Archives for Freedom Home Care

The NCOA debunks the myths of older adult falls

The NCOA debunks the myths of older adult falls

August 6, 2012 | Comments Off on The NCOA debunks the myths of older adult falls

The National Council on Aging is a great resource for older individuals as well as for the people who take care of them. Therefore, we here at Freedom Home Care tend to visit the NCOA’s website with a fair amount of frequency. When we stumbled on the article, “Debunking the Myths of Older Adult Falls,” we knew we had to share it with the regular visitors of our blogs. We hope you find it to be as enlightening as we did: Myth 1: Falling happens to other people, not to me. Reality: Many people think, “It won't happen to me.” But
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Celebrating Chicago’s North Shore communities

Celebrating Chicago’s North Shore communities

August 3, 2012 | Comments Off on Celebrating Chicago’s North Shore communities

More than 150 years ago, Europeans settled in what are now known as Chicago’s North Shore communities. After an 1833 treaty with local Native Americans, the area was free for the picking. Towns like Evanston rose up once Northwestern University opened its doors in 1855 and even more emerged upon the founding of Lake Forest College two years later. After the devastation of the Great Chicago Fire, city dwellers escaped to its quiet neighborhoods, building mansions and beautiful homes that still line the streets today. Ever since, the tight-knit communities have welcomed even more residents to raise families and open
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Tips to help aging individuals cope with extreme heat

Tips to help aging individuals cope with extreme heat

August 2, 2012 | Comments Off on Tips to help aging individuals cope with extreme heat

This summer has been brutal – temperature-wise. In a recent blog post, Tom Skilling, Chicago’s favorite forecaster, reminded residents just how hot it's been. If we crack the 90-degree marker 11 more times, he said, we will tie the 24-year record for the most days over 90 degrees. And considering that Chicago’s five-day forecast calls for three days of above-90 temps, it looks like we just might do it. Despite the fact that the worst is behind us, it’s still a good idea to be reminded of the health risks that this type of weather can pose to aging individuals. Hypothermia,
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Feel comfortable and confident with your loved one's caregiver

Feel comfortable and confident with your loved one's caregiver

August 1, 2012 | Comments Off on Feel comfortable and confident with your loved one's caregiver

When your loved one opens his or her home to a new caregiver, the No. 1 hope is for that individual to become not only an aid but a friend, as well. A recent study, however, revealed that hiring a caregiver can open up the unfortunate opportunity to a host of concerns. The study, recently published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society and funded by the National Institute on Aging, revealed poor hiring and screening practices by home-care agencies around the nation. According to an article published by NextAvenue.com, which summarized the study’s findings, including the responses of 180
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Competing in the 2012 Olympic Games at age 71

Competing in the 2012 Olympic Games at age 71

July 30, 2012 | Comments Off on Competing in the 2012 Olympic Games at age 71

Hiroshi Hoketsu of Japan, pictured here, is 71 years old and is, believe it or not, competing at the 2012 London Olympics in the individual dressage for Japan's equestrian team. According to an article recently published by the Huffington Post, Hoketsu isn’t just the oldest athlete to compete at London 2012; he's the oldest one to do so in the last 92 years. As we have come to understand, staying active at a later age in life is not just important; it is imperative. And physical activity isn’t just good for aging individuals; it’s good for people of all ages. Simple
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The joy of knitting

The joy of knitting

July 27, 2012 | Comments Off on The joy of knitting

In this video, Jane Pauley introduces viewers to Betsy Lee McCarthy, knitting extraordinaire. McCarthy was such an avid knitter, in fact, that she left her high-paying day job at age 57 in order to launch a new career – and one that she considered her life-long passion. Making the transition wasn’t easy, but McCarthy was finally able to make financial sense out of her life-changing decision. She wrote the book Knit Socks, and it sold an astounding 65,000 copies. And although McCarthy hasn’t officially retired, she is teac buy cheap levitra online hing the craft to many who are. Take
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10 facts about the nation's aging population

10 facts about the nation's aging population

July 26, 2012 | Comments Off on 10 facts about the nation's aging population

In a report published by the National Institute on Aging, it was said that we as a planet are living longer and healthier lives. And although this is a testament to better diets, better living conditions and an overall better understanding of the human body and what it needs to live to its fullest, an older population also carries significant challenges with it. “Longer lives must be planned for,” the report reminds us. “Societal aging may affect economic growth and many other issues, including the sustainability of families, the ability of states and communities to provide resources for older citizens,
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Three straightfoward questions to ask a potential caregiver

Three straightfoward questions to ask a potential caregiver

July 24, 2012 | Comments Off on Three straightfoward questions to ask a potential caregiver

When it comes to choosing a caregiver for your aging loved one, there are a lot of options. And we here at Freedom Home Care understand that it is not an easy decision to make. Therefore, to make the transition easier, we offer free in-home consultations in order for you to learn more about our services and to do so face to face. During the meeting – or while interviewing any potential caregiver – it’s important to ask the right questions. TodaysSeniors.com, a website dedicated to providing tips, news and advice plus reverse mortgage and Medicare tools for seniors and
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Getting assistance for your aging loved one

Getting assistance for your aging loved one

July 23, 2012 | Comments Off on Getting assistance for your aging loved one

At some point in time all children will be faced with the realization that their parents are getting old – and perhaps too old to care of themselves on their own. Before that day comes, it’s worthwhile to prepare. And thankfully, there are many outlets to take advantage of so that you don’t have to go it alone. These 10 programs (compiled by AgingCare.com) can offer so much and really require so little. All it usually takes is filling out an online application. So before you become overwhelmed with the financial and mental obligations that come with helping to care
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FHC finds value in Illinois' Continuity of Care organization

FHC finds value in Illinois' Continuity of Care organization

July 20, 2012 | Comments Off on FHC finds value in Illinois' Continuity of Care organization

With locations in Oak Brook, Buffalo Grove, Grayslake, Highland Park, Hinsdale and Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, Freedom Home Care has a strong foothold in the Chicagoland area. The vast coverage was set in place to deliver the very best care possible for patients. Memberships in the Chicago, Northwest and Lake/McHenry chapters of Continuity of Care further supports that initiative. According to Continuity of Care, an Illinois healthcare association, “What makes the membership essential is the group’s ability to enhance the concept of continuity of care as both an essential part of the health care continuum and as integral to total patient
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