6 Vital Financial Planning Methods for Seniors

Posted on October 4, 2018April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Failing to plan for the future can lead to unnecessary stress for seniors, as well as unwanted expenses. A financial plan can be critical to an aging adult’s overall health, regardless of his or her available income. Here are some financial planning strategies for seniors and tips family caregivers can use to help their aging loved one achieve each goal.

1. Create a Budget

The most important step is to build a schedule that includes your loved one’s monthly income against his or her monthly expenses. Determine which expenses can be reduced or cut entirely. Having a budget may give your loved one an idea of what he or she can spend on nonessentials.

An ideal budget can help seniors enjoy their golden years without compromising on their quality of life. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of elder care Oshkosh families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.

2. Repay Debts

When debt isn’t paid off, it continues to increase over time. Making strategic payments can help aging adults pay their debt off sooner, relieving stress and anxiety encountered due to creditors. Instead of paying the minimum payment, encourage your loved one to overpay so he or she can lower the monthly payments and get closer to the payoff date. When debts are paid off, your loved one will have more money added to the monthly budget.

3. Review Insurance Plans

With aging comes a higher risk of various health conditions, including heart disease, memory loss, and arthritis. Treatment for these conditions can be expensive, which is why seniors need to have a good insurance policy in place. Your loved one should speak with his or her provider to determine what is covered under the policy and which expenses need to be paid out of pocket. The biggest mistake many seniors make is underestimating their long-term care needs.

4. Build a Fund for Emergencies

You never know when an emergency will occur, which is why your loved one should have funds allocated for such situations. Each pay period, your loved one should set aside money in a savings account and only withdraw funds when there’s an emergency. If this financial planning strategy is executed correctly, your loved one could save enough money to cover at least six months of living expenses.

Aging adults face various challenges, but by building an emergency fund they can overcome financial difficulties. Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Oshkosh live-in 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 the professional live-in caregivers from Senior Stride Home Care to enhance his or her quality of life.

5. Utilize Free Local Resources

Even if your loved one has the money to cover transportation, food, and medical expenses, he or she shouldn’t rule out using local resources. If there’s a program in place for older adults, your loved one should consider looking into it. Utilizing available resources can help seniors stretch their income and use the savings in emergency situations or expenses not covered in their monthly budget.

6. Monitor Credit Reports

Seniors are targeted at a higher rate by scammers compared to other age groups. Monitoring their credit on a regular basis can prevent identity theft. Any cases of insurance fraud, stolen funds from a bank account, or unauthorized credit card charges can be found out by monitoring your parent’s credit report and financial accounts on a regular basis.

Financial planning is just one of the many ways you can help your parent age gracefully. Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a trusted provider of respite care Oshkosh seniors can depend on. Call 920-717-1767 to speak with a Care Manager today to find out how your aging parent can benefit from in-home care services.

Nutritious Breakfast Options for the Elderly

Posted on September 20, 2018April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Breakfast is often called the most important meal because it provides nutrition for the entire day. However, many people eat food rich in sugar and low in nutrition, so they end up feeling hungry and grumpy a few hours after eating breakfast. With a little extra planning, it’s possible to create a breakfast that satisfies a senior’s nutritional needs. Seniors who want to eat a healthy breakfast will likely enjoy these delicious options.

Egg Sandwiches

Eggs are loaded with healthy proteins, so they can keep your senior loved one feeling satiated for hours. They also contain plenty of vitamin D, which is essential for absorbing calcium and preventing osteoporosis. Pair them with some whole-grain bread to add fiber to the meal, and include a slice of tomato to make sure your loved one gets a little extra vitamin C and K.

Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional 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.

Yogurt & Fresh Berries

Yogurt is an excellent source of probiotics that assist with digestion and keep the digestive tract regular. Pairing them with berries adds an extra dose of antioxidants, which fight off inflammation. The key to keeping this breakfast healthy is to use plain yogurt and sweeten it by hand. Presweetened yogurts tend to contain an excessive amount of added sugars.

Banana & Peanut Butter Smoothie

This liquid breakfast is great for busy seniors or those without teeth. The banana provides potassium, which balances water intake and reduces blood pressure. Peanut butter provides some healthy fats that can keep your loved one feeling satisfied until lunchtime.

Southwestern Hash

A hash of potatoes, peppers, onions, and tomatoes is both delicious and healthy. When cooked with their skins on, potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B, and magnesium. The peppers in the mix contain even more vitamin C along with some antioxidants. This hearty breakfast is great for providing energy when your loved one has a full day ahead of him or her.

Seniors may require assistance preparing a healthy breakfast. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Oshkosh respite care experts at Senior Stride Home Care are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a quick and easy meal packed with health benefits. Oats have a lot of heart-healthy fiber, which slows digestion enough to reduce blood sugar spikes. Oats are very versatile. You can season them with cinnamon, fresh fruit, chopped nuts, or even cocoa powder.

Avocado Toast

This quick and easy meal is a great way to add some healthy fats and fiber to your loved one’s diet. Avocados are an excellent source of monounsaturated fat that reduces heart disease risks. As long as you use whole-grain bread that’s low in sugar, the toast will be a healthy source of fiber. If you want to give your loved one a little extra protein, consider topping the toast with a fried egg.

Eating a nutritious breakfast each day is just one way for seniors to enjoy good health. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of elderly care Oshkosh families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts. If you’re looking for a comprehensive home care plan for your loved one, contact us at 920-717-1767 today.

5 Tips to Treat Eczema in Older Adults

Posted on September 6, 2018April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Eczema is a type of skin inflammation that results in itchy, reddened skin with tiny bumps or thickened scales. The condition is common in those with weakened immune systems, and it frequently occurs among seniors. Living with eczema is uncomfortable, so it’s important to find ways to manage the symptoms and keep the eczema from flaring up again. If your senior loved one has eczema, try these solutions to treat the condition.

1. Avoid Triggers

There are many different triggers that can cause eczema to flare up. Keep an eye on your loved one to find out what may be causing the eczema. For some seniors, it may be contact with pollen, certain soaps, eggs, soy, wheat, or milk. Identify any sensitivities your loved one might have and make sure you help him or her avoid them. Stress can be a trigger as well, so try to keep your loved one as calm and relaxed as possible.

Older adults may require help avoiding known triggers and preparing appropriate meals. Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a trusted provider of respite care Oshkosh seniors can depend on.

2. Apply a Soothing Cream

When your loved one is having eczema attack, one of the most effective treatments is a medicated cream. You can talk to the doctor about prescribing a calcineurin inhibitor cream, which soothes the skin and halts an eczema attack before it worsens. These creams can only be used for a short time, so they’re often used to stop an eczema attack before finding other ways to treat it.

3. Take Immunosuppressive Medication

Eczema is caused by an overactive immune system, and one method of treating it is to take a medication that moderates the immune system response. Common options include azathioprine, cyclosporine, and methotrexate. Some of these medications are also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, so they may have multiple benefits for seniors. However, seniors have a higher risk of getting sick while taking immunosuppressants, so they may not be advisable for everyone.

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.

4. Try Light Therapy

Light therapy can be effective for seniors who don’t respond to medicated creams. This type of therapy is simply exposing the skin to UV rays. You can use a light box to create artificial UV rays, or you can encourage your loved one to sit in the sun for a few minutes each day. The key to using light therapy is consistency. It can take a month or two of consistent light exposure to start reducing the severity of the eczema outbreak.

5. Be Gentle to the Skin

Eczema often flares up after some sort of irritation to the skin, so you need to be very careful with your loved one’s skin even when he or she isn’t having an eczema attack. Try to avoid using excessively hot water, scented soaps, or detergents with fragrances. Always keep skin clean, dry it well after showers, and gently pat a fragrance-free moisturizer into the skin. Excessively dry skin tends to cause eczema flare-ups, so some seniors might benefit from a humidifier.

Helping your loved one manage eczema or another health condition may be a difficult task. If you are the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional senior home care, Oshkosh Senior Stride Home Care should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults manage their health and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years. To schedule an in-home consultation, call us at 920-717-1767 today.

6 Ways to Effectively Communicate with Elderly People with Dementia

Posted on August 23, 2018March 28, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Seniors with dementia may find their symptoms get worse as the condition progresses. For this reason, communication between them and the people around them may become difficult. Your senior loved one may lose his or her train of thought while speaking, use the wrong words, repeat ideas, and simply say things that don’t make sense. While it can be frustrating for both of you, the following tips can help with communication.

1. Stay Positive

Never criticize your loved one for misspeaking or losing his or her train of thought. If you don’t understand something, ask questions or repeat what your loved one said to make sure it’s what he or she meant. Avoid correcting your loved one when he or she misspeaks. While it’s easy to get mad and give up, patience can go a long way toward helping you both keep your cool.

2. Speak Normally

When an older adult has difficulty speaking, it can be tempting to change the way you talk. Some people resort to baby talk, while others may raise their voice or shout. Some may even talk about the person with dementia as if he or she is not in the room. Avoid all of these tactics. Your loved one is still a human being who deserves respect and dignity.

3. Talk Simply

Long, complicated statements and questions may be too difficult for your senior loved one to respond to. Instead, try to speak clearly and use simple words and phrases. Repeat a question if your loved one has a difficult time following it. If he or she doesn’t understand it the second time, try rewording it. Ask one question at a time. Stick to questions with easy answers. For example, instead of asking what your loved one would like to have for lunch, ask if he or she would prefer a sandwich or soup. Use familiar names and places if necessary.

Living with dementia can make it difficult for seniors to manage daily tasks. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Oshkosh seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.

4. Remove Distractions

Distractions in the room can prevent you from properly communicating with your loved one. Have other people leave the room, then close the door. Turn off TVs and radios. Use eye contact and say your loved one’s name when speaking. If necessary, let your loved one know who you are. If your loved one loses focus, find a way to get his or her attention without being forceful, such as saying his or her name again or touching his or her arm. Communicate in familiar settings whenever possible.

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.

5. Mind Your Body Language

Sometimes it’s not what you say but how you say it, or how you don’t say it. Pay attention to your body language when you talk to your loved one. Again, eye contact or a gentle touch on the arm may keep him or her focused. Smile, nod, and keep your facial expressions friendly and neutral. It’s also important to avoid negative body language such as sighing, rolling your eyes, or crossing your arms when frustrated. It may also help to pay attention to your loved one’s body language when he or she is talking to you.

6. Keep Talking

One mistake many people make when communicating with a senior with dementia is that they stop talking, especially if the senior can no longer use verbal communication. Talking to your loved one is an important way to show love and support. Your loved one may no longer have the ability to speak to you, but it doesn’t mean he or she doesn’t understand what you have to say.

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. To learn about our customized in-home care services, give us a call at 920-717-1767 today.

How to Promote Better Dental Hygiene in Older Adults

Posted on August 9, 2018April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Keeping an older adult’s mouth healthy is just as important as caring for the rest of his or her body. When seniors maintain good oral hygiene, they can reduce their risk of developing health conditions such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s. Here are some of the things seniors can do to maintain better dental hygiene.

Brush Teeth Daily

To make brushing and flossing easier, seniors should invest in electric toothbrushes, floss holders, and other alternatives that can make a big difference with their oral hygiene. Special bristle patterns can also make it easier for seniors to brush their teeth, especially adults living with arthritis and other bone diseases. Your loved one needs to use fluoride to prevent decay, damaged gums, and broken teeth. Make sure your loved one brushes his or her teeth two times per day and flosses daily.

Eat Healthy

Nutrient-rich foods can promote healthy teeth in older adults. Calcium is one of the best minerals for seniors because it helps them build bones and provides structural support. The more calcium your loved one consumes, the stronger his or her jawbone will become. Foods like salmon, broccoli, cheese, and low-fat milk can harden the enamel and increase bone density. Vitamin C is also good for dental hygiene because it can strengthen the soft tissue in the mouth, protecting against gum disease and tooth loss.

Stop Smoking

When seniors smoke, their odds of experiencing bad breath, plaque and tartar buildup, tooth discoloration, inflammation of the salivary glands, tooth loss, and gum disease increases. Encourage your loved one to stop smoking immediately, and help him or her develop healthy habits to combat the urge to smoke, such as exercising, eating healthy snacks, taking up arts and crafts, or learning something new. In addition to poor dental health, smoking can also increase the risk of developing lung disease, blood clots, and memory loss.

Older adults living with dementia need help performing the tasks of daily living. Oshkosh respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.

Use Salt Water Rinse

Although your loved one may be accustomed to a traditional water rinse, adding salt may enhance his or her dental hygiene. Just add a teaspoon of salt to the water to prevent bacteria from growing in your loved one’s mouth. The salt water will also increase your loved one’s pH balance.

Attend Regular Dentist Visits

Even with the best dental care, seniors still need to have regular exams to determine if they are at risk of developing conditions such as oral cancer. A dentist can test for these issues and give your loved one advice on how to maintain good oral health in the senior years. Catching these diseases early on could also lead to successful treatments.

In Oshkosh, 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. To create a customized in-home care plan, call us at 920-717-1767.

5 Ways to Make a Lonely Senior Feel Happy

Posted on July 19, 2018April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

It’s common for aging adults to feel lonely and sad at some point in their lives due to everything from financial difficulties to limited mobility. The key to boosting a senior’s mood is to address the issues of sadness as soon as possible before they become a real concern. Here are five ways you can turn your senior loved one’s frown into a smile.

1. Eat Together

Many older adults feel lonely when it comes to mealtime because they often eat alone. Sitting down at the dinner table with your loved one could greatly enhance his or her psychological and emotional health. Devote specific days and times of the week where you can have a meal with your loved one, which will provide a social gathering with family, and uplift his or her spirit. Use this bonding time to talk about your loved one’s day and what’s happening with the rest of the family.

Regular socialization can boost a senior’s overall health and emotional wellbeing. 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.

2. Try Nature Therapy

A simple outing to a park or a walk around the neighborhood may boost your loved one’s emotional health. The key is to make it at least a weekly adventure that he or she can excitedly anticipate. The fresh air and change of scenery is a wonderful way to boost your loved one’s mood, and it also provides a chance to socialize with family while getting some exercise that enhances his or her overall wellbeing.

3. Get a Pet

Getting your loved one a pet may keep his or her spirits up while you are away. Taking care of an animal is also a huge responsibility that can give your loved one a purpose and make him or her feel needed. When choosing a pet for your loved one, keep his or her health and living space in mind. A dog or cat would be a wonderful companion for seniors who are fairly active and healthy living in their own house. If your loved one has limited mobility or is housebound, low-maintenance pets like fish or a bird would be a better choice.

4. Make Use of Modern Technology

Teach your loved one how to use a computer or other electronic gadgets to contact family members and friends. Set up free accounts online such as a video chat service your loved one can use when feeling lonely or bored. On the days when you can’t visit your loved one in person, scheduling regular times to talk together online could help him or her remain cheerful and socially connected.

5. Play Games

Whether your loved one is unhappy because of boredom or mobility issues, both situations could negatively impact his or her outlook on life. No matter which situation your loved one is facing, playing cards or games like checkers together is an exciting and effective way to engage the mind while spending quality time with family, which will surely brighten your loved one’s day.

If your loved one needs regular companionship to ward off loneliness, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Families looking for top-rated Oshkosh 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. For more information on our elderly care services, call us at 920-717-1767 today.

How Can Older Adults Stay Safe During Summer?

Posted on July 5, 2018April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

The summertime should be relaxing for families, and you may be eager to spend more time outside with your senior loved one. However, the rising temperatures and increased outdoor activity during the summer can pose some serious risks to vulnerable seniors. Make sure to use the following tips to keep your loved one safe throughout the next few months.

Focus on Hydration

Many instances of overheating happen when a senior becomes dehydrated. Seniors should aim to drink at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water a day, but your loved one might need more if he or she is physically active or spends long hours outside. To keep things interesting, try making fruit-infused water or giving your loved one homemade fruit juice pops. Your loved one should also avoid beverages that have a dehydrating effect, such as alcohol or coffee, during the summer months.

Seniors may need help staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy lifestyle during the summer and all year long. In Oshkosh, 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.

Protect the Skin

Seniors should always use plenty of sunscreen to ward off sunburns. However, it’s easy to forget that a senior’s skin is vulnerable to other issues caused by the summer heat. For instance, a senior with incontinence should be changed out of soiled clothing as fast as possible to prevent skin rashes and sores. Always bring a change of clothing with you when you plan to spend the day out with your loved one, and encourage him or her to bring a companion on public outings to help him or her when you cannot be there.

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.

Be Aware of Medication Side Effects

A senior who has started a new medication since last summer may need to be extra cautious about the time spent outside. Certain medications affect the body’s ability to regulate its temperature. Always read up on any new prescriptions your loved one takes so you can take preventative action against negative side effects. For example, a senior who takes diuretics may need to increase his or her water intake when exposed to heat.

Maintain Regular Social Contact

Your family should always be aware of how your loved one is doing during the summertime. Create a list of people your loved one can contact throughout the summer months to check in. You can also ask the neighbors to keep an eye on your loved one and let them know to call you if something doesn’t seem right. Additionally, you or a professional caregiver should call or visit your loved one each day to make sure he or she is staying cool.

Avoid Long Walks Outside

Although regular exercise is good for seniors, your loved one should avoid prolonged physical activity during the heat of the day. You should find alternatives to your loved one’s favorite activities. Professional transportation services provide air-conditioned cars that can take your loved one where he or she need to go.

A professional in-home caregiver can help your senior loved one stay safe during the summer. Families looking for top-rated Oshkosh elderly 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. Call one of our friendly Care Managers at 920-717-1767 to set up a free, no-obligation in-home consultation today.

Tips for Aging Adults Having Hip Replacement Surgery

Posted on June 21, 2018April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Hip replacement surgery is not something to be taken lightly. The idea of a prolonged recovery and loss of independence, even if it’s only temporary, may seem daunting. If your aging loved one is facing hip replacement surgery, the following tips can make his or her recovery as easy as possible.

Plan Ahead for Support

Plan to have someone with your loved one around the clock for the first few days he or she is at home. Your loved one will also need assistance with cleaning, preparing meals, running errands, and performing other tasks for the first couple of weeks, so you may want to enlist family and friends to help or arrange for a home caregiver.

Don’t Expect to Recover According to a Set Schedule

Everyone heals at their own pace. Your loved one’s overall health, commitment to physical therapy, and mental state can all affect the speed of recovery. Be supportive and encouraging, but don’t push your loved one harder or faster than his or her personal limit or what can reasonably be expected from a person of his or her age, condition, and stage of recovery. It is also important to remember that surgery takes an emotional toll as well as a physical toll. It is not unusual for a person to experience temporary changes in mood following a major trauma like surgery. These types of changes may be especially apparent if your loved one has dementia or another cognitive disorder.

Adapt the Living Space

Start by decluttering your loved one’s home and removing rugs and other trip hazards. Try to create a comfortable spot where your loved one has a favorite chair, TV, and other items he or she may need within easy reach. Accessibility and mobility aids such as a walker, raised toilet seat, and grab bars in the bathroom can also make recovery easier and safer.

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.

Don’t Forget the 90-Degree Rule

Until advised by a doctor, your loved one should avoid bending more than 90 degrees from the hip. Make sure your loved one does not:

Sit on low or soft chairs or sofas
Lean forward while sitting
Cross his or her legs while sitting or lying down
Turn his or her feet in or out when standing

Remain Active

Engaging in regular physical activity will make the new hip stronger and more flexible. Your loved one’s doctor or physical therapist can recommend exercises and activities that are safe for the first few weeks following surgery. Once your loved one has recovered, low-impact activities such as walking and swimming can help him or her stay fit without putting too much stress on the hip.

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 senior 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. Call one of our Care Managers at 920-717-1767 to learn about how a professional caregiver can benefit your senior loved one.

5 Activities You Can Do with Your Senior Dad for Father’s Day

Posted on June 7, 2018March 28, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

With Father’s Day quickly approaching, it’s time to start thinking about spending quality time with your senior dad. He’s one of the most special men in your life, and Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate and honor him. Check out the following five exciting activities that can make Father’s Day special and memorable for your dad.

1. Go Fishing

Spend quality time on Father’s Day in nature catching fish with your dad. Sharing a fishing experience can strengthen your relationship and boost your dad’s self-esteem while mastering outdoor skills. Activities like fishing offer recreational therapy that aids in renewing and utilizing physical and mental skills, thereby boosting overall health.

Engaging in activities such as fishing enhances cognitive health in aging adults. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional 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.

2. Play Board Games

If your dad is more comfortable staying at home, spend Father’s Day playing board games with him. Playing board games provides the chance to socialize and bond with you while giving his brain a workout. You can also involve the whole family by playing games that require teams, which will give your dad the chance to create a lifetime of memories.

3. Attend a Sporting Event

Taking your dad to a baseball or basketball game is an exciting way to bond over your love of sports. When choosing seats, pick spots near the elevators and bathrooms to make sure he doesn’t face any challenges getting around. If your dad has mobility issues, many stadiums offer wheelchairs that can transport him in and out of the stadium.

Arranging visits to sporting events for a senior with limited mobility can be challenging. If you are the primary caregiver for a senior family member and you need respite care, Oshkosh, WI, Senior Stride Home Care is here to help. Our respite caregivers are trained to assist older adults with a wide variety of everyday tasks, including meal prep, physical activity, and personal hygiene. We also provide 24-hour care and specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.

4. Take a Stroll

Take your dad for a walk through the old neighborhood on Father’s Day. As your dad ages, he may increasingly enjoy reminiscing about the past. This simple yet powerful walk can keep both you and your father healthy mentally as well as physically because it uses both the mind and body. Walking releases endorphins that can reduce anxiety and create a sense of wellbeing to help your dad feel more positive about his life.

5. Go Golfing

Going golfing on Father’s Day is a wonderful way to spend quality time together with your dad. Golfing is good for your dad’s overall health, and it can also increase his motion and flexibility. To make it an extra special Father’s Day golf outing, sign up for golf lessons taught by a professional golfer, which many golf courses offer. If your dad has difficulty swinging the driver, take him to a miniature golf course instead. Miniature golf is a fast, fun game, and you still get bonding time on Father’s Day with your dad.

Providing professional in-home care is one of the best ways to show your aging parent you care. Oshkosh 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. Call Senior Stride Home Care at 920-717-1767 today to learn more about our customized home care plans.

5 Reasons Older Adults Should Try the Mediterranean Diet

Posted on May 24, 2018March 28, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

The Mediterranean diet is becoming more and more popular with people who are looking to lose weight and get healthy. This is especially true with older adults because this way of eating has numerous other health benefits. Based on the cuisine of people who live in Southern Europe, along the Mediterranean Sea, the diet is perfect for increasing longevity and fighting disease. Here are some specific reasons you may want to encourage your older loved one to begin eating this way.

1. Promote Longevity

Most people want to live as long as they can, and the Mediterranean diet has been accredited with making this happen for many. Studies have shown people who live in the Mediterranean region and eat this diet, which includes plenty of fish, vegetables, olive oil, nuts, legumes, and whole grains, live longer.

A professional caregiver can ensure your loved one eats healthy meals and enjoys a higher quality of life. In Oshkosh, elderly 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.

2. Prevent and Manage Diabetes

If your loved one is diabetic or on the path to developing diabetes, a switch to the Mediterranean diet could help him or her manage the condition. Following the Mediterranean diet can help with weight loss and control, which is important for those with diabetes. However, the diet has also been shown to keep blood sugar levels under control and potentially even reverse diabetes.

Encourage your loved one to switch to healthy foods, and help him or her prepare nutritious meals. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Oshkosh seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.

3. Protect the Brain

Older adults are also at a greater risk for diseases that affect the brain, such as dementia, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s. Studies have shown the Mediterranean diet may keep these conditions at bay. Experts believe this has to do with the fact that the diet prevents inflammation from building up in various parts of the body, including the brain. The diet is also rich with healthy fats from nuts and olive oil that are good for the brain, heart, and cardiovascular system, and it may even boost long-term memory.

4. Boost Emotional Health

The Mediterranean diet may also prevent emotional disorders like anxiety and depression. It can boost mood, which is essential for seniors who feel isolated or are often stressed and worried. The diet cuts out processed and fast foods that are typical in many Western diets, and those foods are often linked with depression.

5. Prevent and Fight Cancer

The older your loved one becomes, the more at risk he or she is for developing cancer. Some experts believe the Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of cancer. This diet provides plenty of polyphenols, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids that can stave off cancer. Because the diet is largely plant-based, this way of eating may also help seniors fight cancer.

Consider hiring a dedicated caregiver if your loved one needs assistance preparing nutritious meals. In Oshkosh, home care providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Senior Stride Home Care are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To create a customized in-home care plan for your loved one, give us a call at 920-717-1767 today.