’t look at age the same as some
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American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month. This month gives us all the chance to focus on heart health and the steps we can take to make our heart function better. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for people in the United States. One in four deaths are caused by heart disease. However, this is a disease that can be prevented when people make healthy lifestyle decisions. February is American Heart Month, so we are helping to get out the word and help people make some lifestyle changes to prevent heart disease. How Can You Prevent Heart Disease? There are
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Surround Yourself with People Who Make You Laugh
You know what they say- laughter is the best medicine, so why not surround yourself with people who make you laugh out loud for hours. Researchers have found that there are health benefits from laughter and they are even more effective in senior citizens. At Freedom Home Care we take pride in giving your loved ones the best care while stressing the importance of laughter. Not only will it brighten your loved one’s day, but it also can do way more health wise like the following below. Increased endorphin levels are a result from laughing. Because endorphins are
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5 Winter Activities for Seniors That Warm the Heart
The wintry months make it hard to leave the house. Not only does the cold weather keep you indoors, but it also brings about a sense of isolation. Fear not! Blow details five ways older adults can stay active and warm during these cold months. Heat up around food Did you know that cooking stimulates more than just our stomachs? Not only does making a meal actively exercise the brain, but it also allows older adults to engage in a heartwarming activity. Because cooking involves setting timers and reading recipes, older adults are fighting memory loss and cognitive
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Benefits of Keeping Your Senior Active by Doing Things They Love
As we get older, there’s a natural tendency to slow down or stop doing the things we once loved to do. Many times seniors can no longer physically take part in the same activities due to a loss of strength or lack of mobility. But you don’t have to be completely mobile or in top physical condition to participate in your favorite hobbies or pastimes. And staying engaged is not only enjoyable, but it also contributes your overall health and well-being. According to the Center for Disease Control, seniors who continue doing the things they love are more likely to
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Communicating with Loved Ones with Dementia: Avoiding Distress
How to Reduce Joint Pain in the Colder Months
With the temperatures starting to lower, it’s not uncommon to hear complaints about increased joint pain. It is believed that there’s a common factor between the changing temperatures and precipitation levels, and the pain they experience within their bodies. According to a study, 2/3 of people interviewed about chronic pain said that they experienced most of their pain in the colder seasons. Most people said that they could tell when the weather was about to change because they felt pain in the days prior. Below, are some ways to prevent some of the chronic pain you may experience. Dress in
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Beating the Holiday Blues for Seniors
Depression during the holidays has become an unfortunate epidemic, even among seniors. According to Mental Health America statistics, more than 34 million seniors age 65 and older are dealing with depression in one form or another. And growing older doesn’t mean depression has to be a part of the everyday experience. Many people suffer from depression due to chronic illnesses like cancer, arthritis, heart disease, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Older loved ones are also more likely to be alone around the holidays. Family has moved out of state. A significant others have passed on. Friends might not keep in touch like
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Can Engaging in Creative Activities Help You Avoid Alzheimer's Disease?
One in 44 million people in the U.S. today have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, while one in 10 adults over the age of 65 suffers from the disease. While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are ways we can help fight off some of its effects. According to experts, engaging in the arts and other creative activities, can help seniors positively develop self-esteem, sharpen skills, maintain dexterity and stimulate the mind. It’s also been proven that hobbies like playing games or listening to music can assist Alzheimer’s patients find meaning in their lives and draw from interests they’ve
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