Posts by Freedom Home Care

Set expectations up front; get great results for the long run

Set expectations up front; get great results for the long run

November 16, 2012 | No Comments

When the time comes for an aging loved to hire an in-home caregiver, there are often times a handful of concerns to address. Many of those are in regard to whether a good relationship can be forged between the senior and the new caregiver. To set minds at ease, however, there are a few methods to implement to facilitate positive rapport. And it all begins with clarifying expectations. As long as both parties are clear about certain preferences, the possibility for misunderstandings or disputes down the road is greatly reduced. “Start by setting the right tone for the conversation,” explains
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Medicare – Is it time for a personal change?

Medicare – Is it time for a personal change?

November 14, 2012 | No Comments

As we here at Freedom Home Care outlined in a recent blog post, there are several different facets surrounding Medicare and what it can offer an individual. Additionally, individuals’ needs are prone to change and with it, so should their Medicare coverage. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website, individuals have the opportunity to change their health plans and prescription drug coverage between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7. Therefore, the time is now to make assessments and then make the necessary adjustments, if need be. Information on 2013 plans are now available online to help with the
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6 ways Freedom Home Care helps you get back home

6 ways Freedom Home Care helps you get back home

November 13, 2012 | No Comments

There’s nothing better than sleeping in your bed or being in the comfort of your own home. After a hospital stay, however, getting back home can be quite the big task. Therefore, getting re-acclimated and settled in can sometimes require help from others. And that’s where Freedom Home Care Home can help. The FHC Sweet Home Program was put in place to make the return home so much easier. It was designed to assist patients and their families transitioning from any environment back to their personal place of residence. Here are six ways that FHC’s in-home caregivers can help: 1.
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AARP offers Veterans Day discount

AARP offers Veterans Day discount

November 12, 2012 | No Comments

For people age 50 and over, there are few organizations that achieve the same results or offer the same benefits as AARP. Being an AARP member offers volunteering opportunities, numerous shopping and travel discounts, health and financial insurance products as well as access to various programs and events like AARP’s Driver Safety courses. Starting Nov. 10 and running until Nov. 17, AARP is offering a 30 percent membership discount for veterans. The discount is also available for their families. And each of the new memberships will come with a 10 percent donation to the USO Warrior and Family Care Program,
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The nuts and bolts of Medicare

The nuts and bolts of Medicare

November 9, 2012 | No Comments

It’s not often that a person is asked to define Medicare. And for the most part, we should all be relieved, considering the myriad aspects that have recently been under scrutiny. As for now, however, Medicare is in tact and in a very similar fashion to how it was originally intended when the program launched in 1965. In case an individual is indeed faced with the questions, “what is Medicare?” or “How and when will I use it?” it’s good to know the basics. So, watch the following video, which is short and easy to understand. It gives a quick
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Taking a Social Security snapshot of Illinois

Taking a Social Security snapshot of Illinois

November 8, 2012 | No Comments

AARP has been providing the nation with resources related to its aging population since 1958. Since then, it has been a first stop for those over 65 wishing to improve their health, financial status or general way of life. In addition to providing articles and advice, the organization also produces a wealth of statistics that can offer senior citizens a better of idea of what the larger aging community is experiencing. In that regard, we here at Freedom Home Care are dedicating today’s blog to Social Security at the Illinois state level, care of AARP. 2012 Social Security Quick Facts
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Taking a bite out of health care costs – after Election Day

Taking a bite out of health care costs – after Election Day

November 7, 2012 | No Comments

Rising health care costs are a concern for most Americans. And it’s especially true for senior citizens. With Election Day at our backs, however, the nation can again begin to address the issues that were seemingly put on hold while the candidates were on the campaign trail. In an article published today on the Crain’s Chicago Business website, editor Andrew L. Wang opened up the discussion of what the future may have in store for health care affordability. “Few expect major changes to the law’s fundamental pillars — the individual mandate, which requires most individuals to have health insurance, and
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Overcoming the great digital divide

Overcoming the great digital divide

November 6, 2012 | No Comments

It’s not uncommon for the elderly loved ones in our lives to feel frustrated with today’s technology. After all, much of the new devices and tech tools seem to be geared more toward the younger generations. “What’s developing is a digital divide,” said Ken Dychtwald in a recent NY Times article. “New technologies are largely oriented to people under the age of 50. If you’re older than that, you have to muster the courage to ask your family how things work.” Dychtwald is the chief executive of Age Wave, a research and consulting organization that focuses on population aging, and
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Understanding how dementia differs from Alzheimer’s

Understanding how dementia differs from Alzheimer’s

November 5, 2012 | No Comments

As people get older, it becomes increasingly difficult to remember things. For most elderly individuals, it is an unfortunate fact of aging. In recent years, the term senility, which once referred to difficulties with cognizance, has now been replaced with the term dementia. The problem, however, is that now dementia is too often confused with conditions such as Alzheimer’s. In reality, dementia is merely a symptom of Alzheimer’s and other diseases associated with the brain. “A good analogy to the term dementia is ‘fever,’” explained the editors at AlzheimersReadingRoom.com. “Fever refers to an elevated temperature, indicating that a person is
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Learning the basic movements of Sun tai chi with Dr. Mike Neskovic

Learning the basic movements of Sun tai chi with Dr. Mike Neskovic

November 2, 2012 | No Comments

Yesterday, we here at Freedom Home Care posted a blog about tai chi and the benefits that the ancient form of exercise can offer elderly individuals. Therefore, for today’s blog, we felt compelled to post a video that can get the aging loved ones in our life started on a new path toward exercise and healthy living. The video highlights Sun-style tai chi, which is recognized by the American Arthritis Foundation as the official tai chi for arthritis. When seniors choose to follow along with Dr. Mike Neskovic, they quickly discover that the movements are gracious, slow and rhythmic. The
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