As we get older, we tend to either experience changes in appetite or lose our appetite altogether. This is usually due to a number of different things like thyroid disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, mouth and throat infections, gum disease, salivary gland problems or cancer. A loss or change in appetite could also be the result of non-medical conditions such as dehydration, difficulty chewing or swallowing, loss of taste, lack of exercise or problems with meal preparation. In addition to changes in appetite, seniors’ nutritional needs can alter their diets and the way they eat, as well. That’s why it’s important
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Archives for Freedom Home Care
Pioneering Exercise Program and Its Benefits
Scientists are constantly looking for ways to help enhance the lives of our nation’s elderly population. This is essential, as the number of seniors age 65 and older has reached more than 50 million as of 2016 and is on track to increase by as much as 30 million in the next three decades, according to seniorcare.com. And one of the ways researchers are doing this is by developing a ground-breaking program that fosters physical and cognitive growth in older loved ones, while catering to the capabilities of the person as an individual. UPV/EHU Ageing-On research group’s program focuses on
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Tips To Stay Safe During Fireworks Season
Young people aren’t the only ones who enjoy fireworks on the 4th of July. Every year, millions of seniors gather up their lawn chairs, blankets and refreshments to participate in a tradition that has become as American as baseball and apple pie. And whether you’re in New York on New Year’s or in Indiana on Independence Day, being a spectator at a fireworks show can pose some serious hazards without the proper precautions. So, in order to help make this a fun, safe holiday season, Freedom Home Care offers a few tips for you and your older loved one to
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How to Help a Parent That is Refusing Elder Care
One of the most heartbreaking things that adult children deal with is an aging parent that refuses in-home care. Not only is it heartbreaking, but it can also be the most frustrating. You’ve heard these stories before. Mom claims she doesn’t need help bathing and dressing, even though she struggles to do it herself. Dad doesn’t want anyone driving him to his appointments even though the doctor recommended it. You know your parent needs help, but how do you help a resistant loved one get the personalized elder care that they need? On one hand, you don’t want to force
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Freedom Home Care Celebrates Senior Independence Month
FEBRUARY IS NATIONAL SENIOR INDEPENDENCE MONTH Freedom Home Care celebrates 20 years of helping seniors HIGHLAND PARK, IL (FEBRUARY 2017) – Freedom Home Care is celebrating National Senior Independence Month this month and 20 years of helping seniors live happy and healthy lives in the comfort of their own homes. According to the American Health Association, this month was established to help seniors remain in control of their daily lives and to encourage seniors to take the opportunity to evaluate their current living situation, and determine whether or not adjustments could be made to create a better lifestyle. This is the opportunity to
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Prescription Medications Can Effect Your Ability to Drive
At some point in their lives, nearly every American will have taken some form of prescription medication. The statistics increase with age, as seniors between 65-79 are given more than 27 prescriptions each year. And according to The IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics, many take five or more different types of medications a day. For millions of Americans, taking prescriptions in order to treat temporary or chronic health conditions, is a fact of life. But when consuming these medications before driving, the results can be potentially dangerous. And depending on the type and dose, once in your system, they
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Planning Ahead for Your Senior's Transitional Care
Sometimes it may not be possible to plan for follow-up care when your senior leaves the hospital. Accidents and sudden trips to the ER often leave patients and their families confused and overwhelmed – and the last thing you want worry about is not having the right services in place once your loved one has been sent home. Whether you’ve decided which in-home care services your senior will need in advance or have just recently begun to explore your options, transitional care is an important part of a successful recovery. Your senior may have had to deal with a traumatic
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Caring for a Childless Relative
As our older loved ones age, the need may arise for assistance from family members, as health concerns leave them unable to be as independent as they once were. Determining the best way to go about meeting the needs of your relative can be difficult without a long-term care plan in place. There are a few things that you can do to help your older one decide what the proper course of action will be for them as an individual – what they expect, what their needs are, if they will need personalized care services, etc. According to the Department
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Handling the Stress of a New Baby
There’s nothing more magical than the birth of a new baby. First time parents often experience a myriad of emotions all while celebrating the arrival of their little bundle of joy. And with of all of the responsibilities that come with newborn care, it’s normal for parents feel the stress of the task at hand. FHC came up with a few ways to help moms and dads juggle everything from feedings and changings to relaxing and sleeping, while still experiencing the fulfillment that goes along with parenting. Decide How To Tackle Each Task – Who will get up at night
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Join Us for the Upcoming Backyard Bash at Highland Park Senior Center – August 12th
Since 1976, the Highland Park Senior Center has been servicing the needs of seniors of the Highland Park community. Built in 1929, the renovated facility was dedicated as the center’s location by General Robert E. Wood, providing recreational, cultural, educational, health and counseling services for seniors, while advocating their overall well-being. A division of the city of Highland Park, the Highland Park Senior Center provides important services that include housing and transportation, crisis intervention, counseling and advice,support groups, home and hospital visits and referrals for Chicago caregiver services. It also offers activities and entertainment likeaerobics, educational lectures, luncheons, and social
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