Coughing that just won’t quit. Shortness of breath. Wheezing. Probably an asthma attack, right? Before grabbing an inhaler or those over-the-counter cough drops, however, it may be time to see if another culprit – COPD – could be causing the problem. With upwards of 12 million Americans now living with COPD (and another 12 million who likely have the disease…
There are times when, after struggling with debilitating symptoms, receiving a definitive diagnosis can actually be a relief. Finally, there’s a name for the condition, and a course of action to treat it! This is certainly the case for those diagnosed with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). If your Chicago, IL senior loved one has suffered with chronic coughing, wheezing,…
…but not of the crimes you think you committed. If you’re providing elder care in Illinois for a loved one, you may be overwhelmed with feelings of guilt. Guilt about not spending enough time with your loved ones. Guilt of failing them if you’re considering part-time in-home care or a full-time skilled nursing facility. Guilt over losing your temper when…
For many of us, life is spent trying to juggle a number of balls at one time, and family in-home caregivers often feel like they’ve added knives and flaming swords to the mix! It’s natural to feel overwhelmed and guilty when you’re responsible for caring for a loved one, whether that person is your spouse or your parent. Guilt comes…
We face a variety of crucial crossroads in life, where our decisions will have a long-reaching effect. Our career. Whether (and whom) to marry. Whether to have children. And as we mature further, another major decision must be made: should we consider a move to an assisted living facility or nursing home to ensure we have the care needed throughout…
Home is where the heart is, and most seniors’ hearts are set on remaining at home throughout the aging process, rather than moving to an assisted living facility or nursing home – nearly 90% of them, according to AARP. And who can blame them? Feeling comfortable in familiar surroundings, having the independence to come and go as you desire, experiencing…
Contrary to popular belief, aging and slowing down do not necessarily go hand in hand! Today’s generation of seniors in particular is breaking the mold. Case in point: the Brooklyn Senior Games, a highly competitive, Olympic-style athletic event for seniors ranging in age from mid-60s into the 90s. Or Olga Kotelko, the amazing 93-year-old record-breaking track and field athlete. While…
Diabetes… heart disease… Alzheimer’s… Parkinson’s… arthritis… the list of chronic conditions that can impact seniors is exhaustive. As many as 85% of all seniors are battling at least one, and 60% struggle with two or more. Managing the medical appointments and procedures, medications, and dietary requirements for one condition is tough enough, but when multiple diagnoses come into play, it’s…
Home & Hearth Caregivers has received positive feedback from our clients about the way we treat and interact with our employees—the actual caregivers—and how our interaction with them positively affects the wellbeing of all involved. Our philosophy is that when an employee feels valued, respected, and genuinely appreciated, they are in turn motivated to continue to bring a high level of energy, love, and thoughtfulness…
For those who can get out and about, autumn is a beautiful time. Plus, the mild temperatures can make activities even more enjoyable. But for those who require walkers, wheelchairs, caregivers or other elderly care to go places, autumn can also lower ones spirits. It may also result in an unhealthy amount of inactivity. Regardless of your age, “autumn blues”…
