Archives for chicago

Being aware to take care – identifying the risk factors behind dementia

  As we’ve mentioned in past blog posts, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease vary in the sense that one is an effect of the other. Although Alzheimer’s is a disease that to date has no cure, there are many factors that lead to dementia that can be controlled. Some, of those factors, such as being genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s, can’t be changed. However, there are ways to reduce the chances of experiencing dementia. The Mayo Clinic has multiple suggestions as to how to do so and offered up the following guidelines: Alcohol use. Consuming large amounts of alcohol appears to increase the risk of
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Chicago’s MOPD asks, “Can you hear us now?”

With the goal of keeping Illinois residents connected, the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities has made free amplified phone, teletypewriters (TTYs) and CapTel devices available to qualified individuals through the Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation. With no age or income restrictions, we here at Freedom Home Care believe that it is a service that many of our clients could benefit from. The only criteria required to qualify for the program are as follows: Being a legal resident of Illinois Filling out the program application (available at MOPD’s two locations) Having standard phone service in residence (land-line) Having a difficult time
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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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Freedom Home Care presents Conney’s Pharmacy as December’s guest speaker

When it comes to personal health, knowledge equates to better physical well-being. And that is exactly why we here at Freedom Home Care have invited Conney’s Pharmacy out of Winnetka, Ill., to be our December guest speaker at our new Wellness Center at The Homestead at Morton Grove. Mark Jacobs, the owner and pharmacist at Conney’s Pharmacy, will give a comprehensive presentation on several aspects of health that affect the young and elderly alike. In his presentation, Mark will touch on several topics, including: 1. Blood Pressure 2. Heart Problems 3. Anxiety & Sleep Issues 4. Medication Costs 5. Storing
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Introducing the Homestead at Morton Grove

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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Freedom Home Care opens the doors to its new Wellness Center

It has been about one month since Freedom Home Care established its first Wellness Center located at The Homestead at Morton Grove. And since the Nov. 5th grand opening, residents have had the opportunity to experience healthcare with a holistic approach. “Our new Wellness Center is a great place for residents and their family members to come in and get their questions answered, as well as obtain help with the challenges of daily living,” said Jacqueline Lotzof, director of business development at Freedom Home Care. As we reported in previous blog posts this month, the new Wellness Center has already hosted
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Freedom Home Care, Conney’s Pharmacy host flu shot clinic

Some individuals might think that it’s too late to get a flu shot, but according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there’s still plenty of time. Flu shots can be beneficial even after the holiday season is over. And they’re incredibly important for those over the age of 65. Freedom Home Care understands the health benefits that come from getting flu vaccinations every year, which is why we partnered with Conney’s Pharmacy in Winnetka, Ill., to host a flu shot clinic this week at the Homestead at Morton Grove. For anyone who may have missed the clinic,
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Knowing when it’s time to take the keys away from aging parents

As the elderly loved ones in our lives get older, it pains us nearly as much as it pains them to watch as they slowly lose their independence. And losing the privilege to drive is one of the most prominent and difficult-to-accept signs of aging. Although seniors may put up a fight when the time comes to take away the keys, their safety and the safety of others is at risk. Talking to an elderly individual about why they can no longer operate a vehicle won’t be easy. But if empathy and sensitivity are employed, it can be possible. Broaching
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Freedom Home Care to sponsor First Class Care training program

Freedom Home Care is happy to announce that it will sponsor First Class Care’s in-house training program, the First Class Care Academy. First Class Care, a full-service domestic placement agency in Illinois, helps families throughout the state find top-notch nannies, newborn care specialists, babysitters, housekeepers, personal assistants, house managers and chefs. The First Class Care Academy covers a wide variety of professional development courses, enabling individuals to take their service careers to the next level. The year-long sponsorship perfectly aligns with Freedom Home Care’s core strengths, which lie in providing quality care to those in need. Freedom Home Care has
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Determining the level of care your aging loved one needs

When the people closest to us in life begin to show signs of aging, it’s natural to question what that means for their current and future well-being. And when those questions arise, open lines of communication should quickly be established. In an earlier Freedom Home Care blog post, we looked at PBS’s Caring for your Parents web page, which said that “ideally these conversations should happen before there is a crisis.” If an elder's ability to do certain things begins to diminish, it’s important to talk openly and soon, keeping in mind that often, they will be relieved to talk
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