The Importance of Hydration for Aging Adults

Posted on November 23, 2023April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

A large portion of the human body is composed of water, but did you know that the younger a person is, the higher the percentage of water his or her body contains? As a result, dehydration becomes an increased risk as people age, and dehydrated seniors can become seriously ill if they’re not quickly and properly treated.

Factors that Precipitate Dehydration

It’s a normal part of the aging process to experience a decrease in sensations. For many seniors, thirst is often not readily perceived, and drinking water regularly is therefore skipped. Other factors that could be contributing to a senior’s dehydration include, but are not limited to:

Medications – Seniors may also be taking life-saving diuretics that can cause dehydration
Health issues – Decreased kidney function and poorly controlled diabetes can contribute to fluid loss
Side effects of chronic conditions – Difficulty with swallowing, as is seen with Parkinson’s disease and other degenerative disorders, can make drinking difficult

Increasing fluid intake is one of the simplest ways to lower the risk of dehydration. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of senior home care. You can rely on Senior Stride Home Care to provide an individualized care plan 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 boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia.

Symptoms of Fluid Loss

There are certain symptoms that may indicate dehydration. These include exhaustion, dizziness, confusion, urine that appears dark orange, and dry skin that doesn’t readily spring back when pulled. Severe fluid loss can result in nausea, vomiting, and loss of consciousness.

Dehydration is just one of the many health issues older adults are susceptible to. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality elder care. Oshkosh families trust Senior Stride Home Care to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.

Staying Hydrated

For several years, the population has been advised by the media to drink eight glasses of water per day. In reality, eight glasses a day for some individuals, especially seniors, can be dangerous. People require varying amounts of water throughout the day according to their ages and activity levels. For instance, a petite elderly woman with congestive heart failure could go into a medical crisis after drinking excessive amounts of fluids. It’s important to consult with your loved one’s doctor to determine the amount of water that’s safe and will promote health.

Drinking Smart

Water is the best liquid to drink to keep hydrated. Many seniors sip coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages throughout the day, not realizing that caffeine has a tendency to cause dehydration. Caffeinated drinks should be enjoyed in small to moderate amounts, and water should be a senior’s main source of hydration.

To ensure your loved one is staying hydrated, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Oshkosh, WI, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Senior Stride Home Care. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. Call us today at 920-717-1767 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.

Understanding the 4 A’s of Alzheimer’s: Stages & Symptoms

Posted on November 9, 2023April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s will display certain recognizable behaviors as a result of changes in their brains. Often characterized by stages, these brain changes occur as the various regions responsible for memories or bodily functions are affected over time. If you provide care for a senior loved one with Alzheimer’s, recognizing these phases—also referred to as the “4 A’s of Alzheimer’s”—can help you provide the highest level of quality care as the disease progresses.

1. Amnesia

The first “A” of Alzheimer’s is amnesia, which affects a senior’s short-term memory. Amnesia occurs when seniors with Alzheimer’s are unable to recall facts, events, and information as they would normally. Your loved one may ask questions such as “Where am I?” or “When are we going to eat?” and continue repeating them even if they’ve been answered.

If your parent is showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease, it’s a good idea to consider professional in-home care. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional in-home care. Senior Stride Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

2. Aphasia

Aphasia refers to the inability to both communicate and understand. Your loved one may forget learned words, making it difficult to express how he or she is feeling. If your loved one has difficulty understanding spoken or written words, this is referred to as excessive aphasia. Sometimes seniors in this stage of Alzheimer’s will nod in agreement when listening to make it seem as if they understand. It’s also important to keep in mind that while your loved one may not be able to understand words, he or she may still retain the ability to understand nonverbal cues like facial expressions.

3. Apraxia

Apraxia is the inability to coordinate purposeful muscle movement, which makes it difficult or impossible to perform activities of daily living, such as getting dressed or brushing teeth. Along with skilled movement, a person’s sensory perception is affected, making it difficult to interpret sensations such as pain, touch, temperature, and pressure. Later, other functions that were once second nature, such as walking, chewing, and swallowing, will become affected, increasing the risk of choking or aspiration.

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 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.

4. Agnosia

The fourth of the four A’s is recognized as the inability to adequately process and interpret signals from the five senses. As a result, those in this stage may not be able to recognize once-familiar faces and objects. Another typical agnosia symptom is being unable to recognize internal sensations, such as chest pain or a full bladder.

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 920-717-1767 today to speak with a friendly and experienced Care Manager to formulate a home care plan for your loved one.

Tips for Managing Your Elderly Parent’s Finances

Posted on October 19, 2023April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Speaking with your aging loved one about money may not be an easy task, but this topic will most likely need to be broached at some point. Allowing finances to fall into disarray could result in major issues down the road, which is why you should try to initiate this conversation as early as possible. Here are a few tips you can use to help your loved one properly manage money in the coming years.

Collect All Relevant Information

First, sit down with your loved one and gather all of his or her financial information in a single folder. This should include bank account numbers, credit cards, investments, retirement accounts, pink slips, and deeds. Once you’ve gathered all the financial information, consider creating a secure digital file that can be accessed from anywhere in the world. If your loved one isn’t comfortable using a computer, place the physical documents in a high-quality safe.

Caring for a loved one can be a challenging task, especially if you have to manage his or her finances as well. Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of home care service. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.

Update Accounts & Legal Documents

After collecting the information, you can then go over all of the documents and make sure they’re up to date. Trying to update documents after your loved one has been hospitalized or is unable to think clearly could be extremely difficult. Make sure your loved one makes these decisions while he or she is still able to do so.

Create a Budget

Creating a budget for a retired senior can be a relatively complex process. Your loved one might be receiving income from multiple sources, and trying to determine exactly how much money is coming in could take some time. With all of the current financial information in a single folder, you should both sit down and create a strict weekly, monthly, and yearly budget, which should include exactly how much your loved one can spend on nonessentials such as gifts to family members and donations to charities.

Keep an Eye Out for Warning Signs of Financial Issues

There may come a time when you need to take over your loved one’s finances entirely, and you must constantly be on the lookout for any signs he or she might be facing financial difficulties. Seniors with financial difficulties often pay for everyday items with credit cards or try to post-date checks. When you visit your loved one’s home, keep an eye out for piles of unopened bills and late notices.

There are a variety of health issues that can make it difficult for older adults to manage their finances. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of elderly 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.

Discuss Financial Power of Attorney

Consider obtaining financial power of attorney, which essentially grants you the legal right to control all of your loved one’s finances. Granting financial power of attorney is extremely important if your loved one has been diagnosed with any medical issues that could affect his or her physical or mental health in the near future. With financial power of attorney, you’ll be able to make payments in your loved one’s name, check on his or her bank accounts, and manage his or her assets.

Aging can make it difficult to manage finances and perform 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. To learn about our high-quality in-home care options, give us a call at 920-717-1767 today.

How to Manage Your Senior Parent’s Behavioral Changes

Posted on October 5, 2023April 22, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Emotional and physical changes are common as people age, and they can lead to behavioral issues in the senior years. The way family caregivers respond to the changes in behavior can either make caregiving more challenging or calm the situation. Here are some of the things you can do to manage your senior loved one’s behavioral changes.

Offer Encouragement

When your loved one’s health continues to decrease, he or she may become discouraged with life and want to give up. Keep your loved one’s spirits lifted, even on difficult days, by encouraging him or her to make healthy lifestyle changes. The foods your loved one eats and the types of physical activities he or she participates in could boost his or her mental, physical, and emotional health.

Explain to your loved one that there will be bad days, but with faith and healthy lifestyle choices, he or she can increase the odds of having better days. Remain encouraging at all times, regardless of the situation.

If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of Home Care Services. Senior Stride Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.

Be Understanding

Memory often decreases with age, making seniors susceptible to confusion, disorientation, and forgetfulness. Cognitive decline indicates your loved one may be developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, and these chronic conditions can cause poor judgment and difficulty with speaking and basic comprehension.

If your loved one has memory lapses, remain calm and understanding. Take your loved one to the doctor to have testing done and determine what’s causing the loss of memory. You can also simplify daily tasks without making your loved one feel embarrassed or ashamed.

Promote Independence

Receiving help from family members and friends can be difficult for some seniors, causing them to lash out and resist care. Many older adults dislike the idea of having someone in the home to provide daily assistance. Remember your loved one is going through mental and physical challenges each day, and these changes can be overwhelming.

You can make the caregiving process easier by allowing your loved one to do as much as he or she can independently, only stepping in when assistance is necessary. You should also consider using professional home care. Professional caregivers know how to incorporate daily changes that make seniors feel like they’re still in control.

Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Oshkosh, WI, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver.

Increase Social Interaction

The loss of loved ones, a bad diagnosis, or lack of independence could cause seniors to become sad and depressed. Instead of participating in social and physical activities, seniors tend to isolate themselves, causing their stress and anxiety levels to increase. Sadness and isolation are common behavioral changes that could lead to serious health conditions such as strokes, heart attacks, rapid weight loss, or excessive weight gain.

To manage sadness, encourage your loved one to remain socially active. If your loved one refuses to go out of the home, invite friends and family members over to provide the social interaction and companionship he or she needs.

Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of senior home care. Oshkosh families can rely on Senior Stride Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ 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 boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. 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.

5 Factors that Help Seniors Age Well

Posted on September 21, 2023April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Aging isn’t always an easy process, and it isn’t uncommon to be in denial as we begin to experience some of the natural changes and challenges associated with getting older. We want to feel as energetic as we did when we were younger, without any restrictions. While aging can put limitations on certain aspects of life, seniors don’t have to sacrifice their health or happiness. Seniors should not only be given the opportunity to age in place but also have the chance to do so while maintaining their regular routines and quality of life. The following tips are essential to aging well and can help seniors live well into their golden years.

1.Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself

Many individuals find it easier to be more understanding of their peers who are experiencing similar life changes than they are of themselves when help is needed. Give yourself some of the compassion you give others.

2.Cherish the Differences

When you were younger, you pushed yourself to your limits because you believed you had to, a mentality that’s usually associated with the younger years of life. The expectation was that you had to “give it your all.” However, at this stage in your life, it’s important to take time to smell the roses without guilt and to cherish those moments.

3.Take Care of Yourself

It might take longer to get dressed in the morning, go to the store, or prepare a meal, but that’s okay. Allow yourself the time you need to care for yourself, and make sure to allocate time to do the things you enjoy, whether that’s spending time in the garden or heading to the club for a round of golf. And if you find that you need assistance, don’t be afraid to seek hourly care for help a few hours a week with errands or activities of daily living.

Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust at-home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.

4.Stay Connected with Friends & Family

With age, it can be easy to fall into a daily routine, which more often than not may not involve much communication with the outside world. Make it a point to call a friend or family member at least once a week. A simple phone call can lift your spirits and make someone else’s day.

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.

5.Remain Active & Try New Things

Staying active doesn’t mean spending hours at the gym. It can be as simple as enjoying the things that appeal to you or trying something that pushes you out of your comfort zone. As you continue to participate in regular activities, you can strengthen your body and your mind, resulting in better overall health.

Aging is inevitable, but how you age is completely up to you. So take the above tips and run with them. Even if you can only squeeze one or two into your daily routine, the small changes can have a big impact in the long run.

In Oshkosh, in-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. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at 920-717-1767.

How to Help a Loved One with Parkinson’s Who Has Swallowing Difficulty

Posted on September 7, 2023April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

A Parkinson’s diagnosis begins a long and emotional journey for seniors and their families. While loving and devoted family members often step into the role of caregiving for an aging loved one, it can be difficult to anticipate all the needs the senior will encounter as the degenerative disease progresses. One of the most common yet overlooked problems that affect elderly people with Parkinson’s is difficulty swallowing. Swallowing difficulties, also known as dysphagia, occur because the disease causes mouth and throat muscles to weaken, making it difficult to chew solid foods. Here are a few ways to overcome these swallowing problems.

Evaluation

When your loved one starts to show signs that eating is becoming difficult, contact the doctor for an evaluation. A swallow study may be ordered to assess your loved one’s aspiration risk and can be used to determine what foods can be tolerated. This will reduce the risk of choking on food or developing pneumonia.

Difficulty swallowing and other eating issues in the advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease can make caring for aging adults increasingly 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.

Exercise

The doctor may also be able to recommend a speech therapist who can offer your loved one specific exercises to overcome mouth and throat muscle weakness. These should be performed regularly with the help of a family member or professional caregiver to aid chewing and swallowing. Different swallowing techniques can also be taught, which can ease swallowing problems in some seniors.

Diet

Modifications to the diet can be made that consist of eating soft, strained, or pureed foods and thickened liquids. Depending on how severe the dysphagia has become, the consistency of liquids can be modified to the thickness of honey or pudding. It’s important that enough nutrients are consumed to keep your loved one as strong as possible.

Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable elder 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 serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.

Position

The ability to chew and swallow is influenced by how the senior is positioned while eating. An upright position is best, and your loved one should sit at a 90-degree angle and with a forward tilt to the head. The upright position should be held for 15–20 minutes following a meal.

For many inexperienced caregivers, identifying new symptoms associated with the disease may be difficult. Here are a few signs your loved one may have developed a swallowing disorder:

Excessive drooling
Constant coughing or choking
Unexpected weight loss
Heartburn
Eating slowly
Difficulty swallowing medication

Caring for a loved one with advanced 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 homecare services 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 us today at 920-717-1767 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.

Activities for Aging Adults Who Are Bored

Posted on August 24, 2023April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Seniors sometimes feel bored, which has the potential to contribute to depression, stress, agitation, anxiety, and even cognitive decline. However, doing certain activities can stave off boredom. Prevent boredom by keeping your aging loved one’s general interests and limitations in mind as you consider the activity suggestions mentioned below.

Art-Based Activities

Drawing, painting, making pottery, woodworking, and other creative and artistic activities stimulate multiple parts of the brain, including areas that help with concentration and focus. Art-based activities also promote calmness and relaxation. Encourage your loved one to experiment with a variety of mediums and techniques until he or she finds something interesting and motivating.

Crafty Creations

Creative crafts such as scrapbooking, knitting, quilting, and creating purposeful items with recycled materials can fine-tune mental focus and stimulate parts of the brain responsible for creative thinking and pattern recognition. Such activities can also help with manual dexterity and concentration.

Redecorating

Aging adults can keep mental planning and cognitive skills sharp by simply redecorating. From making creative wall art and picking out new drapes to figuring out how to rearrange furniture, there are many ways older adults can feel useful and productive while redecorating favorite rooms.

Cooking & Baking

Activities of this nature present opportunities to explore healthy variations of longtime favorites to get an added nutritional boost. These are also inherently social activities that can give seniors a chance to share recipes with grandchildren or bond with family caregivers.

A professional caregiver can help your loved one work in the kitchen safely. Senior care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.

Card & Board Games

Card and board games can be more than just time fillers for seniors. Activities of this nature can boost both motor and cognitive skills and encourage socialization. The short-term memory skills often needed for most card and board games may even ward off dementia.

Music-Related Activities

Multiple studies suggest music benefits seniors by promoting relaxation, lowering stress, and sharpening recollection abilities and other memory-based skills. From singalongs and musical chairs to playing instruments and exercising to a pleasant beat, there are many options with music-based activities for aging adults.

Walking

Walking boosts circulation, naturally eases pain by increasing the production of “feel-good” hormones called endorphins, and keeps aging bones and joints healthy. It’s also a great activity that can be done as a solo effort, with a friend, or with a cherished pet. Additionally, it’s an excellent way for aging adults to interact with neighbors.

Prolonged or frequent bouts of boredom can result in mental, emotional, and physical challenges for aging adults, but they don’t have to handle them alone. In Oshkosh, homecare 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.

Swimming

Seniors with mobility issues can enjoy many of the benefits associated with walking by swimming instead. Flotation devices and other pool accessories can help aging adults do other water-based activities, including water walking and water yoga.

Yoga

Speaking of yoga, it’s a senior-friendly activity that can be done practically anywhere once the basic techniques are learned. Increased mental clarity, better posture, and more restful sleep are just some of the numerous benefits associated with yoga for seniors.

Hobbies

Hobbies have the potential to provide numerous physical and mental benefits for aging adults. For instance, options like golf and tennis can be physically stimulating, while activities such as stamp and coin collecting can stimulate the brain.

If your loved one usually relies on you to alleviate boredom but you need a break now and then, consider having a professional caregiver take over for you. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Oshkosh, WI, Senior Stride Home Care can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Senior Stride Home Care. Reach out to one of our compassionate Care Managers today at 920-717-1767.

Are Hallucinations a Common Symptom of Dementia?

Posted on August 10, 2023April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Seniors with dementia may experience hallucinations as their symptoms progress. This can be difficult for caregivers to address, but there are ways to soothe seniors who are having hallucinatory experiences. Ahead, learn more about the types of hallucinations people with dementia experience and the best ways for caregivers to help.

Types of Hallucinations

Seniors with dementia may have two broad types of hallucinations: visual hallucinations and hallucinations involving other sensory systems. Visual hallucinations, which cause seniors to see things that aren’t really there, are the most common form. These hallucinations can run the gamut from simple to highly detailed. A senior may see anything from flashing lights to a beloved former pet.

While visual hallucinations are most prevalent, hallucinations can also occur via other forms of sensory perception. Seniors may have tactile hallucinations, auditory hallucinations, and olfactory hallucinations.

Types of Dementia

Hallucinations are more prevalent with certain forms of dementia, such as dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. Seniors with Lewy body dementia may experience visual hallucinations of unusually colored people on a daily basis. Parkinson’s and Lewy body dementia are also more likely to cause auditory, tactile, and olfactory hallucinations than other forms of dementia.

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

Helping a Senior with Hallucinations

If you suspect your senior loved one is hallucinating, you should start by scheduling an appointment with his or her doctor. Before the appointment, try to take detailed notes about the circumstances of the hallucinatory experience: the time of day, the type of hallucination (visual, auditory), medications taken, etc. As some hallucinations are caused by prescription medications, this kind of information may help the doctor pinpoint the source of the problem.

When your loved one is hallucinating, the best way to help is to be calm and nonconfrontational. While you can try to explain what’s happening, don’t become argumentative. Instead, treat your parent with compassion. Ask your loved one to explain what he or she sees, hears, or feels. Since hallucinations can be triggered by the environment, you can also try to lead your loved one away from his or her current surroundings.

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. Families looking for top-rated Oshkosh 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.

The Difference between Hallucinations & Visual Mistakes

Hallucinations aren’t the only reason a senior might report seeing a person, animal, or thing that isn’t there. Vision is a complex multistep process, and the impact of dementia on the brain can impede this process in ways that are frustrating but not necessarily indicative of hallucinations.

There are two main types of visuoperceptual difficulties: misperceptions and misidentifications. Misperceptions involve perceiving one thing to be something else, such as when a senior mistakes a green carpet for grass. Misidentifications happen when the brain faces difficulty with specific, rather than general, identifications. For instance, a senior might misidentify his or her daughter as his or her niece.

Helping a Senior with Visuoperceptual Difficulties

If visual processing is the cause of the problem, caregivers can help seniors manage their eyesight and their visual environments. Aging adults should have regular optometrist appointments, and they may need different glasses for different activities.

At home, make sure your loved one’s environment is as easy to see as possible. The more familiar seniors are with their environments, the less likely they are to slip and injure themselves. To increase environmental comfort, keep the arrangement and décor of rooms consistent. Use colors to draw the eye to important spatial information. For example, using a plate that contrasts with the color of the table can make mealtimes easier. Bright, even lighting can also help.

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

Financial Mistakes Often Made by Retirees

Posted on July 20, 2023April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Retiring involves making the transition between working and living a life of leisure. However, unless seniors use caution, spending their retirement funds may soon lead to financial crisis. There are several common mistakes retirees must avoid, but the following are the most common.

Lacking a Budget

Without establishing monthly budgets and monitoring spending habits, households can fall into trouble. Make sure you talk to your senior loved one and create a monthly budget he or she can maintain.

Planning for Unpredictable Expenses

While seniors may adhere to budgets, they often fail to plan for things like paying income taxes or covering the cost of car repairs or things that might need to be fixed around the home. These expenses are part of normal life, and money should be set aside for these situations.

Many older adults face challenges such as decreasing physical and mental health, so the costs of home care should be considered in financial planning decisions. 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 address if their families opt for professional senior home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.

Relying on Investment Returns

Seniors may base their projected monthly income on unrealistic expectations of receiving high returns on their investments. They then withdraw more money than they should. Surveys indicate 30 percent of retirees withdraw up to seven percent of their investment returns annually. This action isn’t advised without a backup plan.

Holding Risky Investments

Some see hanging on to risky investments as being cautious. If the investments are worth less than they cost, many seniors are reluctant to sell. If these types of investments take up too much of their portfolios, retirees are carrying excessive risk.

Being Too Generous

It’s not unusual for retirees to compromise their financial stability by giving money to charities or family members. Seniors must make their financial health a priority and avoid giving too much money away.

Saving money throughout their lives can help people enjoy their golden years without compromising 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 home 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.

Taking Social Security Benefits Early

To have income, seniors may be tempted to take social security as early as age 62. However, this action results in a 25 percent reduction in benefits. Retirees can collect full benefits at age 66. When seniors wait until the age of 70, benefits rise 32 percent.

Accepting Bad Advice

While family and friends may believe they have a senior’s best interests at heart, they don’t have all the information necessary to make the best financial decisions. Retirees are better off by consulting with certified financial planners or registered investment advisors to get their affairs in order.

Smart financial planning is just one of the many things that can enable seniors to age in place gracefully. 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. Schedule a free in-home consultation by giving us a call today at 920-717-1767.

4 Health Benefits of Spearmint for Older Adults

Posted on July 6, 2023April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Spearmint is a member of the mint family that’s indigenous to Europe and parts of Asia. While the most common place people in America see spearmint is in chewing gum, there are many ways this mint can be incorporated into your senior loved one’s diet. It’s great when used in soups or salads, but you can also prepare spearmint tea at home or add it to your loved one’s favorite smoothie recipe. There are many reasons family caregivers may want to incorporate spearmint into their senior loved ones’ diets, including the four outlined below.

1. Oral Health

Spearmint is particularly useful for promoting healthy mouth and gums because of its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Incorporating it into your loved one’s diet can protect his or her mouth and throat from harmful infections. It also stops bad breath caused by dry mouth or certain medications.

Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional in-home care. Senior Stride Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

2. Digestive Health

Seniors with upset stomachs and gastrointestinal issues often find that consuming spearmint alleviates the symptoms, especially the bloating and cramping caused by flatulence. Many seniors find chewing spearmint leaves or even spearmint gum relieves symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome as well.

If your loved one needs help planning and preparing nutritious meals, a home caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust Oshkosh elder care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.

3. Circulation Health

Just a single leaf of spearmint contains 100 percent of the daily recommended amount of iron. Therefore, it’s very effective at helping seniors with anemia. It also promotes faster blood circulation throughout the body, which can help your loved one get more oxygen and feel more energetic overall. Additionally, the increased circulation can promote quicker healing after sustaining a scrape or bruise.

4. Heart Health

Spearmint promotes a healthy heart because of its high potassium levels. That’s why seniors who incorporate spearmint into their diets are less likely to have recurrences of strokes. This is because eating spearmint relieves stress on arteries and veins and may even break up the plaques in arteries that lead to stroke and other cardiovascular conditions.

Ensuring an elderly relative maintains a nutritious diet is often an arduous task for family members. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Oshkosh, WI, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Senior Stride Home Care. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. To create a customized care plan for your loved one, call us at 920-717-1767 today.