As we age, a lack of mobility, physical ailments and chronic health conditions can make it more difficult to do things we used to as easily as we used to do them. But that doesn’t mean seniors have to give up on doing everyday tasks either. They just need to find a better way. Freedom Home Care came up with five life hacks that will not only allow older loved ones to exercise their creativity and know-how, but will also take the hassle out of the daily routine. Color-Coded Keys If you’re like most of us, you’ve probably accumulated more
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Archives for Senior Home Care
Common Ways to Help Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson’s disease or PD is a nervous system disorder the affects movement. It may start with small tremors and eventually progress to muscle stiffening and a decrease in the range of motion. The cause of the condition is unknown, although research suggests that neurons in the brain break down and die. Over time, there’s a decrease in dopamine levels, leading to abnormal brain activity. Your loved one may be more susceptible to PD if they have family members who have been affected by it or they’ve been exposed to certain environmental toxins. While Parkinson’s can not be cured, doctors are
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Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease today. And according to the Center for Disease Control, out of the 30 million Americans with the condition, 1 in 4 don’t know they have it. The good news is that the rate of new cases being reported since 2008 has decreased each year. This is due to the fact that many new diabetes self-management education and support programs have been implemented across the U.S. to help boost prevention efforts. Still, because people are living longer with diabetes, the number of cases continue to increase. That’s why prevention and
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Go Green with Fun Earth Day Celebrations Perfect for Seniors
It’s by no accident that Earth Day falls right in the midst of a blooming spring season. After a long stretch of gloomy winter weather, your seniors will appreciate the chance to open up those windows, step outside, and enjoy some fresh air. This all-about-earth holiday is a fun opportunity to encourage seniors to engage in what brings them joy. And this year at our Highland Park Home Care, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite Earth Day activities that you can do with the seniors that are dearest to you. Getting Outside Walking in the Neighborhood
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Fun Spring Activities for Seniors
With spring right around the corner, you want to make sure your senior has enough fun things lined up this season to help ward off boredom and prevent loneliness. And with warmer temperatures right around the corner, your loved one is once again able to enjoy all of their favorite outdoor activities – and maybe even try a few new ones. In fact, being outdoors, your senior gets a healthy dose of vitamin D – necessary for proper development of the brain, bones and muscles. Doctors say sunlight is also helpful in improving mood and cognitive function, while offering mental
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Healthy Eating Tips for Seniors
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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Improve Health and Mood with Aromatherapy
Often, when people think of their health and mood, the associations that come with these words relate to one’s diet, exercise regimen and stress level. To alter their state, people try all kinds of treatments and lifestyle changes to better themselves. One type of alternative therapy that is often overlooked is aromatherapy. What Is Aromatherapy? Defined by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy as “the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit,” the use of essential oils’ is growing. Everyone from
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A Healthy Heart is a Happy Heart
The month of love isn’t just about caring for your Valentine, but for caring about yourself and your heart. While February 14 is often the highlight for retailers around town, in the realm of health, February is important because it is the federally designated American Heart Month. Around each hospital and home care agency alike, instruction and attention is focused on heart health throughout the month—ever since February 1964, when cardiovascular disease was the cause of more than half of the deaths in the U.S. Today it’s still responsible for about one in four deaths, but the good
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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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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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