Caring for an older loved one with dementia can sometimes be difficult. But what makes it even more challenging is deciding who will handle the responsibility of your senior’s financial obligations when they’re no longer able to do it themselves. FHC searched and found advice that suggests that starting the financial planning process early not only helps alleviate more stress and fear, but also allows older loved ones the chance to participate in the decision-making at an earlier stage in their diagnosis. Organizations like alz.org that are advocates in the fight against Alzheimer’s, recommend first creating a long-term budget. They
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Posts by Freedom Home Care
Protecting Seniors in Rising Temperatures
Many people are unaware of the dangers associated with hyperthermia and the growing number of heat-induced emergency room visits and deaths seniors experience every year. And it’s not likely to get any better in the near future, as summer temperatures seem to be steadily increasing. Hyperthermia is recognized in several forms: heat cramps, heat edema, heat syncope, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Of these, the most common types seniors experience are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Older Americans are particularly susceptible to hyperthermia because of existing health conditions and chronic illness. According to a Harvard School of Public Health study
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Ways to Help Protect Your Senior Against Fraud
With age, comes good times, great memories and lots of wisdom and fulfillment. As more and more Baby Boomers begin to reach the age of retirement, the likelihood of scammers and con artists attempting to use financial schemes to target seniors receiving personalized elder care, grows. Freedom Home Care did some digging and found out that according to the National Council on Aging, while the number of older Americans falling victim to fraud is rising at alarming rates, 90 percent of elder abuse associated with finances happens involving another family member. Because they are more to likely to have savings
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Join Us for the Upcoming Backyard Bash at Highland Park Senior Center – August 12th
Since 1976, the Highland Park Senior Center has been servicing the needs of seniors of the Highland Park community. Built in 1929, the renovated facility was dedicated as the center’s location by General Robert E. Wood, providing recreational, cultural, educational, health and counseling services for seniors, while advocating their overall well-being. A division of the city of Highland Park, the Highland Park Senior Center provides important services that include housing and transportation, crisis intervention, counseling and advice,support groups, home and hospital visits and referrals for Chicago caregiver services. It also offers activities and entertainment likeaerobics, educational lectures, luncheons, and social
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Discussing Dementia with Family and Friends
Dementia is an illness that can affect everyone that it comes in contact with. Everyday can be a new challenge for both dementia patients receiving outpatient services and their loved ones. It may also be harder for some to accept the diagnosis than others, but it doesn’t lessen the effects of the disease. Although progression in patients is slow, family members can use the time that they spend with their loved one to understand the diagnosis and communicate to the rest of the family the changes that are gradually taking place. Dementia can be managed if properly handled, allowing loved
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Tips for Choosing the Right Walking Cane
Choosing the right cane requires a little more planning than most people can imagine. Before investing in a cane or walker, seniors should first identify the reason they need walking support, if they need it to support their full weight and the appropriate type, size, and fit of the device. Canes and walkers provide different levels of support for the person using them. They can be beneficial to seniors with pain, weakness and problems balancing on their own. They’re also helpful in avoiding falls and providing extra support when needed. And according to Lori Ramage, physical therapist and the Joint Club
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Smart Phones Designed to Make Life Simpler for Seniors
One of the unfortunate things about getting older is that hearing, eyesight and mobility slowly begin to wane. This can make it more difficult for many seniors receiving arthritis care or post surgery home care to utilize some of the most common everyday devices, such a cell phone. As technology evolves, smart phones, pcs and tablets are quickly becoming the way we stay in touch and communicate. These advances make it easier for the majority of people to use tech devices, but that’s not always the case. Many companies are beginning to realize that the average “smart” phone lacks the
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Equipment Free Exercises For Seniors
Exercise is ideal for maintaining good health, losing weight, and staying in shape. But as we age, our body begin to lose muscle mass. Sarcopenia or the loss of muscle, is the responsible for fractures, falls, low bone mineral density and insulin resistance. For seniors, strength training is not only key to fighting these deficiencies, but it’s also an effective way to build muscle, burn calories, and increase stamina and agility. In one study, a group of people in their 60’s, 70’s and 80’s developed a strength training routine. Soon after, they noticed improvement in bone density, faster metabolism, greater
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Three Reasons Your Senior Loved One Needs a Pet
The benefits of owning a pet are worth their weight in gold. From lowered anxiety to boosted immunity, people young and old often reap the rewards of having man’s best friend by their side. And for seniors, research shows that many people actually experience better changes in their overall health from being exposed to animals. In fact, doctors say that whether you’re receiving in home care services or post-surgery home care, there are a number of physiological and psychological benefits that come from spending time with a pet. Here are a few that Freedom Home Care came up with. Increased
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Summer Activities for Seniors
There are tons of ways to stay active and keep fit this summer. And just as every senior has a different personality, their hobbies and interests vary, as well. Summer is the perfect time to indulge in some of the things your loved one likes to do. So Freedom Home Care wanted to come up with a list of fun, safe activities you and your loved can actually enjoy doing together. Go Fishing It’s always beautiful out this time of year. It’s even better if you live near a river, lake or some place else that allows you to
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