Archives for care plan

Caring for a Childless Relative

As our older loved ones age, the need may arise for assistance from family members, as health concerns leave them unable to be as independent as they once were. Determining the best way to go about meeting the needs of your relative can be difficult without a long-term care plan in place. There are a few things that you can do to help your older one decide what the proper course of action will be for them as an individual – what they expect, what their needs are, if they will need personalized care services, etc. According to the Department
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Plan ahead for when a loved one cannot live independently

At some point in a loved one’s life, independent living may no longer be an option. When the time comes, it’s best if a plan has already been put in place to ensure that comfort levels and health are maintained. According to the Society of Actuaries, it is best to establish a care plan long before the situation arises. “Insurance coverage for long-term care covers disabilities so severe that assistance is needed with daily activities such as bathing, dressing and eating,” explain the editors of a Society of Actuaries report. “Some older policies require a nursing home only or require
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Let Freedom Home Care help during your next out-patient procedure

No matter a person’s age, surgery can truly take a toll. But for older individuals, recovery can be even more difficult, which is why many out-patient procedures are a good choice for seniors. Because they do not require an overnight stay in a hospital and because they are often more affordable, many seniors are relieved when an out-patient procedure is an option. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that the process is simple. Often times, there are pre-procedure plans that must be implemented properly – and independently – by a patient. Travel to and from the appointment can sometimes be a
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Understanding the role of elder mediators

“As society ages, it’s become more common for adult children to provide assistance to their elderly parents,” explained the editor of a Chicago Tribune article. “But making sure that everyone, including the parent, agrees on a care plan can often be a challenge. A new type of go-between, known as an elder mediator, can guide squabbling siblings and elderly parents to solutions before conflicts tear a family apart.” It’s not uncommon for tension to rise as parents or other aging loved ones show signs of needing help. It’s also not rare for family members to be at odds for how
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Determining the level of care your aging loved one needs

When the people closest to us in life begin to show signs of aging, it’s natural to question what that means for their current and future well-being. And when those questions arise, open lines of communication should quickly be established. In an earlier Freedom Home Care blog post, we looked at PBS’s Caring for your Parents web page, which said that “ideally these conversations should happen before there is a crisis.” If an elder's ability to do certain things begins to diminish, it’s important to talk openly and soon, keeping in mind that often, they will be relieved to talk
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