5 Activities for Seniors with Visual Impairment

Posted on March 23, 2017April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Planning activities for seniors with impaired vision requires a little creativity. However, you can keep your loved one engaged by exploring activities that involve the other senses. Through involving the senses of touch, hearing, and taste, you can provide seniors with impaired vision a variety of experiences that stimulate their mind and body.

Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable in-home senior care. 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.

1. Sculpting

There are many arts and crafts that can be enjoyed by seniors with limited vision. However, sculpting might be a new one for many seniors. Sculpting is a sensory experience that allows seniors to dig their hands into clay and feel the art as it is being created. Seniors can share the art with other friends who have impaired vision because they can also use touch to feel the features. Seniors can sculpt with classic materials such as clay, or they can increase the sensory experience by using other materials such as metal and papier-mâché while creating their work of art.

2. Attending Lectures

Many communities host low-cost educational lectures. Help your loved one check with a library, a senior center, or a local community college to find lectures he or she might be interested in. Your loved one might also be interested in motivational speaking events. Alternatively, your loved one could listen to recorded audio lectures and take them to doctor appointments and other places where he or she has to wait.

Some seniors need assistance with transportation to events and medical appointments. If your aging loved one needs help managing the tasks of daily living and you’re searching for a reliable, expertly trained caregiver, Oshkosh, WI, Senior Stride Home Care is your top choice. At Senior Stride Home Care, our caregivers strive to make aging in place a safer and more comfortable experience for seniors so they can enjoy their golden years in better health.

3. Playing Modified Games

Many classic board games come in versions designed for seniors with visual impairment. For example, there are dominoes with raised dots that your loved one can feel and large-print versions of decks of cards that may be easier for him or her to see. There are also video and computer games that involve audio play, which can entertain your loved one.

4. Listening to Music

Seniors with visual impairments can enjoy listening to their favorite songs and benefit from its soothing effects. Arrange for your loved one to attend a concert with a caregiver. Seniors who really enjoy music can also learn to play an instrument, which can be modified to accommodate limited vision.

5. Gardening

Gardening can be healing for a senior’s body and soul. A garden provides a multisensory experience that can fill a senior with joy, even if he or she has impaired vision. Encourage your loved one to plant fragrant herbs and flowers such as lavender. Your loved one is likely to smell the beautiful scent of his or her hard work every time he or she steps outdoors. From adding plants with texture to bold blooms that brighten up the outdoor space, there is always something to do in a garden and seniors will usually find something interesting to keep them busy.

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, WI, part-time 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. Call a qualified Care Manager at 920-717-1767 to learn about our senior home care services and to schedule a free in-home consultation.

How Brain Implants May Treat Alzheimer’s in the Future

Posted on March 9, 2017April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Researchers at the University of Southern California believe they may have found an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s. Instead of using chemicals to protect synapses and brains cells, they are now testing microchips that could potentially mimic cognitive function. The initial tests on mice and monkeys were extremely successful, and they have now advanced to long-term human trials.

Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable elder home care. 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.

Understanding Alzheimer’s and Brain Function

Alzheimer’s develops when pockets of protein attach themselves to brain cells and eventually kill them off. As the cells are destroyed, it becomes nearly impossible for electrical signals in the brain to get to the correct synapses. This damage causes many of the symptoms we now associate with dementia-related conditions such as behavioral changes, mood swings, confusion, difficulty with motor skills, and memory loss. Most of the current Alzheimer’s treatments are designed to slow the rate of decay, but they do nothing to restore cognitive function. This might all change in the future with neuroprosthetics.

The Berger Chip

Dr. Theodore Berger is currently working with a research team at the University of Southern California to develop a microchip that will simulate the electrical impulses created by the brain. The Berger chip helps redirect the impulses so they reach the correct neurons. The chip will not restore a senior’s memory, but it could potentially help him or her create and access new memories. These chips are being tested on humans, but Dr. Berger claims the advancements over the next few months will be significant.

Implants and Neuroprosthetics

Scientists have made considerable headway with brain implants over the last two decades. Implants are currently being used to help paralyzed people manipulate robotic limbs with nothing more than their thoughts. Much like Berger’s chip, these implants assess the electrical impulses as they are being created by the brain. Thousands of deaf people have also benefited from cochlear implants that recognize nerve impulses within the ear. The next logical step for this technology is to save, organize, and emit the impulses that affect memory. Future iterations of Berger’s chip might be able to fully take over all brain processes in the event of a degenerative disorder.

These implants may also be beneficial for seniors living with other dementia-related disorders. Dementia can be challenging for seniors to manage, 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 slow cognitive decline 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.

The Future of Alzheimer’s Treatments

Dementia-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s are extremely complex, and there is no single treatment that works for everyone. Doctors around the world are working on many different procedures that could potentially help seniors with Alzheimer’s, including injections that can break apart the strands of protein that cause brain damage. Currently, the most effective way to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s is a blend of prescription medication and lifestyle changes. While there is no permanent cure for this disease, early diagnosis can enhance a senior’s quality of life.

For reliable Alzheimer’s care, Oshkosh families can turn to Senior Stride Home Care. We are a leading provider of professional memory care designed to help seniors maintain a higher quality of life. In addition to Alzheimer’s care, we also provide comprehensive dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care. From revolutionary care programs to compassionate and dedicated caregivers, we can meet all of your Alzheimer’s home care needs. Call 920-717-1767 to speak with a friendly Care Manager to find out about our flexible care plans.

4 Technological Advancements That Increase Senior Safety

Posted on February 23, 2017April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Seniors are now becoming adept at technology and can be seen relying on modern tools and gadgets to do their daily activities. Some devices help aging adults stay safe and lead happy and healthy lives. Oshkosh senior home care providers have put together a list of 4 technological advancements that increase senior safety.

1. GPS

Some seniors get disoriented and find themselves lost when away from home. GPS technology allows family members to know where their loved one is at any given moment. With GPS technology, caregivers in Oshkosh, WI, can easily locate and retrieve seniors.

2. Smartphone Health Monitoring Apps

Smartphone apps can be used to monitor a senior’s essential health stats such as sleep, activity, heart rate, and blood sugar. These same apps can also be used to set action reminders (to take medicine) and emergency alerts (high pulse or low blood sugar).

3. Voice Activation

With voice activation, seniors with limited mobility can increase their safety. For instance, if a senior falls without a smartphone in hand, he or she can still use it or another device to call for help. Other devices such as climate control, kitchen appliances, and entertainment devices can also incorporate voice activation.

4. Sensors

A sensor can be worn around the neck to detect if the senior has fallen and send out an automatic alert. Sensors can be programmed to read many types of information, from temperature to speed to orientation in space. There are many ways sensors can be implemented to monitor a senior’s safety.

Diligent safety monitoring is important in preventing falls and injuries and keeping your loved one safe. At Senior Stride Home Care, our customized care plans can include emotional support, assistance with personal care, mental stimulation, and safety monitoring to keep your loved one safe from injuries. We can provide medication reminders, mobility support, and physical exercise to boost your loved one’s physical and mental health. For high-quality 24-hour and respite care, Oshkosh residents can call us at 920-717-1767.

Legal Advice for Family Caregivers

Posted on February 16, 2017April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

If you are the family caregiver of a senior loved one, there are several legal documents you need to consider. Oshkosh senior care providers discuss a few important legal papers caregivers need to know about.

Durable Power of Attorney

A durable power of attorney allows family caregivers to act on behalf of their senior loved ones when they become incompetent to act on their own. The document allows you to control money, sign legal contracts, sell real estate, and do many other things on behalf of your loved one. Unlike a power of attorney, a durable power of attorney gives you rights only in certain areas.

Conservatorship

If your senior loved one cannot make any decisions for him or herself, you can ask a judge to appoint you as a conservator. This document requires you to look after his or her basic care. Every decision you make in this regard must be approved by the court.

Living Will

You may want to encourage your loved one to complete a living will. This document allows seniors to decide whether or not they want to be put on life support if they cannot speak for themselves. This document is also known as an Advance Health Care Directive Form. It’s important to note that a living will is not needed if you are the conservator or have durable power of attorney.

Do Not Resuscitate/Do Not Intubate (DNR/DNI) Order

These orders can be combined with the living will, if desired. This document tells the medical team if the senior wants CPR or other rescue breathing techniques should he or she stop breathing.

If you need time to prepare an important legal document, but you can’t leave your senior loved one alone at home, call Senior Stride Home Care. We offer a range of customized senior care plans to help boost your loved one’s health and wellbeing while you tend to other important work. For high-quality and experienced respite and live-in caregivers in Oshkosh, get in touch with one of our friendly Care Managers today at 920-717-1767.

3 Types of Cell Phones for Seniors

Posted on February 9, 2017April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

In our complex, fast-paced world, a cell phone is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Being able to quickly call another person can spare your loved one stress and possibly save their life. In June 2015, Forbes reported on the best cell phones for seniors. None of them involves a contract or cancellation fee. Oshkosh in-home senior care professionals summarize the details of the top-rated models.

1. Doro PhoneEasy 626 from Consumer Cellular

This flip phone features a bright screen, extra-loud speaker, shortcut keys for quick contact, and a camera. It is also hearing aid compatible with a visual ring indicator. The Emergency Help button on the back can provide timely assistance through GPS technology, identifying your loved one’s location.

2. Jitterbug5 from GreatCall

Also a clamshell design, the Jitterbug5 has a simple yes/no navigation system. “Urgent Care” is an option to connect your loved one around the clock with a nurse or doctor for medical advice. Jitterbug5 exceeds Federal Communication Commission requirements for hearing aid compatibility. It is one of the few cell phones that works with telecoil hearing devices.

A unique feature of this phone is the ability to program automated medication reminders. With the caregiver app, you can log onto a smartphone, tablet, or computer and check your loved one’s whereabouts using GPS. The app also alerts you when the phone is used to contact emergency personnel.

A “5Star” emergency button on the phone connects to a certified Urgent Response Agent. Each professional is trained to handle a medical emergency or provide assistance if a caller becomes lost or feels unsafe. Using GPS, an agent can dispatch emergency personnel to any location.

3. SnapfonezTWO

This cell phone responds to voice commands via a “speaking keypad.” The full-color screen is easy to read. Upon pressing the red SOS button, the phone sends a text to designated contacts. The SnapfonezTWO is also hearing aid compatible with enhanced volume and a speaker phone. Other senior-friendly features include easy navigation and an LED flashlight.

Contact List

In addition to your phone number, help your loved one program phone numbers of other emergency contacts. Save the phone numbers of your loved one’s physician, clergy, local police, fire department, and a taxi service.

If you are concerned about your loved one’s safety, in addition to purchasing a senior-friendly cell phone for him or her, consider hiring a caregiver from Senior Stride Home Care. Apart from increasing safety both in and outside of the home, our trained caregivers can help your loved one manage everyday tasks and boost his or her overall wellbeing. We provide reliable respite and live-in home care. Oshkosh families can contact a Care Manager at 920-717-1767 for more information and to schedule a no-obligation consultation.

5 Valentine’s Day Craft Ideas for Aging Adults

Posted on February 2, 2017April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Making crafts is a wonderful way to spend quality time with your senior loved ones this Valentine’s Day in Oshkosh. Home care experts suggest 5 crafts to stimulate different regions of your loved one’s brain and enhance his or her motor skills and dexterity.

1. Heart Sachets

Cut heart shapes from red, pink, and white felt. Using contrasting embroidery thread, your loved one can sew symbols on one side of the felt hearts. Sew two hearts together, leaving a small area open, and fill the hearts with potpourri, scented wax, or any other fragrant substance. Sew the hearts closed and place around the home.

2. Framed Love U

Use construction paper or poster board for the background of the picture. Cut out smaller contrasting hearts from construction paper and attach the hearts to the background in rows. Create a large letter “u,” attach the letter to the center of the picture, and frame the picture.

3. Valentine’s Day Cookies

Using your favorite sugar cookie recipe, cut out heart shapes and bake. You and your loved one can then decorate the cookies with colored frosting, decorative icing, and candies.

4. Heart Pins

Gather red pipe cleaners, red three-sided beads, and white lace. Thread the beads and lace onto each pipe cleaner, alternating one bead followed by a fold of lace, then combine the ends of the pipe cleaner and shape into a heart. Attach a small safety pin to the back and a red ribbon to the front of the heart pin.

5. Hugs and Kisses Treat Jars

The supplies you need for this craft include canning jars with lids, red and white gingham, red, pink, and white felt, and red ribbon. Create a large heart to attach to the front of the jar, then make two smaller hearts and attach to the large heart. Embellish with a contrasting colored banner boasting “XOXO” and attach a small red bow to the top of the heart. Take apart the jar lid and replace the base with a piece of gingham fabric. Fill the jar with conversation hearts, red and silver chocolate kisses, or other holiday-themed candies.

Crafting is often advised for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or any other cognitive impairment. If your senior loved one experiences cognitive decline, hiring professional caregivers can prove helpful. At Senior Stride Home Care, our respite and live-in caregivers encourage and assist seniors in all creative tasks to stimulate the mind and slow down cognitive decline. To learn more about our reliable senior care plans and dementia caregivers in Oshkosh, get in touch with one of our knowledgeable Care Managers today at 920-717-1767.

Tax Information Family Caregivers Need to Know

Posted on January 26, 2017April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Family members who provide Oshkosh home care for a senior loved one are responsible for many factors that ensure the senior receives the best care possible. One aspect family caregivers may not consider involves tax preparation. Caregivers must develop an organized system. Getting ready for tax time requires managing documents and receipts throughout the year. Family caregivers must also take the time to stay informed about the tax implications concerning looking after a senior. In this way, individuals are aware of the tax breaks that might decrease an annual tax bill.

Dependent Claims

If the caregiver and the senior meet certain IRS requirements, the senior might be claimed as a dependent. These stipulations include:

The senior must be a resident of Canada, Mexico, or the United States.
The senior cannot file a joint return with his or her spouse.
The senior must be a relative. However, he or she does not have to live with the caregiver.
The senior’s income for the year cannot be more than $4,050. Social Security benefits are not included in this sum.
The caregiver must provide more than half of the senior’s expenses.

Deductible Expenses

The IRS allows family members many different deductions that pertain to providing home care for an older loved one. The long list of deductions include:

Food
Clothing
Housing
Transportation
Dental or medical care
Bathroom and other property alterations required for medical reasons

Deductions also include out-of-pocket expenses for:

Acupuncture treatments
Adapters for telephones or TVs for the hearing impaired
Ambulance service
Bandages or other medical supply items
Drug and medical care copays
Medically required weight-loss programs
Prescription eyewear
Prescription medications
Smoking cessation programs
Wigs when disease processes or medical treatments cause hair loss

Family caregivers in Oshkosh must keep proof of expenses in the event they become subject to a tax audit. Records are typically kept for a minimum of five years.

Learn more about financial concerns for caregivers by reaching out to Senior Stride Home Care of Oshkosh, a leading provider of live-in and hourly caregivers. Oshkosh families trust in Senior Stride Home Care to provide high-quality senior care on an as-needed basis. Call 920-717-1767 today to speak with one of our qualified Care Managers and schedule a no-obligation consultation.

Useful Items to Put in Your Senior Loved One’s Holistic First Aid Kit

Posted on January 19, 2017April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

If you are a live-in Oshkosh, WI, caregiver for a senior, then you might want to make a holistic first aid kit for him or her. It is important when creating the kit that you include directions that explain what the products are for and when to use them.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is great at easing the pain of burns and helping them to heal. Seniors can also use it to remove makeup in a pinch. Additionally, it can be used to freshen breath.

Arnica

Arnica comes as a cream or a gel. It is great for easing the pain from sore muscles. It can also be used to help bruises heal faster.

Chamomile

When made into a tea, it can help seniors relax and ease insomnia. Chamomile is also great for easing indigestion. Additionally, it can also be used to soothe tooth pain.

Activated Charcoal

The tiny pores of activated charcoal are great for capturing toxins in them. It can also be used to whiten teeth or consumed during an episode of food poisoning.

Cayenne Powder

Taken internally, cayenne powder can be used to increase the speed of blood flow. When used externally, it stops the flow of blood from minor cuts and scrapes.

Comfrey

Make a poultice of comfrey and hold it on a wound to speed up the healing process. Made into a salve, it is great at easing the irritation from a bug bite.

Eucalyptus

When steamed with some water, eucalyptus oil makes a great steam to help open sinuses and clear stuffy heads.

Ginger

Seniors can take a little ginger to help with an upset stomach. It is also great for motion sickness and may help stop travel lag.

Peppermint

Have the senior rub some peppermint oil behind the ears to stop a headache. Drink a drop or two of it combined with some oil to stop stomach problems.

These are just some of the holistic items you can place in your loved one’s first aid kit. Consider other precautions you can take for your loved one when you call Senior Stride Home Care at 920-717-1767. We provide flexible live-in and hourly senior care Oshkosh, WI, seniors need to age in place with confidence. Learn more when you meet with a friendly Care Manager.