Queen Latifah: Learn About Her Role as a Family Caregiver

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Queen Latifah's Caregiving Experience

According to the AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, more than 43 million people in the United States provide care for an adult or child annually. Recently, award-winning actress, singer, songwriter, and television producer Queen Latifah shared her experience as a caregiver to her elderly mother who was diagnosed with heart failure and scleroderma. 

The celebrity’s role as a caregiver began more than a decade ago when her mother Rita Owens was employed as a high school teacher. Owens passed out while at school and was taken to a nearby hospital. She was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. 

Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Lincoln Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.

Latifah and other family members educated themselves about heart failure. They learned the condition weakens the heart, which interferes with the organ’s ability to pump blood. Latifah also read about how to manage heart failure. Owens’ condition required a change in dietary habits, various medications, and insertion of a defibrillator. 

Latifah’s position as a celebrity makes for a hectic work schedule, and she moved her mother to Los Angeles to provide better care for her. Despite her busy schedule, Latifah makes time to visit her mother frequently. She begins each day chatting with her to see how things are going. 

The actress’s other family members, close friends, and trusted healthcare experts provide her mother with ongoing care. They refer to the celebrity as “the General” for her role as a caregiver. However, Latifah is not alone in serving as a caregiver for a loved one. In celebration of Mother’s Day, she plans on gathering celebrity friends who also serve as caregivers for their mothers. 

Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Lincoln, CA, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.

Latifah claims her experience as a caregiver made her more conscious about her own health. She and her mother are determined to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases by working with the Red Steps Challenge.

Nearly one million people are diagnosed with heart failure annually. Statistics indicate the number of new cases is on the rise. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, the condition causes long-term disability and may prove fatal. The American Heart Association remains dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of heart health. 

As heart failure affects millions of U.S. citizens, the Red Steps Challenge encourages people with heart conditions to walk for better health. Supporters are asked to wear red socks for the journey. The Heart Organization also requests that individuals take selfies with their red socks and post their photos along with their stories on the Rise Above Heart Failure website. 

For many seniors in Lincoln, CA, live-in home care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Home Care Assistance, we extensively screen all of our live-in and 24-hour caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness. To learn about our high-quality senior care plans, call one of our reliable Care Managers at (916) 226-3737.

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