With snow on the ground, there is officially no doubt that winter has arrived. As the days become shorter and frigidly cold temperatures settle in, it can be easy to stay cooped up inside for the long haul. But even though temperatures may be chilly, it’s important for everyone, including seniors, to keep busy and socialize. Here are a few ideas from us here at Freedom Home Care for some activities for seniors in the winter to keep active and have fun too! · Join a club- Be it a book club or a coin collectors club, finding a group of people with
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Archives for Senior Care
Helping an Elderly Loved One Fight Off the Winter Blues
As the year comes to an end and winter goes into full effect with dreary days and chilly nights, it can be easy to catch the winter blues. Especially for our aging loved ones, this time of year can bring isolation due to loneliness and frigid temperatures. Here at Freedom Home Care we put together a few tips to help your elderly family member or friend fight off the winter blues. Socialization Keep communication open! The days may be shorter and colder, but connecting on a regular basis helps keep spirits up. Another way to help is by assisting seniors
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Considering the Benefits of Home Care
As our loved ones age, the time comes when we may start to consider a higher level of care. This usually happens when the desire for independence is still very strong, but the practicality and safety of home assistance is starting to make more sense. That’s where we at Freedom Home Care can help. Daily activities can become more and more difficult as we age, and chores like shopping, dressing, driving, or bathing can become obstacles to enjoying everyday life. When this time comes, home care provides seniors with health care, non-medical care, and even companionship while still retaining independence
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Make the Switch to a Heart Healthy Diet: 25 Best Foods for Your Heart
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the US. According to the CDC, About 600,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every years, equaling 25% of all deaths. On top of that, every year about 720,000 Americans have a heart attack. But there is great news: doctors confirm that eating the right foods every day can reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Fresh produce is the cornerstone for a heart healthy diet because it helps wipe out free radicals in the bloodstream, protecting blood vessels. The foods listed here are all top-performers in
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Caring for a Loved One with Lung Cancer
The word cancer can hit a person like a ton of bricks, and every year more and more people are diagnosed with various types of cancer including one of the most serious, lung cancer. Although coping with treatment and daily life that goes along with lung cancer isn’t easy. There are a few things you can do to make life a bit more manageable for caregivers and loved ones as well. The American Lung Association notes that a senior with lung cancer can expect a survival rate of 53% when detected early before it has spread to other areas in
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Long-Distance Caregiving: When is it Too Much to Handle?
As lifespans are increasing and the number of seniors is growing in America, we are seeing the children who are acting as caregivers being torn between two places: where the caregiver lives and where the senior lives. While long-distance care-giving can work for a time with regular visits, it often breaks down when emergencies happen. What if the senior injures himself? What if he or she falls and can’t get up? The worries never stop for a long-distance caregiver. And often the caregiver must then make a difficult choice: Should you move closer to your elderly loved one or should
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Technology: Improving Quality of Life for Seniors with Hearing Loss
If you are a senior experiencing hearing loss, you aren’t alone. One in three seniors over the age of 60 has some form of hearing loss, and the number jumps to one in two for those over 85. And while not being able to hear clearly can be frustrating and inconvenient, technology is improving seniors’ quality of life, especially when it comes to hearing loss. Here are two ways technology is helping today’s seniors suffering from hearing loss: 1. Cochlear Implants. Just a few years back, if you had hearing loss due to damage of the tiny hairs in the
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Playing Games for a Sharper Brain
Does playing games cause bigger brains and sharper thinking, or are those who already have healthier brains more likely to play games? This chicken or egg question is something that scientists have been wondering for some time. The popular theory is that the mental activity of playing games exercises the brain in such a way that deters dementia. But, another theory says that those who already have sharper minds and have a mental reserve of sorts are inclined towards game playing and naturally less susceptible to suffering from dementia. However, in either case, doctors can agree on one thing –
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3 Reasons Seniors Fall That Can Be Avoided
About one-third of all seniors over 65 will have a fall this year. Many are left with serious injuries requiring medical attention and perhaps hospitalization. Staying safe from falls is more than just trying to be careful. A better prevention is knowing exactly why seniors fall and overcoming those obstacles. Here are three reasons: 1. Fear. After a senior’s first serious fall, they can become afraid of falling again. Their fear could cause them to avoid activities and become something of a couch potato. But, as we know, less activity can lead to obesity, stiffness of joints, weak muscles, and
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5 Ways for Seniors to Beat the Summer Heat
Summer is the season to be outdoors, visit with friends, and enjoy the sunshine. But the summer heat and sun can also make it dangerous for seniors. Are you being safe enough this summer? Here at Freedom Home Care, we understand how important it is for seniors to be careful on extremely hot days. Our caregivers can help senior clients avoid dangerous situations and stay safe. Ask yourself these 5 questions and see if you are staying safe in the summer heat. Or if you have a loved one who is elderly, see if they are following these 5 safety
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