Archives for Senior Care

Is a Caregiver the Best Option for Your Loved One?

Families may be unsure if hiring a caregiver to assist their elderly loved one with dementia is the best option.  Will this caregiver be able to connect with the senior?  Will she or he give them the same level of nurturing care that a family member would?  How will the elderly loved one react? These are just some of the many questions families face when struggling to find the best care for their loved one dealing with dementia. It can be a very emotional and difficult time. Freedom Home Care understands every single one of these questions and feelings. We
Read More

Shop Smart for Life Insurance

Life insurance can be complicated and expensive, leaving many seniors, or their family members, wondering if they’ve made the right choices.  But we know that life insurance can save families from spending their money when a family member passes away.  So how do seniors find inexpensive life insurance that will still cover all of the expenses?  Here are some tips: 1. Don’t buy too much.  Often our life insurance needs change over time.  As you no longer have a house to pay off or children to get through college, you need less insurance.  Before you go shopping, know exactly how much
Read More

Benefits of Hiring a Geriatric Care Manager: Interview with Julie Fohrman, Founder and Director of North Shore Geriatric Care Management

It’s no secret that deciding on quality care for an elderly loved one can be an overwhelming prospect for any family or individual. Whether its rehabilitative care, long term, or short term care, you have many components to consider like social stimulation, medical care, legal support, and financial matters. On top of it all, there are a plethora of agencies on the north shore competing for your business. So how do you know if they will deliver on their promises? How do you know your elderly loved ones will receive the very best? If you feel overwhelmed trying to handle
Read More

Illinois Senior Health Ranks Surprisingly Well After Evaluation

The results are in!  The United Health Foundation has evaluated each state for how it fares with senior health.  So how does Illinois measure up with the rest of the nation? The good news is that our state ranks well for non-smoking, as more than 92% of those over 65 are non-smokers.  Also, we have the lowest prevalence of under-weight seniors at only 1.1%.  We also do very well with senior pain management and hospice care. However, there are some things that our state needs to work on.  Illinois has a high rate of obesity and a high-percentage of low-care
Read More

How to Choose the Best Doctor for You

A good relationship with your doctor is essential.  The difference between a bad doctor and a great doctor could be the difference in your level of health. Here are some guidelines you can use to find the best primary care physician for you: Do the research.  Make a list of three doctors who may be a good fit.  Call your local medical society to see if any complaints were filed against any of them.  If you’re Internet savvy, check reviews online.  Get a good idea of what you’re walking into. Visit the office.  Visit the office of each and talk
Read More

Get Screened for Heart Damaging Conditions

Nearly 800,000 Americans die each year from heart disease.  This is nearly 30 percent of all deaths.  And it is estimated that a quarter of these deaths, around 200,000, could have been avoided with proper screening and treatment for preventable causes. Physicians nowadays are aware of the risks associated with certain conditions and how critical it is to get them under control. Here are two conditions that should regularly get screened to keep a healthy heart. High blood pressure.  High blood pressure, also called hypertension, can have many causes and many devastating effects on the body.  The high pressure of
Read More

3 Things That All Seniors Want

What do seniors really want?  That is a question many people are trying to answer.  As baby boomers are becoming older we are seeing a new kind of senior emerging in the population.  Gone are the days of spending all day playing bingo and bridge.  Many seniors want new adventures and actually thrive on having fun.  Here are some of the things that many seniors in the modern times are seeking as they age: Activity.  Seniors, now more than ever, are getting active.  Many are taking advantage of senior exercise classes, but others also regularly practice yoga, take up running,
Read More

Caring for a Senior Can Be a Balancing Act

When caring for an elderly family member, it can be difficult to find a good balance of time.  On one hand, you want to give the family member all of the care that he needs and deserves.  On the other hand, you want to have time to live your own life.  It is a difficult balancing act that is often never discussed.  Here are some ways that you can begin to achieve the beginning of balance. 1. Ask for help from family.  If you are spending much of your time caring for the senior, recruit other family members to help.  Whether
Read More

How to Avoid Senior Depression

Depression is all too common amongst the elderly population.  If a senior’s body is declining and independence is waning, it is no wonder.  However, many doctors take little time to discuss mental health with seniors. The average time a doctor talks with an elderly patient about their mental health is two minutes, and over half of seniors report that the doctors never brought the subject up.  So it is becoming clear that the caregivers must be vigilant and keep an eye out for any signs of serious depression. Here are a few signs that an elderly person may need to
Read More

Listening to Your Elderly Loved Ones

Many people don’t visit their elderly loved ones as often as they’d like.  Maybe it’s just every weekend or a phone call here and there. Adult children at times forget the importance of listening carefully to their elderly loved ones.  When the conversation of their health comes up, sometimes seniors brush it off and avoid the subject. Families need to be cautious of their loved one’s needs and notice if there is a medical issue that is not being properly addressed. Sometimes seniors get confused with their medications and do not always understand what their doctor tells them. Sometimes important
Read More