Archives for Senior Care

Senior Safety in Summertime

Senior Safety in Summertime

May 23, 2013 | Comments Off on Senior Safety in Summertime

When you think of summer, thoughts of sunshine, swimming, and sitting on the porch with a cold ice tea in your hand may leap into your mind.  You probably don’t think of the potential dangers related to summer. Summer weather, particularly in Illinois, really brings the heat.  When we sweat, we lose precious water from our bodies causing dehydration if not replenished quickly.  One of the early symptoms of dehydration is dizziness.  If a senior is dehydrated and gets up too quickly, the resulting light-headedness can cause a dangerous fall.   Keep in mind that if you feel thirsty, you are
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Finding Clues of Depression

Finding Clues of Depression

May 17, 2013 | Comments Off on Finding Clues of Depression

Depression can happen to anyone, but some seniors are more susceptible than others.  Unfortunately, it comes in many forms.  If we are waiting until a parent or loved one tells us that they are depressed, it may never happen.  Some forms don’t even have mood symptoms that we typically associate with depression.  However, depression is dangerous if left untreated, leading to lower quality of life and possible suicide.  So, what is the best way to determine if a senior is depressed? According to research done by the University of Missouri, there are a number of clues that can let us know that
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5 Ways for Seniors to Beat the Heat

5 Ways for Seniors to Beat the Heat

May 13, 2013 | Comments Off on 5 Ways for Seniors to Beat the Heat

Extreme temperatures can be particularly dangerous for the elderly. Freedom Home Care has compiled some useful tips to ensure your parents and loved ones are kept safe in the extreme heat this summer. buy cialis online without prescription 1. Hydrate. Make sure they drink plenty of water before, during, and after being outside in the heat. If a senior is on medication, it can become vital that he or she remains hydrated to keep the proper levels of the medicine in the body. Hydrate with water, not sports drink, soda, coffee, or alcohol. 2. Avoid the sun. Find a cool
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Seniors for Seniors Pet Adoption Program

Seniors for Seniors Pet Adoption Program

April 29, 2013 | Comments Off on Seniors for Seniors Pet Adoption Program

Pets have been proven to lower health risks of their owners, not to mention they make excellent companions.  But for some seniors, they don’t see getting a pet as a possibility.  Often, they can’t imagine handling the care that a puppy or kitten deserves. Luckily many shelters have a “Seniors for Seniors” program.  Seniors for Seniors matches older adults to senior cats and dogs for fostering or adoption.  Having an older pet is helpful as they are often house-trained and more subdued than younger pets.  If the elderly person is living at home, the pet can add safety and security
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Tips to Discuss Senior Care Options

Tips to Discuss Senior Care Options

April 24, 2013 | Comments Off on Tips to Discuss Senior Care Options

Approaching the subject of senior care support can be difficult, especially if the senior has a mental illness.  It is estimated that nearly 20% of the senior population has a mental illness such as dementia, bipolar disorder, and depression.  The adult children of these seniors often feel extra stress as caregivers and eventually seek care support.  But bringing up the subject can be challenging. how to learn Chinese But there are some ways that you can ease the tension. Start calm.  Emotions may get high as the conversation progresses, but it’s best to begin when everyone is in a relaxed
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Looking at transitional care through the eyes of family caregivers

Looking at transitional care through the eyes of family caregivers

February 21, 2013 | Comments Off on 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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Managing unexpected health-care costs in retirement

Managing unexpected health-care costs in retirement

February 6, 2013 | Comments Off on Managing unexpected health-care costs in retirement

Preparing for retirement can be a career-long endeavor, but no matter the level of preparedness, retirees can sometimes be faced with issues that they never could have planned for. Often, those unexpected items fall under the umbrella of health-care costs and needs. For many retirees over the age of 65, Medicare is the primary source of coverage. When supplemental coverage is needed, it can often come in the form of employer plans and individual Medigap policies or HMOs. The recommendations from the Society of Actuaries, however, include other outlets that retirees can look to when faced with unexpected costs. Therefore,
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Let Freedom Home Care help during your next out-patient procedure

Let Freedom Home Care help during your next out-patient procedure

January 25, 2013 | No Comments

No matter a person’s age, surgery can truly take a toll. But for older individuals, recovery can be even more difficult, which is why many out-patient procedures are a good choice for seniors. Because they do not require an overnight stay in a hospital and because they are often more affordable, many seniors are relieved when an out-patient procedure is an option. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that the process is simple. Often times, there are pre-procedure plans that must be implemented properly – and independently – by a patient. Travel to and from the appointment can sometimes be a
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Introducing the Homestead at Morton Grove

Introducing the Homestead at Morton Grove

December 11, 2012 | No Comments

Earlier this week, we here at Freedom Home Care reported the opening of our new Wellness Center at the Homestead at Morton Grove. We mentioned how the new facility is geared at improving the lives of Freedom Home Care patients as well as those residing at the Homestead. Today, however, we would like to take the opportunity to introduce the Homestead and explain why we chose to work in conjunction with such a reputable organization. As its name indicates, The Homestead at Morton Grove has the ability to make retirees feel just as much at home as they ever did.
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Discovering how around-the-clock peace of mind happens with FHC

Discovering how around-the-clock peace of mind happens with FHC

December 4, 2012 | No Comments

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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