How Does Getting Older Affect Digestion?

Posted on July 23, 2020April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

From an increased risk of developing arthritis to reflexes that are a bit slower, there are many not-so-pleasant ways aging impacts the body. Digestion, which is the process of converting food into usable energy, can be similarly affected. The silver lining here is that there are some things seniors can do to counteract the ways aging affects the digestive system, including those discussed below.

Slower Digestion Processes

The digestive process is largely controlled by the involuntary movement of muscles within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Aging naturally slows down these muscle movements, which means it takes longer for food to be fully digested. Seniors may be able to keep things moving within the GI tract with efforts that include:

• Drinking more water
• Doing light to moderate exercise 3–4 days per week
• Eating “digestive-friendly” foods with more fiber (e.g., almonds, lentils, berries, bananas, and green leafy veggies)

Medication Side Effects

Many older adults take medication to manage chronic conditions, and some of these drugs could affect the digestive system. For instance, some blood pressure medications may cause heartburn. Also, over-the-counter or prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may contribute to stomach irritation, ulcers, and other digestive tract problems. Seniors may be able to minimize these issues by exploring physical therapy and other non-drug pain management methods.

Digestive issues can be even more problematic if your loved one is unable to prepare nutritious meals on his or her own. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted at-home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Senior Stride Home Care is here to help.

Artery Blockages

Blood flow blockages that can affect the digestive system are common in older adults. As a result, some seniors may develop intestinal ischemia, a condition where blood flow through major arteries slows or stops within the intestines. Lowering cholesterol levels, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying hydrated are some of the ways issues of this nature may be prevented.

If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of senior care Oshkosh, WI, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Difficulty Swallowin

This problem can occur at any age, but, according to the Mayo Clinic, dysphagia is more common in older adults. Swallowing issues can make it difficult for seniors to get sufficient nutrients from what they eat. Possible solutions include:

• Switching to a softer diet that still includes nutrient-rich foods
• Seeing if there are issues with ill-fitting dentures
• Sitting up straight while eating
• Discussing medication with the doctor

Age-Related Weight Gain

Because of how metabolism slows with age, seniors often have difficulty losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight later in life. Excess weight can contribute to an assortment of digestive system issues. Some of these include the backup of acidic digestive juices (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD), related damage to the esophagus (Barrett’s esophagus), and an increased risk of digestive system cancers. Age-related weight gain may be offset by adjustments to diet and exercise habits

Constipation

This type of digestive difficulty is common in older adults for many reasons. In some cases, constipation develops as the digestive system slows down. At other times, seniors have issues with bowel movements following surgery or because of medication issues, poor diet habits, stress, or a lack of sufficient exercise and hydration. Oftentimes, constipation in seniors can be managed with lifestyle modifications.

If your loved one is experiencing digestive issues, a home caregiver can help with planning and preparing meals that meet your parent’s specific dietary needs. Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing a serious illness and require more extensive live-in care. Oshkosh seniors can count on Senior Stride Home Care to provide the in-home care they need and deserve. If you need professional home care for your loved one, Senior Stride Home Care is just a phone call away. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at 920-717-1767.

5 Tips for Helping the Elderly Use Telemedicine

Posted on July 9, 2020April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Telehealth services are an option your senior loved one can use to avoid having to spend too much time in public healthcare environments. Being able to get a health issue diagnosed over the phone or computer also gives your loved one an easier way to boost his or her wellbeing when he or she doesn’t feel well enough to leave the house. Getting your loved one on board with using telehealth services is easier when you take the following steps.

1. Make Sure Your Loved One Has the Proper Technology

The majority of doctors use technology that works with most people’s devices. However, it’s worth taking the time to make sure your loved one has everything he or she needs to conduct an online healthcare visit. For example, your parent may need to download a virtual chat app or upgrade to a phone or computer with a camera. You’ll also want to make sure the Wi-Fi signal in your loved one’s home is reliable enough to support a potentially lengthy doctor’s appointment.

If your loved one has chronic health conditions, it can be challenging for him or her to live at home independently. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs 24-hour care, Oshkosh, WI, Senior Stride Home Care can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home.

2. Find a Quiet & Well-Lit Place to Talk

A telehealth visit should be viewed in the same way as a regular healthcare visit. Help your loved one create a quiet environment where he or she can hear the physician without being distracted. Your loved one should turn off the television and any other noisy appliances and conduct the video visit in a bright room. Doctors sometimes use their time on video calls to observe symptoms that are visible. Being able to show the doctor a rash or pale skin can aid the doctor in making a diagnosis.

3. Go Over What Your Parent Wants to Talk About

Your loved one should be prepared to cover his or her health concerns without forgetting important information. Talk to your loved one about why he or she is having the visit. If necessary, you may also want to encourage your loved one to write down a list of symptoms and questions. Your parent can refer to this information to make sure nothing is left out. Prior to the visit, your loved one may also want to take his or her temperature or other vital signs to share with the doctor.

For family caregivers who find it challenging to balance their loved ones’ care needs with their own personal obligations, home care can be the ideal solution. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional senior care, Senior Stride Home Care should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults address their health issues and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years.

4. Try a Practice Run

If your loved one isn’t used to using this type of technology, a practice run can help him or her adjust. Consider making a FaceTime call to your loved one’s phone, or you could set up a Zoom meeting with a family member. This allows your loved one to see how he or she will look on a screen while also learning how to navigate video chat software.

5. Make Sure You or Another Caregiver Stays Nearby

Even with preparation, your loved one could run into a snag during the appointment. Make sure you or another person is available to provide guidance with technical issues, such as the meeting being temporarily cut off. This way, your loved one can quickly log back into the appointment and resume getting the healthcare he or she needs.

Using the Internet for various activities is just one of the issues aging adults must navigate in today’s modern world. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality elder care. Oshkosh families trust Senior Stride Home Care to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably. Trust Senior Stride Home Care to provide high-quality compassionate, professional home care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at 920-717-1767.

How Can My Older Parent Avoid Having Another Stroke?

Posted on June 18, 2020April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

The National Stroke Association reports up to 25 percent of stroke survivors experience second strokes. To recover from the first event and prevent another, seniors must adhere to certain habits. By adopting healthier lifestyles, seniors can reduce their risk of second strokes significantly.

Take Medications as Recommended

The variety of prescription medications an older stroke survivor might be required to take include cholesterol-lowering agents, antihypertensives, and anticoagulants. Taking the medications as prescribed can alleviate the medical problems that more than likely led to the first stroke. Seniors must also make routine follow-up appointments with healthcare providers as recommended. Many medications also require periodic laboratory testing to ensure the medication is maintained at the proper levels in the blood.

Manage Blood Sugar Levels

Excessive sugar in the blood leads to systemic inflammation, which weakens blood vessels. Diabetes also leads to blood vessel narrowing and plaque formation. The long-term effects could cause a blood vessel to rupture from weakness or excessive pressure from internal blockages. Seniors need to restrict their sugar intake. Diabetic seniors must take their medications as prescribed and follow a proper diet.

Eat Better

A diet that routinely includes foods that are rich in fat and sugar elevates LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, which leads to fatty plaque development in the blood vessels. The plaques impede blood flow and have the potential of causing a stroke in the delicate vessels in the brain. Seniors need to eat meals consisting of lean meats, poultry, and fish. Include plenty of brightly colored vegetables and fruits along with whole grains and nuts.

A home caregiver can prepare nutritious meals that suit your loved one’s dietary needs. 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 Oshkosh 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.

Get Active

Living a sedentary lifestyle weakens the entire body. The musculoskeletal system loses mass, which makes it difficult for seniors to stand, walk, or engage in other activities. The cardiovascular system also becomes unable to circulate enough blood through the lungs and the rest of the body to accommodate physical activity. A lack of physical movement also increases the likelihood of developing life-threatening blood clots. Older adults must adopt a means of getting regular physical activity, which might begin with taking short walks. As they become stronger, they might choose to perform cardiovascular and strength training exercises.

If your loved one needs assistance with exercising safely, consider enlisting the help of a trained home caregiver. Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to an assisted living facility. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading elder care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.

Lose Excess Weight

When the body carries around more than the amount of weight recommended for the body structure and age, the cardiovascular system undergoes stress, causing heart rate and blood pressure to rise. Many overweight adults also develop diabetes, which also disrupts cardiovascular health. By maintaining a healthier diet and getting sufficient exercise, older adults are able to lose and maintain a healthy weight.

Stop Unhealthy Habits

Smoking or otherwise using tobacco products impedes cardiovascular health. The compounds used to process tobacco are also responsible for elevating heart rate and constricting blood vessels, which leads to hypertension and stress on the heart. If the heart cannot effectively pump blood, blood clots form, and the potential for having a stroke increases.

Recovering from a stroke, managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and a variety of other health-related situations can make it difficult for a senior to continue living at home without someone there to help. Oshkosh, WI, live-in care professionals are trained to help seniors who need 24/7 assistance. With the help of a live-in caregiver, your elderly loved one can maintain a higher quality of life while aging in place. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Senior Stride Home Care. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at 920-717-1767 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.

5 Main Causes of Exhaustion for Family Caregivers

Posted on June 4, 2020April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Family members are often eager to step up to care for their senior loved ones. While they may start off full of energy, they soon find they feel more tired than they imagined was possible. Caregiver fatigue can have several causes, and each one has a solution to help you regain your vitality.

1. Having More Chores to Tackle

The average person already has a lot on his or her plate. Before becoming a caregiver, you likely had household tasks to tend to each day. Now, your daily workload might have doubled. Trying to keep up with the extra demand created by caring for another person is simply exhausting. If possible, look for a chore or two you can take off your plate. Being able to opt out of cooking a meal once or twice a week can feel like a major burden has been lifted from your shoulders.

Families who need help caring for a senior loved one can turn to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of elderly home care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.

2. Managing Fear & Anxiety

Your physical feelings of exhaustion might be linked to your mental health. Many people constantly worry about what might go wrong each day. For instance, you may be worried about your loved one having an accident on your watch, or you may be stressing out over his or her recent health test results. Try to identify times when you’re feeling anxious so you can implement coping strategies. Mindfulness can help you ease the worry you feel each day.

3. Being Required to Lift a Senior

Seniors often need more help as time goes by, and this means you may be called upon to help them do things such as get out of bed. Lifting your loved one isn’t something you should try to do by yourself. While you might lend support as your loved one moves mostly independently, you need to ask for help when he or she requires you to support most of his or her body weight to prevent you from overtaxing your muscles. In addition to giving you more energy, you’ll also reduce the chances of a caregiver injury.

4. Getting Less Sleep

Think back to the last time you got at least eight hours of sleep. If it’s been a while, your loved one needs overnight care. Your loved one’s frequent bathroom trips or tendency to wander around the house late at night might be interfering with your energy levels more than you realize. An overnight caregiver can manage those needs while you catch up on your sleep.

Professional caregivers can be a wonderful source of information and support for family members caring for aging loved ones. When researching agencies that provide home care service, Oshkosh, WI, families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained caregivers, and 24/7 availability. Whether you need respite care to take a break from your caregiving duties or your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, you can rely on Senior Stride Home Care.

5. Developing Caregiver Burnout

You can love your parent and still be overwhelmed by everything involved with his or her care. Caregiver burnout tends to occur over time, and you may not notice you’re experiencing it until you don’t have the energy to complete your daily responsibilities. Caregiver burnout can sometimes feel like depression, but it’s different. Depression can accompany caregiver burnout. If you feel like burnout might be your problem, hiring a professional counselor can help. You may also need to accept assistance with your duties to help you effectively manage burnout.

Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Oshkosh, WI, Senior Stride Home Care can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at 920-717-1767 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.

Ways to Make it Easier for Seniors to Age in Place

Posted on May 21, 2020April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Aging in place gives seniors the opportunity to remain at home as they get older instead of going to a nursing home or assisted living facility. However, it’s important for their homes to be as safe as possible. Caregivers can make it easier for their senior loved ones to age in place with the following tips.

Place Items in Easy Reach

Put items your loved one uses often, such as lamps, reading glasses, remote controls, and phones near his or her bed. Placing these items within close reach makes it easier to reach without having to get up, which reduces the risk of falls and ensures seniors have access to these items when caregivers aren’t around.

Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable homecare. Oshkosh, WI, families trust in Senior Stride Home Care to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.

Keep Important Phone Numbers Handy

Print out a list of important phone numbers your loved one might need, such as those for emergency services, the doctor’s office, and family members. Make sure the font is in large print that’s easy to read. Place this list near the phone to make it simple for your loved one to use it when needed.

Ensure Lighting Is Adequate

Make sure your loved one has a flashlight nearby in case the power goes out or he or she needs to use it at night. Keep nightlights in the bedroom and the bathroom, and consider putting one in the hallway leading to the bathroom. Check light fixtures on stairs to make sure the bulbs are working and providing adequate light. Consider putting a nightlight in the kitchen as well if your loved one gets up during the night for water.

Remove Tripping Hazards

Falls are a common reason for injuries among seniors, but they can be prevented by eliminating as many tripping hazards as possible. Move cords out of commonly used areas your loved one walks through. Rearrange furniture to ensure a clear path through rooms. If there are area rugs in the home, consider moving them or getting rid of them entirely. These rugs can become tripping hazards for seniors.

Hiring a professional caregiver is another way to lower your loved one’s risk of falls and injuries. Senior home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Senior Stride Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.

Install Grab Bars

Grab bars reduce the risk of falls in areas that are difficult to move around in, such as bathrooms. Your loved one might have difficulty standing up from the toilet or getting into and out of the shower stall. Install grab bars next to the toilet, in the shower stall, and along longer hallways. Grab bars provide more support in these areas, which helps seniors get around on their own more easily.

Check Assistive Devices

Make sure any assistive devices your loved one uses to get around safely, such as a walker or cane, are in good condition. If these assistive devices are in poor condition, replace them as soon as possible to lower the risk of falls. If your loved one uses a wheelchair, check the wheels and other components to see if any parts need to be replaced.

Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Oshkosh 24-hour care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or is recovering from a stroke, you can trust in professional live-in caregivers to enhance his or her quality of life. To help your loved one age in place comfortably, call Senior Stride Home Care at 920-717-1767 today.

5 Strategies for Assisting Seniors Who Have Limited Mobility

Posted on May 7, 2020April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Mobility issues encompass a wide range of changes in how well a senior can move around. Some seniors have mild challenges with mobility that might include being unable to step over objects in their paths, while others may not be able to walk at all. Helping seniors overcome these issues is important for maintaining their motivation to continue on with their daily activities.

1. Keep Them Active

When seniors first begin having mobility issues, their initial instinct may be to stop being physically active. This is often due to a fear of getting hurt. Start by talking to your aging loved one’s doctor about what types of exercise are still safe for your loved one to do. Then create a plan to help your loved one feel comfortable exercising. Your loved one may need to try low-impact forms of exercise such as stretching or swimming, but keeping the body moving can help your parent maintain his or her sense of balance.

A professional caregiver can help your loved one exercise at home in safety and comfort. Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to an assisted living facility. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading in-home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.

2. Practice Using Mobility Devices

Using a walker or cane comes with a learning curve. Your loved one may need help figuring out how to move his or her body with the device. Certain devices, such as wheelchairs, may also require building upper body strength. Provide assistance during the first few weeks with a new mobility device to reduce frustration.

3. Identify Safe Routes in Public Areas

The majority of seniors with mobility issues don’t have to become homebound. Going out for a walk or to the new restaurant in town might require some planning, but it’s worth it to get your loved one out of the house for the day. Try scouting out new locations before you take your parent out. You can check for ramps, elevators, and other features that offer more accessibility so your loved one’s day out is easier to navigate.

4. Simplify Basic Daily Tasks

A senior who has difficulty walking or standing for a long time might not be able to handle as much as he or she used to at home. For instance, cooking dinner might be difficult if your loved one cannot maneuver through a small kitchen with a mobility aid. Talk to your loved one about which tasks are the most difficult to accomplish. Home care is an option that can help older adults manage the things that need to be done while they learn to address their mobility challenges.

A trained caregiver with experience in caring for seniors with mobility limitations can be a fantastic resource for aging adults and their families. Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated home care, Oshkosh, WI, families can turn to Senior Stride Home Care. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.

5. Watch for Changes in Their Abilities

Many mobility issues worsen over time. For example, arthritis symptoms might progress with age or after experiencing a new injury. Parkinson’s and other progressive diseases can also require a change in your loved one’s treatment and home care plan. Observe your loved one regularly for signs he or she may need to try a new medication or mobility device. Any changes in the symptoms may also mean your loved one needs more assistance during the day to remain safe.

If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Oshkosh, live-in care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Senior Stride Home Care, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at 920-717-1767 to learn more about our high-quality home care services.

Is It Common for Aging Adults with Dementia to Hallucinate?

Posted on April 23, 2020April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Memory loss is a well-known symptom of dementia. However, aging adults can also experience things like false perceptions. During these times, family caregivers need to use strategies to calm their senior loved ones and prevent physical harm. Continue reading to learn more about dementia and hallucinations, including the causes and what to do when your loved one experiences this symptom.

Causes

Dementia causes changes within the brain that can lead to hallucinations, especially during the later stages of the condition. Your loved one may have difficulty thinking clearly and making sound decisions. It’s common for seniors with dementia to see things that aren’t there, such as people, places, and objects. The medication your parent is taking to treat dementia could also cause these episodes.

If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of home care services families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Types

Visual and auditory hallucinations are the most common types of false perceptions in older adults with dementia. With a visual episode, your loved one may see things that don’t exist. An auditory hallucination involves the sense of hearing. In these instances, your parent may hear voices and sounds when no one is around. You may walk in and witness your loved one holding a full conversation with the voices in his or her head. Don’t overreact when your loved one hallucinates, as this could cause the episode to intensify.

Caregiving Strategies

When it comes to addressing your parent’s hallucinations, remain respectful, and remember your loved one’s false reality is authentic in his or her mind. Offer reassurance and acknowledge your loved one’s fear, as opposed to being dismissive. Investigate the environment to determine what’s causing the episode. For example, the false perception could be due to a shadow on the wall, and you could solve this problem by closing the blinds or moving your loved one to another room.

Seeing their loved ones have hallucinations can be devastating for family caregivers, which is why you need to have strategies in place. For example, have a support system you can lean on and speak to honestly and openly. You can also take a break and do something relaxing and fun to distract you from your loved one’s hallucinations and reduce your stress levels.

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. Families looking for top-rated Oshkosh at-home care providers can reach out to Senior Stride Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.

Treatment

If your loved one experiences a false perception, call his or her doctor. In some cases, the episode could be a sign of a serious condition, especially if the hallucination involves multiple senses. When episodes last for long periods or frighten your loved one so severely that he or she cannot get through the day, it’s vital to contact his or her primary care physician immediately.

At the doctor’s visit, you should have essential information to share with the physician, including what your loved one saw, the time of day when the episode occurred, how long it lasted, your loved one’s response, and whether it happened after taking medication. This information will help the doctor make vital changes to your loved one’s current treatment plan.

If you’re looking for reliable dementia care, Oshkosh Senior Stride Home Care offers high-quality at-home care for seniors who are managing the challenges of cognitive decline. We offer a revolutionary program called the Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), which uses mentally stimulating activities to boost cognitive health in the elderly. CTM has proven to help seniors with dementia regain a sense of pride and accomplishment and learn how to engage with others in an enjoyable way. If you need professional home care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at 920-717-1767.

6 Tips for Helping an Elderly Parent Avoid COVID-19

Posted on April 9, 2020April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Researchers, health officials, and scientists are working to get a handle on coronavirus and bring it under control. In the meantime, it’s more important than ever to keep vulnerable family members as safe as possible, especially older ones. Seniors are considered a high-risk group because of immune system weaknesses associated with age and underlying health issues, which are more common in adults 65 and older. Below, you’ll find six ways you can help your senior loved one avoid coronavirus.

1. Stress the Importance of Good Hygiene Habits

Germs can hide on commonly touched surfaces and be spread through contact. It’s believed this is how coronavirus spreads so quickly. Encourage your loved one to adopt healthy habits that include:

• Regular handwashing—the CDC recommends doing this for at least 20 seconds
• Wiping off commonly used household surfaces
• Using the “elbow method” when sneezing/coughing

2. Offer Immune System Health Tips

As mentioned above, older immune systems often have difficulty with new invaders like coronavirus. But there are things you can remind your loved one to do to boost his or her immune system as much as possible, such as:

• Eating green leafy veggies, bright-colored fruits, unsalted nuts, low-fat dairy products, and other foods loaded with beneficial nutrients
• Managing stress
• Getting plenty of high-quality sleep
• Exercising regularly
• Not smoking and drinking alcohol excessively

If your loved one needs help following healthy habits that boost his or her immune system, a home caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of at-home care. Oshkosh families can rely on Senior Stride Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.

3. Limit In-Person Interactions

Because there’s still so many unknowns about coronavirus, older adults are advised to limit in-person interactions whenever possible to stay safe. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) suggests doing this by:

• Avoiding crowded locations
• Postponing unnecessary travel
• Staying away from family members and friends who are sick
• Stocking up on essential supplies

4. Encourage Online Interaction

Avoiding coronavirus doesn’t mean your loved one has to be cut off from people he or she knows and loves. With social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, video chat tools, text messaging, and senior-friendly websites like LoveToKnow Seniors and Boomer Grandparents, there are many ways seniors can stay connected remotely.

Bonus tip: If your loved one has difficulty using certain devices, change the settings to increase text or button sizes.

5. Have Things Delivered

Another way to help your loved one avoid coronavirus is to have things delivered whenever possible. Fortunately, there are many items that can be safely sent directly to your loved one’s home, even essentials like prescription medications. In some areas, groceries and freshly prepared meals can also be delivered or picked up after an order is placed online.

To keep your loved one from having to go out, a home caregiver can run errands for him or her, including shopping for groceries and picking up prescriptions. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of homecare. Senior Stride Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.

6. Explore Options with In-Home Care

If your loved one needs assistance or is living with a serious health issue, you might be considering sending him or her to a nursing home or assisted living facility. However, since your loved one could come into contact with several people each day in these types of environments, the risk of contracting a virus may be higher. Designating care duties to one specific family member is a way to limit unnecessary in-person contact. Should this be difficult to do right now, in-home care is another option to consider. This type of professional assistance is offered in your loved one’s home by a responsible, well-trained caregiver familiar with ways to safely provide elder care.

Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Oshkosh, WI, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Senior Stride Home Care. 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. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at 920-717-1767 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.

With information surrounding coronavirus/COVID-19 changing by the hour, it’s challenging to stay updated on the most recent best practices for keeping seniors safe at home. At Senior Stride Home Care, we understand how critical it is for seniors and their caregivers to protect against coronavirus as much as possible. All our team members have received detailed communication on infection control protocols, including effective cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and hands. Our caregivers can pick up medications, groceries, and anything else a senior needs, minimizing their interaction with large groups of people. For more information on how Senior Stride Home Care helps protect clients, click here: https://seniorstridehomecare.com/covid-19-home-care/.

Ways to Provide High-Quality Daily Care for a Parent with Dementia

Posted on March 19, 2020April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Caring for a senior loved one with dementia can be a beautiful way to show your love for him or her, but it isn’t without challenges. If your loved one has memory loss, confusion, or spatial orientation problems, it can be difficult for you to provide effective care. Try these tips as you navigate day-to-day caregiving for your loved one.

Set a Schedule

Having a daily routine allows your loved one to know exactly what to expect each day, which can be especially comforting for seniors with dementia. A typical schedule may include waking up, getting dressed, eating meals, brushing teeth, bathing, exercising, doing chores, having quiet time, playing games, and making crafts. Try to make medical appointments around the same time of day so your loved one’s schedule isn’t interrupted when they occur. Make a simple clock with pictures of the daily activities to help your loved one understand what’s happening next in the day.

Dementia can be challenging for seniors, but they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional dementia care. Oshkosh seniors can benefit greatly from the Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program designed to promote cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. CTM is included at no additional charge with any of the in-home care plans provided by Senior Stride Home Care.

Provide Choices

Making decisions can be overwhelming for seniors with dementia. Help your loved one maintain independence and keep decision-making simple by offering choices. Offer two acceptable options to your loved one and allow him or her to decide. Having choices can make your loved one feel in charge of his or her life. Simple decisions might include what to eat for breakfast, what shirt to wear, and what book to read.

Limit Napping

Including some quiet time each day can allow you and your loved one some space to regroup and relax. Listening to an audiobook or quiet music on the back porch is a great way to have some relaxation time. During quiet time, try not to let your loved one nap. Napping too often during the daytime could make it difficult for your parent to sleep at night. Not getting enough sleep can exacerbate dementia symptoms.

Involve Your Loved One

Having dementia doesn’t mean your loved one is no longer his or her own person. It can be hurtful and frustrating for those with dementia when they aren’t allowed to be involved in their care or take on some of the household responsibilities. Involve your loved one by providing simple chores to do, such as wiping off the table, drying plastic dishes, or dusting. Bring your loved one along to family gatherings, and include him or her in hobbies. At the doctor’s office, it may be tempting to talk about your loved one as if he or she isn’t there. Try to avoid this, and include your loved one in the conversation.

Keep Instructions Simple

Don’t give your loved one a long list of instructions and expect him or her to not feel confused. Keep instructions limited to one step your loved one can easily carry out. Be clear about your expectations, be patient, and allow more time than necessary to carry out the task.

Having a professional caregiver nearby can give you peace of mind about your loved one’s wellbeing. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of elderly home care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Make the Most of Mealtimes

Eating together is a great way to bond and spend time with your loved one. Take the frustration out of mealtimes by providing adaptive eating utensils, using a neutral-colored tablecloth and plate, and cutting food into bite-size pieces.

The responsibilities that come with caring for a loved one with dementia can sometimes feel overwhelming, but help is available. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Oshkosh senior care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Senior Stride Home Care is here to help. If you need professional home care for your loved one, Senior Stride Home Care is just a phone call away. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at 920-717-1767.

Perfect Everyday Activities for Seniors

Posted on January 23, 2020April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Seniors often find they have more time on their hands as they get older. But this doesn’t mean your elderly loved one has to be bored or settle for a life that’s no longer personally fulfilling. Older adults can wholeheartedly enjoy their golden years if they find ways to participate daily in certain activities that provide some appealing benefits.

Walking with a Companion

Walking is an activity seniors can do at a pace that’s comfortable for them. It can become a form of regular exercise and social interaction if you encourage your loved one to walk with a companion, which could be a friend, family caregiver, grandchild, or cherished pet.

A home caregiver can be an ideal walking partner for your parent. For families living in Oshkosh, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Senior Stride Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.

Gardening

Planting and tending to a garden are activities that give older adults an excuse to regularly get outside. Plus, gardening is a way to do something productive, especially if your loved one opts to grow fresh veggies and spices. What’s more, the foods he or she grows can be used to make nutritious meals.

Cooking and Baking

In addition to being perfect opportunities for socialization with family members and friends, cooking and baking are activities that can have delicious payoffs for older adults. Stirring, kneading, and other movements associated with these activities can also help with manual dexterity and fine motor skills. Just remember to put necessary items within easy reach for your loved one and offer appropriate assistance with more demanding tasks.

Engaging in everyday activities such as cooking can enhance your loved one’s overall wellbeing, and so can having the help of a compassionate caregiver. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elderly home care. Senior Stride Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Reading

Reading stimulates the brain and helps seniors stay cognitively sharp. If your loved one has vision issues, audiobooks can provide similar benefits. Another option is to read aloud with your loved one, which may be an especially appealing option if he or she has younger grandchildren to bond with in a fun, engaging way.

Volunteering

Some seniors feel as if they’re no longer needed. One way to give your loved one a sense of purpose is to encourage him or her to volunteer. From local schools, libraries, and churches to hospitals, hospice facilities, and animal shelters, there are many places likely to warmly welcome assistance from senior volunteers.

Working on Puzzles & Playing Board Games

Jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, and number-based logic puzzles such as sudoku are among the many types of puzzles that can help seniors challenge their brains. Board games can provide both mental and fine motor stimulation because of the need to physically move pieces after thinking about the strategy behind the moves.

Playing Video Games

There are many types of video games that can help seniors sharpen their multitasking and memory skills. There’s also evidence suggesting playing certain types of video games may increase the brain’s ability to adapt and change (plasticity), which could contribute to a memory boost.

Telling Stories

Encouraging your loved one to share stories about his or her life experiences is a great way to help with memory recall and language skills. Related activities that could inspire storytelling include making family photo albums, collages, and scrapbooks.

Interacting with a home caregiver can also provide a great way to exercise memory and communication skills. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of home care. Oshkosh Senior Stride Home Care is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services. If your loved one needs professional home care, Senior Stride Home Care is here to help. To hire a compassionate, dedicated caregiver, call us at 920-717-1767 today.