Archives for Senior Care Chicago

The Pros of Home Health Care Over Assisted Living

When it’s Time to Address Greater Care for Loved Ones How best to care for older adults becomes an increasingly pressing question for loved ones and caretakers. Whether health care is needed because an elder is recovering from injury or dealing with the aging process the desire to stay at home is almost universal. Even if another kind of health care situation will be needed, home health care is a comfortable way to transition to more active and involved help and health care. It’s meeting those in need of home health care where they are at: at home.   Pros
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At Home Crafts This Summer

Whether it is a rainy day out and you’re looking for something to do, or you are babysitting the grandkids and want to keep them entertained, at home crafts are a great idea to do this summer- especially given the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out our list of at home crafts this summer from all of us at Freedom Home Care! Not only are at home crafts a fun way to keep busy, there are also a few added health benefits to doing them. When painting, knitting and being creative, you are stimulating your brain and enhancing your cognitive abilities. Whatever
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The History of National Nurses Week

National Nurses Week has been around for as long as some can remember, but the process took almost more than half a century. With the week quickly approaching and over soon, we at Freedom Home Care would like to tell you a little about its’ history.   So, from your home care agency, here it is! In 1953 a woman by the name of Dorothy Sutherland who worked for the US Department of Health proposed an idea to have a Nurse Day for the next year. On the 100th anniversary of Nightingale’s Crimean mission, Nurses Week took place.   Moving
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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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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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Ways to Care for Parent or Spouse with Technology

Statistics show that more than 75 percent of the wealth in the United States is controlled by people over 50. The irony in that fact is that according to the Pew Research Center, 92 percent of young people aged 18-29 own a smart phone, while 74 percent of people aged 50-64 own one as well as 42 percent of those aged 65 and older. But to be fair, 97 percent of Americans in the 50-65 or older age group and 80 percent of seniors aged 65 and older own a cell phone of some type. This means that although most
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Preparing a Loved One with Dementia for Surgery

Life can be difficult for patients who live with dementia. Many times they suffer from conditions such as depression, short attention span, difficulty concentrating and planning and memory loss and confusion. And the possibility of having to undergo surgery, can be a traumatic experience – worsening some of the symptoms your loved one may already be experiencing. It’s normal for families to be apprehensive about the effects of anesthesia on seniors with the disease. They may fear that the drugs administered prior to surgery may cause or exacerbate memory loss and changes in behavior. What’s important to understand is that
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When Friends Become Caregivers

As the population of aging adults increases in the U.S., the role of caregiver has become increasingly more important. Research shows that seniors are the fastest growing segment in the country – of those, the number of people 85 and older is outpacing any other age group. And soon, baby boomers will come of age causing a rapid increase in people aged 65-84. It’s inevitable that as Americans get older, the number or people with long-term health conditions rises and the number of people requiring personalized elder care goes up with it. Today, over 50 percent of Americans aged 65
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Is Laughter the Best Medicine?

Who knew that a good laugh was a lot like a moderate workout? Well, according to psychologist and laugh therapist, Steve Wilson, MA, CSP we change our physiological state when we laugh. Our muscles stretch, the pulse and blood pressure go up, breathing increases sending more oxygen to the tissues. Wilson says when you combine laughter and movement it boosts the heart rate. And researchers say that 10-15 minutes of laughter can burn almost 50 calories. Other ways that laughter can be beneficial to the health of your older loved one is that it helps boost the immune system.  A
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Winter Safety Tips for Seniors

Slips, trips and falls become even more common for seniors during the winter months. But problems associated with balance and mobility aren’t the only dangers that older loved ones face when the temperature drops. With everything from emotional issues to physical risks – family members should take care to ensure the health and safety of their senior loved ones by taking some extra precautions this holiday season. Below are a several things FHC came up with that could help make the winter months a joyful and risk-free time for your family. Hypothermia is a dangerous condition that is the result
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