5 Treatment Strategies for Parkinson’s Caregivers

Posted on August 8, 2019April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Becoming a caregiver for someone who has Parkinson’s disease can be very stressful. No one wants to see an aging loved one’s health deteriorate over time. Although you want to do everything you can for your loved one, you have to remember to take care of yourself as well. Here are five tips for providing Parkinson’s treatment.

1. Get Everything Organized

When it comes to treating someone with Parkinson’s disease, being organized is crucial, which means keeping your loved one’s medical notes, records, insurance papers, appointment reminders, doctors’ numbers, and medication details close by. You can put all these things into a folder for portability and easy access.

Many seniors in the early stages of Parkinson’s are able to live on their own, but they may need a bit of help with the everyday tasks of life, such as exercising and preparing nutritious meals. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable in-home care. Families trust 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.

2. Take Care of Yourself

Self-care is important for caregivers as well. To ensure your loved one is receiving the proper care, you need to be physically and emotionally fit. It’s important to take time off for yourself to de-stress and rest. Caring for other people, especially those with Parkinson’s, can take its toll. No one can do everything, so make sure to ask friends and family members for help. There’s nothing wrong with wanting a little downtime to yourself to relax and recharge your batteries.

3. Study Your Loved One’s Medical Insurance

There’s more to being a Parkinson’s caregiver than simply preparing meals and reminding your loved one to take medicine. Your loved one’s medical responsibilities also become yours. As such, you’ll need to take the time to study your loved one’s medical insurance. Familiarize yourself with how the insurance policy works, what it covers, and how to apply for reimbursements for medical expenses. Furthermore, it’s worth mentioning that you might be entitled to compensation under your loved one’s disability benefits, so make sure to educate yourself on his or her disability coverage as well as your rights as a caregiver.

Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Oshkosh seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.

4. Understand Everything About Parkinson’s Disease

Obviously, you need to know how Parkinson’s disease works and how it affects a person before you can become a caregiver. Remember to stay diligent about keeping up with all the latest updates about the condition. Read about the symptoms caused by Parkinson’s and consult your loved one’s doctor to learn how the condition may progress.

5. Monitor Symptoms and Report Changes

As a caregiver, it’s your responsibility to note and report any changes in your loved one’s symptoms. Since you’ll be spending a great deal of time with your loved one, you’ll probably be the first to notice anything new. Make sure to consult the doctor if you see any variations in your loved one’s symptoms or behavior.

Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, an Oshkosh at-home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services. If your loved one needs professional care, Senior Stride Home Care is here to help. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at 920-717-1767 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.

Using a Communication Board to Help an Elderly Stroke Survivor

Posted on July 18, 2019April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Communicating with their voices can be difficult for senior stroke survivors, but family caregivers can use a variety of tools, such as communication boards, to make interaction less stressful. Means of communication are crucial because they allow seniors to inform their caregivers when they’re hungry, in pain, tired, and need to use the restroom. Here are some tips you can take advantage of when using communications boards for your elderly loved one after a stroke.

Go Over the Instructions

Your loved one’s brain has likely experienced significant damage, so you can’t assume he or she will begin using the communication board with ease. In addition to diminished speaking skills, the abilities to comprehend information and make rational decisions may be altered. Trying out the board while your loved one is watching can make the tool more helpful. Point to the photos and other images when talking to give your loved one an idea of what needs to be done. For example, you could ask “Do you have to use the bathroom?” while pointing to a photo of a toilet.

An experienced professional caregiver can often provide tips for communicating with senior stroke survivors. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional elderly home care. Oshkosh families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.

Use Colors to Represent Emotions

Explaining thoughts and feelings can be difficult for stroke survivors in the early stages of recovery, so you’ll need to offer options when using communication boards. For example, you can use the color blue to represent when your loved one is feeling sad and red if he or she needs immediate assistance. Green could represent positivity and let you know your loved one is doing well. When you ask how your loved one is feeling at the moment, he or she can use the colors to give you insight into his or her mood, physical health, and emotional wellbeing. These codes can help you determine what course of action should be taken, such as moving your loved one to a more comfortable position or making a phone call to the doctor for medical assistance.

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 homecare services. Trust Senior Stride Home Care to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably. Senior Stride Home Care will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs.

Add an Emergency Contact Section

Even if your loved one owns a phone that allows him or her to push buttons to contact family and friends, he or she may still have difficulty associating names with the correct people. The communication board should have a list of names and each person’s relationship to your loved one. Make sure there’s plenty of space between names to reduce confusion. Some caregivers add an image of each person listed next to an emergency contact, which makes reaching out to those individuals easier for stroke survivors.

Make All Boards Accessible

Promote the usage of the board at all times, which means keeping the tool nearby. If your parent moves to another room, the communication board should move to that room if he or she plans to spend a significant amount of time in the area. The more your loved one utilizes the board, the higher the odds of a speedy recovery. Constant access to the board may also help your loved one feel safe and secure and give you peace of mind.

Having a caregiver close by can give your loved one peace of mind while he or she recovers from a stroke. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Oshkosh Senior Stride Home Care can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks. Senior Stride Home Care will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at 920-717-1767 today.

5 Techniques for Caring for Aging Adults with Alzheimer’s

Posted on July 4, 2019April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Even though there isn’t a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, you can lessen some of the worst symptoms with a comprehensive treatment plan. Studies have revealed that lifestyle habits play a major role in Alzheimer’s, and you can greatly boost your senior loved one’s quality of life by making some simple changes. Here are a few tips and tricks you can use to provide world-class care to a loved one with Alzheimer’s.

1. Create a Strict Routine

One of the most effective ways to minimize the symptoms of Alzheimer’s is to follow a strict daily routine. Your loved one should eat meals and take medications at the same times every day. You must also come up with a bedtime routine your loved one follows every night. Sticking to that routine can enhance your loved one’s sleep schedule and help him or her avoid fluctuating energy levels. It might also enhance your loved one’s demeanor, making your job much easier in the coming years.

One of the most important things to consider is whether and when to hire a professional caregiver for your loved one. Families looking for top-rated home care service 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.

2. Keep Your Loved One Occupied

Seniors with Alzheimer’s often become reclusive, but isolation can worsen the symptoms of the disease. Throughout the day, you should have plenty of activities planned for your loved one, including mentally stimulating activities such as puzzles and board games. Studies have revealed that challenging activities can boost cognitive and emotional health.

A professional caregiver with experience in Alzheimer’s care can be an outstanding resource when it comes to cognitive stimulation for your loved one. Families who need help caring for a senior loved one can turn to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of Oshkosh homecare services. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.

3. Encourage Exercise

There are quite a few reasons seniors with Alzheimer’s need to remain physically active. In addition to keeping your loved one at a healthy weight, exercising may stabilize his or her sleep schedule. If your loved one doesn’t seem to be sleeping at night, try to find at least a few rigorous activities he or she enjoys. Going on long walks, gardening, and doing household chores are all great options for seniors with Alzheimer’s.

4. Limit Distractions

You might be able to block out television shows and radio chatter, but those distractions could consume your loved one. They could also make conversations and mealtimes very difficult, which is why you need to create a quiet and relaxing environment inside the home. Putting heavy drapes over the windows and removing clutter from the walls could put your loved one at ease as well. Every senior with Alzheimer’s is slightly different, so you’ll need to make gradual changes around the home until you create the perfect environment for your loved one.

5. Make Sure the Home Is Safe and Secure

Household accidents are extremely common among seniors with Alzheimer’s, and you must do everything in your power to make sure the home is as safe as possible. All medications and toxic cleaning products must be locked away in a cabinet or placed where your loved one can’t reach them. Many caregivers also install wireless monitoring systems that include cameras, smoke detectors, and fire alarms.

Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors to manage without assistance, and it can be just as challenging for families who don’t have experience in providing Alzheimer’s care. Oshkosh Senior Stride Home Care provides Alzheimer’s care seniors and their families can depend on. Our proprietary Cognitive Therapeutics Method was designed to help seniors with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions live happier and healthier lives. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call Senior Stride Home Care at 920-717-1767 today.

5 Healthy Food Choices for Aging Diabetics Following Strokes

Posted on June 20, 2019April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Senior stroke survivors with diabetes face numerous dietary challenges. The combination of neurological deficits, such as chewing and swallowing difficulties, and unstable blood glucose levels can make planning healthy meals challenging. Here are five nutritious foods for elderly stroke survivors with diabetes.

1. Salmon

Fresh fish such as salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon regulates blood glucose levels, and it can also reduce the risk for a second stroke. Omega-3 fatty acids and fish oils decrease platelet aggregation. While eating large amounts of salmon or other fatty fish may slightly raise the risk for abnormal bleeding, it may lower the risk for blood clot formation and cerebral vascular accidents.

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 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.

2. Low-Fat Cheese

Snacking on calcium-rich low-fat cheese can regulate blood glucose levels. Low-fat cheese is an excellent source of lean protein, which can enhance energy levels in stroke survivors and reduce the risk of muscle wasting in those who have limited mobility because of hemiparesis or hemiplegia. Hemiparesis refers to one-sided weakness, while hemiplegia refers to one-sided paralysis. Both of these conditions are common in stroke survivors.

3. Steamed Vegetables

Steamed vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They’re easy to chew and swallow for seniors with neurological problems related to strokes. Consuming steamed vegetables may also reduce choking risks associated with raw vegetables. Vegetables, steamed or otherwise, are integral components of the diabetic exchange diet, the most common therapeutic diet recommended for those with unstable blood sugar levels.

Dietary issues can make caring for a loved one after a stroke increasingly challenging. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of in-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.

4. Almonds

High in magnesium, almonds are an excellent food choice for elderly stroke survivors with diabetes. Magnesium lowers the risk for cardiac arrhythmia, which is often higher in stroke survivors and diabetics. Consuming a handful of almonds boosts energy levels and can stave off a hypoglycemic episode. If your loved one is unable to chew or swallow almonds, grinding them in a blender or food processor is a great alternative. Ground almonds can be sprinkled over oatmeal, fruit, and salads, and in addition to reducing arrhythmia risk, almonds may lower elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

5. Oranges

Oranges are rich in potassium, which promotes optimal circulation while keeping hypertension at bay. They also have a mild diuretic effect, which helps with managing ankle edema, a condition that isn’t uncommon in stroke survivors and diabetics. Also high in vitamin C, oranges can reduce free radical damage caused by elevated blood sugar levels. If your loved one is unable to consume oranges because of their roughage content, orange juice is an acceptable alternative. Make sure you only offer unsweetened orange juice or juice without added sugar so blood glucose levels don’t spike to dangerous levels.

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 homecare 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. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call 920-717-1767 today.

How Can Seniors’ Vision Be Affected by Dementia?

Posted on June 6, 2019April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

The changes in the brain that cause dementia symptoms such as memory loss can also affect vision. When people see something with their eyes, they rely on their cognitive abilities to make sense of what they see. Your senior loved one’s memory of past experiences must work with the other senses to help him or her interpret the images he or she sees. However, dementia and vision changes often occur together. When this happens, your loved one may experience some of the following problems with vision.

Issues with Depth Perception

Your loved one may begin to have difficulty detecting changes in the elevation of the ground or a floor. He or she may also be unable to tell the difference between a three-dimensional object and something that’s flat. For example, your loved one may try to step up if he or she sees a line on the floor or try to pick up an image he or she sees on the wall, such as a flower. Issues with depth perception can increase the risk of falling because your loved one may not always be able to tell when something requires him or her to step up or down.

Vision impairment resulting from dementia may make it difficult for seniors to complete everyday tasks on their own. 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.

Diminished Peripheral Vision

There are several types of eye conditions that cause loss of peripheral vision. However, seniors with dementia tend to experience this more severely than others. If your loved one cannot see to the side while staring forward, he or she may not be able to detect objects in his or her path. Your loved one may also be easily startled and unable to notice potential hazards coming his or her way.

Difficulty Perceiving Colors

Seniors may also begin to have difficulty with color perception. While this may seem to create only a slight issue with things such as coordinating clothing, it can also be another dangerous symptom of dementia. For instance, a senior who cannot detect the colors on a stoplight may need assistance with driving. Issues with color perception may also make it difficult to distinguish common items from each other, such as a lemon and a lime.

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 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.

Challenges with Detecting Motion

For the most part, people with normal vision see the world as it is actively occurring in motion. However, someone with dementia-related memory changes may see the world as a series of still-frame pictures. Being unable to fully visualize their experiences in real-time motion makes it easier for seniors with dementia to get lost, which could pose an issue if they try to wander away from home. Your loved one may also get frustrated with common activities such as watching television if he or she is unable to keep up with what’s happening due to fast movements in his or her field of vision.

Difficulty Seeing Contrast

Seniors with dementia also have difficulty noticing color contrasts that help them recognize objects. For instance, your loved one might not be able to clearly see a white toilet surrounded by a white tile floor. When possible, make features in a room more distinguishable by choosing completely different colors for the décor elements.

Even when families have the best intentions, caring for a senior loved one with dementia can be challenging. Fortunately, Senior Stride Home Care is here to help. We are a leading provider of dementia care. Oshkosh families can take advantage of our flexible and customizable care plans, and our caregivers always stay up to date on the latest developments in senior care. To hire a dedicated dementia caregiver, call Senior Stride Home Care at 920-717-1767 today.

How Can I Make the Home Safer for a Senior with Alzheimer’s?

Posted on May 23, 2019April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s at home is possible, as long as you take safety precautions. You need to remove all hazards and ensure your loved one is secure while inside the house. Here are some ways to increase home safety for a senior parent with Alzheimer’s.

Keep Potentially Dangerous Items Out of Reach

You shouldn’t keep weapons in your loved one’s home, but if you choose to, make sure they’re locked up in a place where he or she has no access. Leaving sharp and dangerous items out in the open could increase your parent’s risk of causing harm to him or herself, you, or others. When cooking, doing home improvements, or working on other tasks that require the use of potentially dangerous tools and objects, make sure your loved one is never left alone with these items. If he or she is helping you with the tasks, you should be the one to handle the sharp utensils and tools to prevent accidents and injuries.

There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional senior home care. Oshkosh families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.

Clear Out Clutter

Your loved one may forget where particular objects are stored in the home as Alzheimer’s progresses, increasing the risk of bumping into furniture and other harmful items. Help your loved one clear out all clutter regularly, and move things around to make sure there are clear pathways throughout the home. Do a thorough cleaning with your parent at least once per year. During this cleaning, you can throw out items he or she no longer uses. Some personal belongings will have sentimental value, so be considerate of your loved one’s feelings when trying to toss out the objects.

Remove Alcohol

Drinking alcoholic beverages can lead to confusion in seniors with Alzheimer’s disease, which is why you should remove alcohol from your loved one’s home. Even if the beverages are safely secured inside the home, your loved one could break the glass of a cabinet or find the keys to the locks and open the cases to have a drink. When you drink wine, beer, or any other alcoholic beverage, never leave a glass unattended because your loved one could mistake the alcohol for water or juice.

One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide at-home care. Oshkosh families can turn to Senior Stride Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.

Lock the Doors and Windows

Keeping the front and back doors secure could prevent your loved one from wandering, especially at night. Wandering is a common issue seniors with Alzheimer’s disease experience, which is why all entrances and exits should be locked at all times. Your loved one can go out and enjoy a walk in the neighborhood as long as you or a caregiver accompanies him or her to keep your parent from getting lost. Keeping the doors and windows locked can also lower the risk of someone entering the home without permission. Seniors are often the targets of break-ins and scams because of their age.

Every senior living with Alzheimer’s deserves high-quality Alzheimer’s care. Oshkosh families can rely on the caregivers at Senior Stride Home Care to keep their loved ones safe while managing the symptoms of the disease. Using our Cognitive Therapeutics Method, our caregivers help seniors regain a sense of pride and accomplishment while promoting cognitive health. Call us today at 920-717-1767 to learn about our high-quality in-home Alzheimer’s care services.

6 Tips for Lowering High Blood Pressure in Seniors

Posted on May 9, 2019April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Seniors with high blood pressure often take medication to boost their health. While your aging loved one should always follow the doctor’s recommended treatment plan, there are also other things that can be done to reduce blood pressure. These six tips are all natural ways for seniors to lower their blood pressure.

1. Go for a Walk

Exercise is a known way to lower blood pressure. However, seniors sometimes get frustrated by the thought of having to spend hours on a treadmill. The truth is it only takes small changes to start seeing positive results in a senior’s health. Encourage your loved one to take one or two short walks each day that add up to about half an hour.

Even seniors with mobility issues or health challenges can still exercise, especially with the help of trained professional caregivers. Oshkosh in-home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.

2. Put Down the Salt Shaker

Salt has been linked to high blood pressure as well as related ailments such as strokes. Seniors sometimes add more salt to their food to compensate for a decreased sense of taste. Replace salt with flavorful herbs that don’t raise blood pressure.

If you’re a family caregiver who finds it challenging to have the time to shop for the healthiest foods, consider hiring a professional caregiver for an hour or two a day or a few days a month. Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. Oshkosh respite care experts from Senior Stride Home Care are available on an as-needed basis, giving your family peace of mind that your loved one will remain safe and comfortable while you relax or focus on other important responsibilities.

3. Limit Alcohol

In recent years, older adults have been told to drink red wine and other types of alcohol to lower their blood pressure. While red grapes do have tannins that provide heart-healthy benefits, seniors need to limit their alcohol intake. In general, women should have no more than one drink a day, and men should stick to two or fewer. Limiting the intake of alcohol prevents it from turning into a contributor to high blood pressure.

4. Practice Stress Management Techniques

Stress dramatically increases blood pressure. During the senior years, some stress is unavoidable. Your loved one may worry about his or her health or be facing other issues such as the loss of a spouse. While you can’t change the things that happen in your loved one’s life, you can help him or her learn to manage stress better. For instance, enjoying a laugh with a friend or caregiver is a great way to shake off the stressful events of the day. Seniors can also listen to music, enjoy a warm bath, or engage in a favorite hobby.

5. Eat Berries

Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries all contain polyphenols, which are known for boosting heart health. Encourage your loved one to eat berries each day. Add them to a bowl of whole grains for breakfast, or experiment with making berry smoothies for a midday snack. Berries are also great to use for desserts, since they have a sweet flavor without a bunch of artificial sugar.

6. Cut Back on Caffeine

Coffee and other caffeinated beverages give seniors a pick-me-up. However, they also cause a short-term spike in blood pressure that can be harmful if it’s already high. Encourage switching to decaf or at least scaling back on the consumption of caffeinated beverages to give your loved one a healthier start to the day.

Many seniors who find it challenging to manage their blood pressure on their own find that a professional caregiver can provide the reinforcement and direction they need to make lasting lifestyle changes. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of senior 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. If your loved one needs professional home care, Senior Stride Home Care is here to help. Call one of our Care Managers today at 920-717-1767.

5 Early Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease in Aging Adults

Posted on April 18, 2019April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Parkinson’s disease is a type of central nervous system disorder that makes it difficult for the body to properly control movements. In its earliest stages, the symptoms of Parkinson’s may be very subtle. An early diagnosis may be challenging to achieve, but it allows seniors to get access to a variety of helpful treatment options. To ensure your senior loved one gets the help he or she needs as soon as possible, keep an eye out for these early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease.

1. Handwriting Changes

Fine motor skills are often one of the first types of motion Parkinson’s disease alters. Seniors may not notice it at first because they can still perform daily tasks and don’t experience obvious tremors. However, handwriting may provide one of the earliest signs that something isn’t right. For seniors with Parkinson’s, writing tends to become smaller and look more cramped over time. Compare your loved one’s current writing to his or her previous handwriting to see if there’s a noticeable difference.

2. Chronic Constipation

Parkinson’s disease doesn’t just affect the muscles used to move the arms and legs. It can also impair the nerves and muscles used to manage digestion, so people with Parkinson’s disease often experience chronic constipation. It’s normal for seniors to have some difficulty with bowel movements when they don’t get enough water and fiber, but they may need to get a checkup if they have regular constipation even when they get the right amounts of water and fiber.

If your loved one has digestive difficulties, he or she may get a great deal of benefit from having a professional caregiver help with planning and preparing healthy meals. Families looking for top-rated Oshkosh home care service 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.

3. Serious Facial Expressions

One of the fairly distinctive symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is called facial masking. Though seniors are still able to move their faces normally, they may no longer instinctively shift their faces to mirror their emotions. Seniors may be told they look sad, mad, or upset because their faces look so blank and serious. This symptom may go away when seniors purposefully try to smile or show specific expressions, but it comes back when they’re not paying attention.

Seniors in the later stages of Parkinson’s can live at home, but they may need assistance from a family member or other caregiver to do so safely. For many seniors in Oshkosh, live-in 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 Senior Stride Home Care, 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.

4. Loss of Smell

Since Parkinson’s disease affects the nerves, it can change the way seniors sense certain things. Many people with Parkinson’s disease start to lose the sense of smell. Though they can still distinguish basic smells, they may have difficulty smelling distinct scents of flavors like licorice or bananas. Smell also affects the sense of taste, so if certain foods no longer taste right, it can also be a sign of Parkinson’s disease.

5. Wild Movements During Sleep

It’s normal for everyone to toss and turn a little bit, but in people with Parkinson’s disease, nighttime movements may become very pronounced. This happens because the body isn’t properly controlling motion once it falls asleep. Seniors may act out their dreams or twitch constantly while asleep.

Early diagnosis is critical because Parkinson’s disease can be particularly challenging in its final stages, and family caregivers can easily get overwhelmed. 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. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at 920-717-1767 today.

What Are Common Dental Issues for Older Adults?

Posted on April 4, 2019April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

After years of having good oral health, seniors are sometimes surprised when a new round of dental issues accompanies the aging process. Treating dental health issues is always important, but it becomes a greater priority when you realize how much seniors need good oral health to be able to eat properly. Watch out for these common dental health issues that tend to occur in the elderly so you can help your senior loved one get them under control.

Dry Mouth

Your loved one may develop dry mouth if he or she takes certain medications or has a health condition that lists it as a symptom. While dry mouth is uncomfortable, it also wreaks havoc on oral health. For instance, a lack of saliva in the mouth means food residue is no longer rinsed away. Instead, it can sit on the teeth and lead to cavities. Talk to the dentist about medications your loved one takes and any symptoms of dry mouth he or she has regularly. Special rinses are available to restore moisture to the oral tissues, and your loved one may benefit from more frequent cleanings.

Advanced Gum Disease

Many younger adults have gum disease that’s still in the early stages. However, gum disease that isn’t controlled early in life often rears its head during the senior years. Make sure to help your loved one get to the dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. If your loved one needs a procedure such as a deep cleaning or gum grafting, provide support to help him or her recover properly afterward. For instance, your loved one may need someone to prepare a soft food diet until soreness goes away.

New Tooth Decay

Cavities can happen at any point in life. However, seniors with great teeth who suddenly develop many cavities could be facing challenges with their oral hygiene routines. For instance, having difficulty flossing due to arthritis in the hands could cause your loved one to get cavities between the teeth. Have the dentist assess how well your loved one can perform the steps of his or her oral hygiene routine. If necessary, try arranging for a caregiver to help out, and experiment with different strategies to reduce the risk of further tooth decay.

A professional caregiver can be a great asset for seniors who need help with everyday tasks like brushing and flossing their teeth. Families who need help caring for a senior loved one can turn to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of Oshkosh elder care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.

Oral Cancer

The oral cavity can also develop cancer, and the risk of this goes up with age. Your loved one needs to request an oral cancer screening during dental checkups. These screenings only take a few minutes, but they save lives through early detection and treatment.

If your loved one is diagnosed with oral cancer or any other serious disease, compassionate help is just a phone call away. Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Oshkosh seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.

Missing or Damaged Teeth

A single missing tooth can throw off your loved one’s bite. When your loved one is unable to chew food properly, he or she may develop secondary symptoms such as gastrointestinal discomfort or malnutrition. Help your loved one choose a tooth replacement option, and make sure to get his or her dentures checked and relined as needed so they don’t cause discomfort.

Oral health plays a significant role in an aging adult’s overall wellbeing. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional at-home care. Oshkosh, WI, 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. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at 920-717-1767 today.

Healthy Food Choices for Seniors Who Don’t Have Teeth

Posted on March 21, 2019April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, approximately 27 percent of seniors over the age of 65 have no teeth. Though this number has been steadily decreasing over recent years, many seniors still eat daily meals without the aid of teeth. Try these healthful foods that are soft enough for your senior loved one to eat but are full of flavor and nutrition.

Cottage Cheese

Your loved one may have a challenging time getting enough protein without teeth. Because meat can be difficult to eat without being ground up, many seniors with tooth loss are deficient in protein. Protein helps seniors maintain muscle mass, repairs tissue, and produces critical enzymes. One cup of cottage cheese offers 28 grams of protein. Try pairing it with some applesauce for a sweet and savory snack.

Professional caregivers with experience in preparing various types of healthy meals can be a wonderful resource for seniors with no teeth. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a trusted provider of Oshkosh senior care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.

Avocados

Healthy fats keep skin and hair healthy and the cardiovascular system working well. Avocados are low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, fiber, and nutrition. They contain six grams of monounsaturated fats per fruit and are high in vitamins E, K, and A. Additionally, avocados contain 25 milligrams of beta-sitosterol, a natural plant sterol that has been found to lower cholesterol levels. Avocados can be eaten sliced or mashed with a little lime and salt. If your loved one doesn’t enjoy the taste of avocado, try mashing it into chocolate pudding for a healthy dessert.

Eggs

Many people think of eggs as a breakfast food, but they can be eaten any time of day. Eggs contain vitamins B5, B12, and B2, which are responsible for producing red blood cells and helping the body use food as energy, and they also contain five grams of healthy fats and six grams of protein. Try serving scrambled eggs in a crustless quiche or with soft veggies in an omelet.

Caring for a senior with specialized nutritional needs can be challenging. 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.

Pancakes

Pancakes are a soft food option that can be eaten any time of day. While traditional pancakes may not offer much nutrition, adding finely ground whole-wheat flour and mashed bananas in place of regular ingredients in pancake recipes can provide a fiber boost. Fiber can help your loved one stay fuller longer and keep his or her digestive system healthy.

Sweet Potatoes

If your loved one is a diabetic, he or she may try to stay away from white potatoes, which are high on the glycemic index and can cause blood sugar levels to spike. Sweet potatoes are lower on the glycemic index and may be a healthier option. They’re extremely high in vitamin A, which plays a role in healthy eyes and gives the immune system a boost. Try mashing sweet potatoes with a little butter, salt, and cinnamon.

For seniors who don’t have teeth, getting proper nutrition can be difficult. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional elder care. Oshkosh families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. For compassionate, reliable in-home care, trust the experienced professionals from Senior Stride Home Care. Reach out to one of our dedicated Care Managers today at 920-717-1767 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.