There comes a time in all of our lives where we need to depend on others for help. This might be easier for some people than it is for others – and understandable so. This is also true for our senior loved ones. But there’s a difference in leaning on someone temporarily in a time of need and relying on someone because of a loss of independence. The thought of no longer having control over your own independence can leave you feeling scared, angry, frustrated and alone. It can also adversely impact one’s health and overall well-being. That’s why it’s
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Archives for Senior Care
Brain Cells Keep Growing Well Into Our 70's
You’ve probably heard the old saying that we somehow “lose brain cells” as we age? Well, according to researchers, that’s only part of the story. New studies show that adults can continue to create neurons even in old age. Neurons are simply nerve cells that transport information from one part of the body to the other. There are roughly 86 billion neurons in the human brain. From birth, our bodies create about 250,000 brain cells a minute in order to reach that number. Seniors have the ability to make about 700 hippocampal new neurons every day. That’s encouraging news because
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Tips To Stay Safe During Fireworks Season
Young people aren’t the only ones who enjoy fireworks on the 4th of July. Every year, millions of seniors gather up their lawn chairs, blankets and refreshments to participate in a tradition that has become as American as baseball and apple pie. And whether you’re in New York on New Year’s or in Indiana on Independence Day, being a spectator at a fireworks show can pose some serious hazards without the proper precautions. So, in order to help make this a fun, safe holiday season, Freedom Home Care offers a few tips for you and your older loved one to
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Home Fire Prevention
Every year, more than 1000 seniors die in fires started at home, while 2000 are injured. According to usfa.fema.gov.com, in 2015, incidents with seniors involved in fires were almost 3 times as likely to end in fatality than any other age group in the U.S. And with more older loved ones opting to age-in-place, it’s likely that the number of of fire-related injuries will continue to increase as well. If you have a senior who lives alone or is considering living alone, it’s important that both you and your loved one are familiar with fire safety and are able to
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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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Helping Seniors With Holiday Stress
Filled with lots of love, laughter and special times with family, the holidays are a joyous occasion. But with holiday shopping, dinners and travels things can sometimes get a little stressful for even the most spirited of individuals. This is especially true for older loved ones. It’s important that your senior takes steps to avert some of the unnecessary pressure that can sometimes be associated with the holidays. Here are some ways Freedom Home Care found that you can help make this season a more enjoyable one for you and your family. Plan Ahead A little bit of planning goes
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How To Help Seniors Cope With Cooler Weather
Anyone is prone to the effects of harsh winter weather, especially the elderly. Hypothermia, frostbite, cold/flu and broken bones are only a few of the health issues associated with exposure to cold. Before your senior loved one ventures out this season, be sure they are properly prepared for the cold weather. Here are a few things Freedom Home Care found that will keep your senior safe and warm as the temperature falls. Help Prevent Hypothermia During cold weather, the body’s temperature could drop below 35 degrees or less leading to hypothermia. Hypothermia can cause both multi-system injury and increased mortality.
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Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a Home Health Care Agency
Deciding on a quality home health care agency is important not only for the safety and well-being of your senior but for your peace-of-mind as well. While it might take some planning and a little bit of research to determine which questions to ask, this information can actually help you find the facility that best meets the needs of your loved one. Freedom Home Care did some digging and found some things that might be helpful to know before hiring a home health care agency. Interview the Organizations Experts suggest interviewing the organizations that you’re interested in to get a better idea of
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How to Help a Parent That is Refusing Elder Care
One of the most heartbreaking things that adult children deal with is an aging parent that refuses in-home care. Not only is it heartbreaking, but it can also be the most frustrating. You’ve heard these stories before. Mom claims she doesn’t need help bathing and dressing, even though she struggles to do it herself. Dad doesn’t want anyone driving him to his appointments even though the doctor recommended it. You know your parent needs help, but how do you help a resistant loved one get the personalized elder care that they need? On one hand, you don’t want to force
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How To Care For a Loved One After Surgery
Depending on the procedure, having surgery can be a pretty stressful experience. As caretakers, we’re often concerned about the things that need to be done in preparation of the surgery, how well the procedure goes and what to expect afterward. The healing process itself can be daunting and one that requires a lot of time and assistance from loved ones to aid in a successful recovery. If you’re a caretaker and your senior has just undergone surgery, here are a few things Freedom Home Care found that you can do to relieve the anxiety of caring for someone during their recovery. Ask the Doctor about the Procedure Every surgery requires
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