Archives for Senior Care

Freedom Home Care offers relief to family caregivers

Freedom Home Care offers relief to family caregivers

December 3, 2012 | No Comments

The responsibility of caring for an aging loved one can weigh heavily on a family member. Often times, these caregivers hold full-time jobs on top of the full-time obligation that comes with providing support to those who can no longer care for themselves. And as many know, this type of situation can produce a large amount of stress. No matter the factors, stress is a powerful force that can wreak havoc on the body and mind if not tended to properly. Although it may sound implausible, taking a break from caregiving is essential to alleviate growing strains on a person’s
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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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Tips to winterize a home for our aging loved ones

Tips to winterize a home for our aging loved ones

October 1, 2012 | Comments Off on Tips to winterize a home for our aging loved ones

Although fall is just now beginning to show us its true colors, it’s not too early to start thinking about winter weather conditions. And that is especially true when there are aging loved in our lives who are living alone. Living alone during the coldest part of the year can be difficult and even dangerous if the proper preparation isn’t set into motion. According to AgingParentRescue.com, normal everyday tasks become harder for seniors living alone when temperatures drop. Likewise, worries about frozen pipes and the expense to keep the house warm can be incredibly stressful. Therefore, it is imperative to
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How to be at ease with a new in-home caregiver

How to be at ease with a new in-home caregiver

September 27, 2012 | Comments Off on How to be at ease with a new in-home caregiver

Family members will often take on the added responsibility of taking care of an aging loved so as to not bring a caregiver into the home. Often the burden can be too great, but because of apprehension surrounding potential in-home care candidates, family members feel that they do not have any other choice. essay writing By understanding the demographics of the caregiver community, however, and by knowing the high level of standards placed on Freedom Home Care during the hiring process, we hope to diminish some of those uncertainties. As we here at Freedom Home Care have explained in past
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What is a geriatrician and how do I know if one is needed?

What is a geriatrician and how do I know if one is needed?

September 12, 2012 | No Comments

For senior citizens or anyone caring for an older individual, many of the signs of aging can be quite obvious. The ways to deal with those signs, however, might not be as clear. Whether it be depression, incontinence, arthritis or an increase in falls, a common question is whether the long-time family doctor has the necessary experience to provide proper care and advice. At some point in time, a visit to a geriatrician may be a good idea. But what is a geriatrician and how do I know if it’s worth it to add another doctor to the mix? According
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Preventing the unforeseeable through the Affordable Care Act

Preventing the unforeseeable through the Affordable Care Act

September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Preventing the unforeseeable through the Affordable Care Act

Before the weather turns cool and the fall season makes its official appearance, people are already talking about flu vaccinations. And it's no surprise, considering that changing temperatures can serve as breeding grounds for a whole host of illnesses. But thanks to the Affordable Care Act, seniors with Medicare are able to receive preventive services such as flu vaccinations, screenings, immunizations and advice to help them stay healthy. order generic viagra During the first six months of 2012, 16 million people have already taken advantage of these now free preventative services. And of those 16 million, more than 1 million
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Asking the right questions regarding in-home care

Asking the right questions regarding in-home care

August 24, 2012 | Comments Off on Asking the right questions regarding in-home care

Communication is truly the key to a successful in-home-care environment. As we mentioned in yesterday’s post, developing a plan before the need arises can ease the stress involved with transitioning into one’s twilight years. Therefore, creating an open forum for discussion within the family is essential when it comes to the specifics of everyday care. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, the first step in exploring care options is identifying what is most important to your aging loved one. “Projecting into the future is difficult, but it is important to educate yourself about choices and communicate how you feel about
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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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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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