Archives for FDA

How the health care industry will be affected by the sequester

Whether it be through reductions to defense or governmental staffing, tomorrow marks the day that the sequester cuts go into effect. It is yet again an issue that has Americans – and especially retirees – quite anxious. Sources say that Medicare won’t be directly affected, however, the trickle-down affect may cause rumbles to the system. According to an article published by U.S. News, there are three key areas that are cause for health care concern: 1. Hospitals: Decreases in Medicare reimbursement for hospitals and skilled nursing facilities are set to total nearly $4.5 billion, or about $1.3 million for the
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Research reveals that Alzheimer’s treatments should come much earlier

Earlier this month, we here at Freedom Home Care posted a blog about what to expect from a cognition assessment performed by a physician. We mentioned that failing memory can be a typical part of the aging process, but we also made note that it can be a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease. Assessing that risk early on is now more important than ever, according to the National Public Radio. In a recent article, the editors at NPR said that treatments have actually shown positive results when administered long before the signs of Alzheimer’s emerge. “Once you start to lose a
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10 questions to ask your healthcare provider about prescription medication

In a recent Freedom Home Care blog, we posted a video from the UCSF’s Memory and Aging Center that covered the importance of understanding the side effects of prescription medication. No matter the drug – be it synthetic or natural – there is always a chance that it will produce an unwanted effect. The possibility for that increases when a patient is taking more than one prescription, considering that those drugs have the potential for interacting with one another. “This does not imply that the drugs are bad, but rather that they should be used carefully in order to reap
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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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