Archives for Home Care

Plan ahead for when a loved one cannot live independently

At some point in a loved one’s life, independent living may no longer be an option. When the time comes, it’s best if a plan has already been put in place to ensure that comfort levels and health are maintained. According to the Society of Actuaries, it is best to establish a care plan long before the situation arises. “Insurance coverage for long-term care covers disabilities so severe that assistance is needed with daily activities such as bathing, dressing and eating,” explain the editors of a Society of Actuaries report. “Some older policies require a nursing home only or require
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Looking at transitional care through the eyes of family caregivers

In a recent study titled, “Family Caregiving and Transitional Care: A Critical Review,” published by the Family Caregiver Alliance, authors Mary Jo Gibson, Kathleen A. Kelly and Alan K. Kaplan looked at the risks held by the elderly when transitioning to new settings, such as those between the hospital and home. In the study, they focused on the role of family caregivers. The major findings include: Family Caregivers Receive Inadequate Support – Relatively little research has been conducted on how family caregivers perceive their own roles and needs during transitions across settings. However, the evidence that is available indicates they
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The importance of hospice, in numbers

According to the Hospice Foundation of America, the word “hospice” finds its roots in the Latin word “hospitium,” which means guesthouse. In its original form, it was a place of shelter for weary and sick travelers returning from religious pilgrimages. Today, it still holds on to those roots, but does so in a different way. “During the 1960's, Dr. Cicely Saunders, a British physician began the modern hospice movement by establishing St. Christopher's Hospice near London,” the Hospice Foundation of America explains. “St. Christopher's organized a team approach to professional caregiving, and was the first program to use modern pain
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Learning about the potential for post-operative cognitive decline

According to Sunnybrook Hospital’s Dr. Beverley Orser, one in three patients will experience post-surgery memory loss. And unfortunate for some, cognitive difficulties can last as long as three months after a procedure has been performed. In the following video, Dr. Orser explains that memory loss is caused by inflammation in the brain and that it may be treatable and reversible, as shown in a recent study. Freedom Home Care, however, understands that later in life, these types of cognitive decline may make the transition back to home even more difficult. And order generic viagra online that’s why we implemented our
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Learning about Freedom Home Care’s New Baby Program

The joys of parenthood: They are the indescribable feelings a mother gets when she first cradles her baby in her arms. They are the feelings that swell up in a father’s chest when he first eyes those little hands and those little toes. They are the moments that will last a lifetime in the proud parents’ minds. Having a baby comes with many unexpected gifts, but as so many know, having a baby comes with many hurdles, as well: Sleepless nights. A lack of confidence when trying to quiet a crying baby. Nervous concern at the slightest sneeze or the
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Avoiding preventable hospital readmissions

According to data provided by Medicare, nearly one in five patients who leave the hospital are readmitted within the next month. Additionally, it was revealed that 75 percent of readmissions are preventable. To try and avoid preventable readmissions, Medicare produced a checklist that patients can rely on when they are preparing to end their hospital stay. Therefore, it’s important to keep these items in mind during discharge: 1. Ask where you will get care after discharge. Do you have options (like home health care)? Be sure you tell the staff what you prefer. 2. If a caregiver will be helping
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21 classic movies to watch in 2013

As winter begins to settle in, there’s nothing better than curling up with an afghan and a movie on the living room couch. Because let’s face it, with a now-permanent blanket of snow on the ground and temperatures sticking below 32, no one wants to venture out into the cold. Therefore, to warm your heart and inspire a bit of nostalgia, the editors at AARP chose the following 21 movies that they consider must-sees: 1. Lawrence of Arabia, 1962 2. Casablanca, 1942 3. The Producers, 1968 4. The Longest Day, 1962 5. Grand Illusion, 1937 6. Spirited Away, 2001 7.
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Discovering how around-the-clock peace of mind happens with FHC

There are many reasons that lead a family toward securing in-home care for their aging loved one. Many are to alleviate the fear of a fall, the fear that a loved one will forget to take their medication or the fear that they will lose their independence. Once a caregiver has been selected, however, there are still some lingering worries, such as what happens if a caregiver is unable to work. How will the family know that their loved one has been left alone? How will they make arrangements for a replacement? This is where Freedom Home Care’s quality assurance
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Freedom Home Care offers relief to family caregivers

The responsibility of caring for an aging loved one can weigh heavily on a family member. Often times, these caregivers hold full-time jobs on top of the full-time obligation that comes with providing support to those who can no longer care for themselves. And as many know, this type of situation can produce a large amount of stress. No matter the factors, stress is a powerful force that can wreak havoc on the body and mind if not tended to properly. Although it may sound implausible, taking a break from caregiving is essential to alleviate growing strains on a person’s
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Early warning signs that your aging loved one needs help at home

As the people important to us most begin to grow older, we witness many changes in their appearance, behavior and health. Some of these changes are the natural signs of aging while others should be considered signals that help might be needed in the home. But if our loved ones don’t ask for help directly, how will we know if living alone is no longer an option for them? Encouraging open conversations should always be the first step. Talking with family members, friends and doctors will begin to open doors of understanding for all involved. However, to ensure the safety
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