We’ve all heard the saying, “You are, what you eat.” So, it’s only natural that a healthy diet makes for a healthier you. This is especially true for older loved ones. A well-balanced regimen, rich in vitamins and nutrients, becomes more essential to our overall well-being as we age. Over time, the body begins to go through a lot of physical changes. Our metabolism start to slow down and we don’t burn as many calories as we should. The digestive system no longer absorbs nutrients the way it used to, and we tend to lose much of our appetite. That’s
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Archives for Freedom Home Care
Music Appreciation with Jim Kendros!
At A Glance Event: “Music Appreciation by Jim Kendros” Location: Lake Forest Senior Center located in Dickson Hall. Dates: 3/7, 3/28, 4/25, 5/23, 6/27, 7/25, 8/8, 9/26, 10/24, 11/28 and 12/26 Time: 10:30 a.m. Registration: Due one week before each class Starting this March and continuing through December, Music Researcher and Composer Jim Kendros will explore the world of music in the monthly music series, “Music Appreciation by Jim Kendros” at the Lake Forest Senior Center located in Dickson Hall. Music Salon Magic Proudly sponsored by Highland Park home care agency Freedom Home Care, this event series
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Easy to Grow Plants for Seniors
If there’s one activity that benefits us all as we age, it’s gardening. Since at least the early 1900’s, Americans have taken advantage of gardening and all that it has to offer. Not only does planting and growing your own garden increase mental health, it also provides a host of other benefits like building endurance, improving sleep cycles, increasing mobility and flexibility, decreasing stress levels and reducing anxiety and depression. Desite all of the favorable aspects of gardening, your loved one doesn’t have to have a green thumb to get started on their own garden. Growing your own flowers and
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Childrens' Books Teach Kids About Alzheimer's
Understanding Alzheimer’s is difficult for most adults. And explaining a complex disease like dementia to a child, can be even more of a challenge. That challenge is magnified when the loved the one suffering from Alzheimer’s as a grandparent. Children have fond memories of grandmothers and grandfathers. Traveling back-and forth to their homes for the holidays, times spent cooking or fishing together – even listening to familiar stories passed down through the generations. When family members branch out and begin their own lives, grandparents are often the glue that holds everyone together. They also seem to hold a special place
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How To Thank A Caregiver
When you think about all the things a caregiver does, it can be overwhelming—an ordinary thank you card doesn’t seem to do them justice. The very definition of a caregiver is someone that is constantly “doing for others,” but that doesn’t mean they don’t need something special for themselves every now and then. This month, with National Caregivers Day on February 16, give your caregiver a little extra love. If you’re unsure of how exactly to say “Thank You,” here are a few ways to give back: Deliver A Handwritten Note Expressing your gratitude does not have to be
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Valentine's Day Ideas for Seniors
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and you’ve been trying to decide what to get your loved one for the holiday. But how do you purchase a gift for that special someone that seems to have everything? As we get older, our interests and needs change. Perhaps the typical flowers and candy don’t appeal as much anymore. Maybe the socks from holidays’ past seem to be piling up in your significant other’s drawer. If that’s the case, experts suggest offering your love gifts that help create “experiences” instead of just adding to their “stuff.” Does your love enjoy theatrical
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Senior Flu Prevention Tips
Influenza A and B are the usual suspects for the flu each year. And according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), between 54 to 70 percent of people age 65 and older who contract the virus are hospitalized annually. Statistics also show that seniors are more likely to suffer from flu complications than younger people. And with the record breaking cold temperatures we’ve been experiencing here in the U.S., now more than ever, it’s important to take the proper precautions to keep your senior safe and in optimal health. If you’re not sure exactly how to help your loved
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Winter Activities for Seniors
“Baby, it’s cold outside.” And for those seniors who live in climates where the weather often reaches freezing temperatures, the days can seem longer as something as simple as a taking a trip to the grocery store has become nothing short of an artic adventure. So in order to help warm up those long, winter days, Freedom Home Care found a few activities that not only will your loved one enjoy – but if they are receiving personalized elder care from a home care agency – can be done in the comfort of their own home. Crafts If your senior is the artsy type, now is the perfect
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Therapies to Help with Aging
According to the American Psychological Association of America one out of four people over 65 will live longer than 90 years of age. Now imagine the various needs of each of these adults by that time. Some experience unfortunate changes in health including chronic conditions and diseases. Others may no longer have the ability to complete daily activities like bathing or eating. While others may notice a decline in cognition and mental health. And just as people are unique, their needs also require a very different solution. For those older adults who encounter changes in mobility following an accident, injury or serious health
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Elder Care Planning
Elder care planning involves a plan of action that not only involves communicating an older loved one’s choices in their personal, physical and financial matters, but also aids family members, caregivers and advocates in helping them plan the final years of life. Although it may be a difficult conversation to have, the long-term care and comfort of your loved one is something that should be discussed and planned out by everyone involved out well in advance. Because there are so many important topics to cover – from money management, home care agencies and senior assisted living, to retirement income, savings and
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