The month of love isn’t just about caring for your Valentine, but for caring about yourself and your heart. While February 14 is often the highlight for retailers around town, in the realm of health, February is important because it is the federally designated American Heart Month. Around each hospital and home care agency alike, instruction and attention is focused on heart health throughout the month—ever since February 1964, when cardiovascular disease was the cause of more than half of the deaths in the U.S. Today it’s still responsible for about one in four deaths, but the good
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Posts by Freedom Home Care
How To Thank A Caregiver
When you think about all the things a caregiver does, it can be overwhelming—an ordinary thank you card doesn’t seem to do them justice. The very definition of a caregiver is someone that is constantly “doing for others,” but that doesn’t mean they don’t need something special for themselves every now and then. This month, with National Caregivers Day on February 16, give your caregiver a little extra love. If you’re unsure of how exactly to say “Thank You,” here are a few ways to give back: Deliver A Handwritten Note Expressing your gratitude does not have to be
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Valentine's Day Ideas for Seniors
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and you’ve been trying to decide what to get your loved one for the holiday. But how do you purchase a gift for that special someone that seems to have everything? As we get older, our interests and needs change. Perhaps the typical flowers and candy don’t appeal as much anymore. Maybe the socks from holidays’ past seem to be piling up in your significant other’s drawer. If that’s the case, experts suggest offering your love gifts that help create “experiences” instead of just adding to their “stuff.” Does your love enjoy theatrical
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Valentine's Day Crafts to Try
There’s an undeniable feeling of love in the air. That’s when you know that Valentine’s Day is near. And it’s the perfect time to show the seniors in your life just how much you care. As children get older, they tend to move away from parents and other family members. If they are not able to benefit from the services of a professional home care agency, elderly loved ones may experience loneliness and isolation while living alone during the holidays. Some may be emotionally distant from those closest to them, while others with mobility issues may be physically unable to travel
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Senior Flu Prevention Tips
Influenza A and B are the usual suspects for the flu each year. And according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), between 54 to 70 percent of people age 65 and older who contract the virus are hospitalized annually. Statistics also show that seniors are more likely to suffer from flu complications than younger people. And with the record breaking cold temperatures we’ve been experiencing here in the U.S., now more than ever, it’s important to take the proper precautions to keep your senior safe and in optimal health. If you’re not sure exactly how to help your loved
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Winter Activities for Seniors
“Baby, it’s cold outside.” And for those seniors who live in climates where the weather often reaches freezing temperatures, the days can seem longer as something as simple as a taking a trip to the grocery store has become nothing short of an artic adventure. So in order to help warm up those long, winter days, Freedom Home Care found a few activities that not only will your loved one enjoy – but if they are receiving personalized elder care from a home care agency – can be done in the comfort of their own home. Crafts If your senior is the artsy type, now is the perfect
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Therapies to Help with Aging
According to the American Psychological Association of America one out of four people over 65 will live longer than 90 years of age. Now imagine the various needs of each of these adults by that time. Some experience unfortunate changes in health including chronic conditions and diseases. Others may no longer have the ability to complete daily activities like bathing or eating. While others may notice a decline in cognition and mental health. And just as people are unique, their needs also require a very different solution. For those older adults who encounter changes in mobility following an accident, injury or serious health
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Elder Care Planning
Elder care planning involves a plan of action that not only involves communicating an older loved one’s choices in their personal, physical and financial matters, but also aids family members, caregivers and advocates in helping them plan the final years of life. Although it may be a difficult conversation to have, the long-term care and comfort of your loved one is something that should be discussed and planned out by everyone involved out well in advance. Because there are so many important topics to cover – from money management, home care agencies and senior assisted living, to retirement income, savings and
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What to Look for When Choosing the Right Senior Care
Choosing a home care agency that you are confident in providing quality care for a loved one does not have to be a daunting task. It may involve an assessment of needs, compatibility check, informal interviews, calls and meetings. But searching for the right senior care agency will ultimately benefit both you and your loved one, as they will provide meaningful support that helps both parties enjoy life and relax a little more. Just remind yourself of this anytime the search feels overwhelming. When you start the search for a care agency, here are a few things to consider
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Winterize to Prevent Falls
When the winter weather comes, safe paths can become treacherous. Slick surfaces pose new hazards and everyone has to get a little more careful. Each year, it’s estimated that about one in every four adults over 65 years will fall, with nearly 2.8 million seniors needing treatment in emergency departments. Don’t let the winter be at fault for a fall, instead take the following tips to winterize and prevent falls from happening. Get Your Gear In Order The first order of business is making sure proper footwear is on hand. Shoes with firm soles and good traction are optimal
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