Ways to Help Your Older Parent Prepare for Surgery

Posted on June 22, 2023April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Surgical operations are often necessary to treat accidents, injuries, and various diseases. Before having surgical procedures, seniors should know what to expect and develop adequate pre- and post-operative care plans to boost their safety and increase their odds of successful recovery. Below are some tips to follow when helping your senior loved one prepare for surgery.

Ask Questions

An older adult shouldn’t approve a surgery unless he or she is comfortable with the procedure. To achieve an acceptable level of comfort, your parent should speak with his or her doctor, a surgeon, and other medical professionals about the operation, discuss the procedure’s benefits and possible side effects, and ask for all surgical and nonsurgical options. Asking questions can educate your loved one and instruct him or her on what steps to take before and after surgery and what to expect in the future. If your family isn’t satisfied with the answers, get a second opinion. Being confident about and comfortable with a surgical procedure could decrease the odds of problems.

It’s also important to plan for your loved one’s care after surgery, and older adults who need help during the recovery process can benefit from professional in-home care. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of homecare services. 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 stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.

Discourage Heavy Eating & Drinking

Some doctors may ask aging adults not to drink anything a few hours prior to a procedure or suggest avoiding specific foods. Your loved one should speak with his or her nurses or the surgeon before the operation to learn what foods are acceptable pre-surgery and what to avoid. Keep in mind some items could prevent medications from working and increase the risk of psychological stress. The objective is to avoid issues such as blood clotting, digestive problems, and nausea.

Hiring a professional caregiver is a good way to speed up your parent’s recovery process after surgery. In Oshkosh, in-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.

Discuss Costs

One of the most stressful aspects of surgery for seniors and their families is the cost. Insurance may not cover the entire operation and other medical expenses, which is why your loved one should know the fees associated with the surgery before agreeing to the procedure. There are often resources available to older adults to cover out-of-pocket surgical expenses. Some hospitals also offer payment plans. Regardless of the price, never let monetary concerns prevent your parent from getting medical treatment that could boost his or her overall health, quality of life, and longevity.

Inquire about Post-Surgery Care

It’s beneficial to choose a post-surgery care plan before your loved one is released from the hospital to boost his or her recovery odds. Post-surgical care is also essential to mental and emotional health. While preparing for a procedure, you don’t want your loved one stressing about who will help around the house, take him or her to run errands, or assist with recovery steps such as meal preparation, physical activities, and medication management. Therefore, your family should sit down before the surgery and develop an attainable post-surgery care plan that benefits your loved one.

Caring for a senior, both before and after surgery, can take a toll on a caregiver’s own health. Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care. Oshkosh families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Senior Stride Home Care. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation. We will work with you to create a customized home care plan that’s suited for your loved one’s unique needs. Call the Senior Stride Home Care team at 920-717-1767 today.

7 Essential Parts of an Emergency Plan for Family Caregivers

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

Part of being a family caregiver is learning to expect the unexpected. There are all sorts of potential emergencies, from natural disasters to medical problems, you and your senior loved one may encounter. Being prepared for these emergencies can help things go as smoothly as possible. Here are some things you need to remember to include in your caregiver emergency plan.

1. Gather All Important Documents Together

When you’re in the middle of an emergency, you probably won’t have time to run around the house gathering insurance cards, IDs, power of attorney documents, and medical records. Make sure copies of all these documents are placed in an easy-to-access folder or envelope so you can grab them and go.

2. Make a List of Your Loved One’s Current Conditions & Medicines

In an emergency, it can be difficult to provide professionals with an accurate list of a senior’s medical needs. Take the time to neatly write up a list of the medicines your loved one takes. You should also list your parent’s diagnosed medical conditions, any major diseases or injuries your loved one has had in the past, and any allergies he or she has.

3. Create a “Go Bag”

Take a few small totes and fill them with everything you and your loved one would need for overnight stays. Include a change of clothes, basic toiletries, and a spare pair of eyeglasses. If your loved one has medications that don’t expire quickly, you may want to include doses of these.

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

4. Stock Up on Extra Medications & Supplies

Make sure you plan for emergencies that could leave you and your loved one stuck at home for a few weeks. Always keep a stock of extra medications, hearing aid batteries, contact lenses, and anything else you might need to be safe at home.

5. Prepare for Mobility Issues

If your loved one has any mobility issues, your plan should address them. For example, you may want to get a wheelchair if your loved one has arthritis. Even if your parent usually just uses a cane, having some extra help might be important during an emergency.

6. Make a Contact Plan

Print up a contact sheet with information on how to get in touch with your loved one’s doctors and family members. If you don’t live with your loved one, discuss how you’ll get in touch with him or her in case of an emergency. During some types of emergencies, phone and internet lines might go down, so you may want to establish a meeting place with your loved one.

If you have the help of a professional caregiver, make sure he or she has a copy of your emergency contact plan. Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional home care Oshkosh seniors can trust and rely on.

7. Research Your Area’s Disaster Evacuation Plans

Check with your local government to learn more about how the area handles wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, and other natural disasters. Take time to learn about things like evacuation routes with your loved one. Some seniors may benefit from drills to help them prepare in case anything goes wrong.

If you’re concerned about ensuring your loved one’s safety in case of an emergency, consider hiring an around-the-clock caregiver. 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 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. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at 920-717-1767 to learn more about our high-quality home care services.

6 Ways Inactive Older Adults Can Get Exercise

Posted on May 18, 2023April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Physical activity is always important, regardless of a person’s age. Many seniors think there’s no point in exercising if they aren’t capable of sprinting around, but even small amounts of movement help. Benefits of exercise include a stronger heart, better balance, and increased mobility. Sedentary seniors can still get exercise with the following six activities.

1. Isometric Exercises

Isometric exercises work out the muscles without moving them, and they involve doing things like pressing firmly against a wall, tensing the core, and clenching the leg muscles. These exercises can help seniors retain muscle tone even if they’re confined to chairs all day long.

Family caregivers who don’t have the time to help their loved ones exercise should consider professional in-home care. 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.

2. Swimming

Many seniors who feel discomfort during normal methods of exercise find swimming a good option. The water supports a lot of the weight of the body, so swimming is far easier on the joints than many other forms of exercise. Since water is thicker than air, even simple movements in the water help seniors burn more calories and exercise their muscles more. Seniors who aren’t comfortable with their swimming ability can still get exercise benefits by kicking around the pool while on a float.

3. Weight Lifting

Weight lifting can be safe as long as seniors use proper form and don’t try to lift anything too heavy. This type of exercise is great for sedentary seniors because it can be done slowly while sitting or lying down, and it reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Seniors can use light weights to do bicep curls or lunges, or they can try doing exercises with weight machines.

Consider hiring a professional caregiver to help your loved one exercise safely. Home care service 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.

4. Chair Yoga

This gentle form of yoga is excellent for seniors who want to try yoga but are concerned about losing their balance. During chair yoga, seniors go through yoga poses while seated or holding on to chairs for assistance. Doing chair yoga increases flexibility and strength without requiring potentially dangerous motions.

5. Arm & Leg Lifts

Even seniors who are bedbound can perform arm and leg lifts, which require getting into a position that’s comfortable for them and raising each limb a few inches for about 10 to 20 seconds. This sort of exercise can be surprisingly challenging, and it helps seniors retain muscle tone. Another benefit of arm and leg lifts for bedbound seniors is that they can reduce pressure sores.

6. Riding Recumbent Exercise Bikes

These machines are excellent for seniors who need cardio exercise but don’t have the balance or mobility for activities like running. They allow seniors to sit safely while pedaling at their own pace. Seniors can adjust the difficulty to meet their level of fitness.

Remaining physically active in the senior years can help older adults stave off age-related conditions and live healthier lives. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a trusted provider of Oshkosh at-home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. For compassionate, reliable in-home care, trust the experienced professionals from Senior Stride Home Care. Reach out to one of our dedicated Care Managers today at 920-717-1767 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.

Top 5 Foods that Increase Alzheimer’s Risk

Posted on May 4, 2023April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Healthcare providers recommend that seniors maintain a healthy diet to prevent cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and other medical conditions. However, more and more studies suggest diet also plays a role in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Here are some foods suspected to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s.

1. Red Meats

Red meat is a great source of iron, which is necessary for preventing anemia. However, an excessive amount of iron in the body contributes to the development of free radicals, which leads to cell damage and destruction. Iron tends to accumulate in the gray matter of the brain, where cognitive impairment is likely to initially develop. Researchers recommend limiting red meat consumption to one or two times a week or choosing grass-fed beef.

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

A diet rich in starch and sugar also puts older adults at risk. Seniors who enjoy regularly eating refined carbohydrate-rich foods are four times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s. Bread, pasta, and baked goods cause a substantial rise in glucose and insulin. The sharp and rapid rise in blood sugar causes the pancreas to release more insulin, which researchers theorize damages the fragile blood vessels in the brain.

3. High-AGE Foods

AGE refers to “advanced glycation end-products.” Glycogen compounds are naturally found throughout the body and in certain foods. However, AGE foods cause elevated glucose levels. A study performed by the National Institute on Aging found that seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s had increased glucose levels in their brains due to an inability to metabolize the substance. Unlike other cells in the body, glucose doesn’t need insulin to invade the brain or affect neurons. The excessive levels of glucose are thought to cause inflammation and cell damage.

Due to other responsibilities, family caregivers may not have sufficient time to prepare nutritious meals for their loved ones. In Oshkosh, respite care is a great help to many families. Caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times, which puts family caregivers at risk for burnout. However, an in-home caregiver can take over your loved one’s care, allowing you the time you need to focus on your own health, maintain a full-time job, or care for other members of your family.

4. Foods with High Cholesterol

Studies suggest elevated cholesterol plays an important role in Alzheimer’s development. Cholesterol is involved in the production of the amyloid-beta proteins responsible for damaging neurons. Laboratory animals fed high-fat, high-cholesterol foods demonstrated increased difficulty with learning and remembering compared with animals that ate healthier diets. The brains of the afflicted animals also displayed a significant loss of neurons and other symptoms typically associated with Alzheimer’s.

In Finland, scientists studied 444 men. The researchers found that the men who had chronically high blood cholesterol during middle age were three times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease in their senior years.

5. Gluten

Australian cardiologist Dr. Mak Daulatzai believes non-celiac gluten sensitivity has the potential to contribute to Alzheimer’s disease development. Gluten sensitivity may appear in people who don’t have celiac disease. In some people, the gastrointestinal system perceives gluten as a noxious substance or a threat. As such, inflammation occurs and spreads throughout the body, including the brain. Although he continues to research the topic, Dr. Daulatzai speculates that the adverse reaction to gluten leads to neuron damage.

Alzheimer’s disease is just one of the many serious health conditions that can reduce the chances of living a happy and healthy life. 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 senior care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives. If your loved one needs professional care, Senior Stride Home Care is here to help. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at 920-717-1767 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.

How Can Family Caregivers Practice Self-Care?

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

As a caregiver, it’s easy to become so focused on tending to your senior loved one’s needs that you overlook the importance of taking a break. Today’s caregivers frequently must juggle multiple responsibilities at work and home in addition to their caregiving duties, and this can quickly lead to feeling overwhelmed. While the prospect of self-care may cause a twinge of guilt, it’s important to take a step back on occasion so you can de-stress while knowing your loved one is still receiving the best care.

Delegate Responsibilities

Primary family caregivers take on the greatest amount of responsibility when it comes to their loved ones’ care, and this is to be commended. However, it’s likely there are others who can take care of certain tasks while you take a break. Look to other family members and friends and ask if they can spend a few hours with your loved one while you rest and recharge. Professional caregivers from reliable home care agencies can also handle tasks such as medication reminders and bathing so you can step away for a while.

You can boost your long-term effectiveness as a family caregiver by making self-care a priority, and adding a professional caregiver to your support team can help you accomplish that. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide at-home care. Turn to Senior Stride Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.

Take Daily Mini-Breaks

Even when you have a busy schedule, there are going to be small pockets of time you can utilize for brief mini-breaks. For example, squeeze in a workout while your loved one is resting, and make sure you eat healthy meals three times a day. Spending a few minutes in quiet meditation or journaling before bed are other ways to incorporate relaxing activities in short bits of time.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your caregiving responsibilities, you don’t have to manage everything on your own. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Oshkosh elderly home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Senior Stride Home Care is here to help.

Plan for Longer Respite Periods

In addition to daily breaks, it’s important to take longer respite periods so you can fully recharge. These times may be used to stay on top of your own medical checkups, or you may opt for a few days to take a family vacation. During these longer breaks, you can hire professional caregivers to provide compassionate care for your loved one 24/7, ensuring your parent is happy and healthy while you’re away. By making sure you get the rest you need, you’ll be able to return to your caregiving duties with a renewed outlook and the energy you need to continue providing high-quality care for your loved one.

Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care. Oshkosh families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Senior Stride Home Care. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation. To hire a professionally trained caregiver for your loved one, call us at 920-717-1767 today.

Sleep Disorders in Seniors with Parkinson’s Disease

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

Seniors with Parkinson’s frequently have difficulty sleeping, which can be attributed to several different causes. If you provide care for an aging loved one with Parkinson’s, it’s important to understand the types of sleep disturbances he or she may encounter as well as their causes to ensure he or she can get restful sleep. Here are some key details about the relationship between Parkinson’s and sleep and a few tips on how to address sleep problems commonly associated with the disease.

Common Types of Sleep Disturbances

Seniors with Parkinson’s may experience disrupted sleep patterns due to muscle stiffness and other symptoms associated with the disease. The stress that accompanies Parkinson’s may also cause insomnia and vivid dreams, which could lead to early waking or unstable sleeping patterns. When sleep problems continue, seniors with Parkinson’s may also experience narcolepsy as a result of constant fatigue.

Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be challenging, but compassionate help is available. 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 elder care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Causes of Sleep Problems

The causes of sleep problems in seniors with Parkinson’s can vary depending on their symptoms and the medications they take. For this reason, it’s important to have your loved one’s health and sleep habits evaluated by a doctor if the symptoms are causing disrupted sleep. Most medical professionals consider the primary causes of sleep disturbances to be disruptions in REM patterns, medication side effects, stress, and muscular contractions.

Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Oshkosh, WI, Senior Stride Home Care are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.

Strategies to Promote Better Sleep

Once you understand the root cause of your loved one’s sleep problem, there are several strategies you can use to promote better sleep. Keeping your loved one active throughout the day with exercise and social opportunities can help him or her become tired by bedtime. For severe sleep problems, your loved one’s physician may be able to prescribe medications that can reduce Parkinson’s symptoms and make it easier to stay asleep. Seniors with Parkinson’s and their caregivers should stay alert for signs of developing sleep disorders so the proper strategies can be implemented before a lack of sleep interferes with safety and quality of life.

When you understand the causes of your loved one’s sleep issues, you can help him or her find ways to sleep better and enhance his or her overall wellbeing. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional senior 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. To hire a professionally trained caregiver for your loved one, call us at 920-717-1767 today.

5 Reasons an Aging Adult Needs Carbohydrates

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

Carbohydrates are sometimes mistakenly viewed as unhealthy, since many sugary foods, such as cakes and cookies, fall into this category. While many diet plans recommend cutting out carbohydrates completely, seniors should always be wary of going to such extremes. When eaten in moderation, the right types of carbohydrates provide seniors with benefits that enhance their wellbeing.

1. Increase Energy Levels

The body breaks down the starch and sugar in carbohydrates and turns them into energy. For seniors, it’s best to choose complex carbohydrates that take longer to break down to avoid too many fluctuations in their blood sugar. For instance, a piece of whole-grain toast for breakfast will produce fewer spikes in glucose levels than a processed donut.

2. Promote a Feeling of Fullness

Seniors who need to manage their weight sometimes experience hunger that makes it difficult to resist cravings. Complex carbohydrates stick around in the digestive system longer, which alleviates hunger pangs. Try giving your loved one a bowl of oatmeal in the morning if he or she wants to snack before lunch, or you could add whole grains to dinner to prevent late-night snacking.

A trained professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support when it comes to helping seniors plan and prepare healthy meals. Senior 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.

3. Avoid Eliminating Fruits & Vegetables

When people try to switch to an all-protein diet, they omit some of the healthiest foods available. Fruits and vegetables are carbohydrates that also provide a wealth of other benefits to seniors. For example, they contain powerful antioxidants and nutrients, such as vitamins A and C, that are essential for keeping the body functioning properly. If your loved one needs to watch his or her blood glucose levels, serve fruits and vegetables that have less sugar in them, such as celery and broccoli.

Some seniors have health conditions that limit their ability to shop for healthy foods or cook nutritious meals without assistance. Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Oshkosh seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.

4. Help with Digestion

Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables also contain fiber, which stimulates the digestive system. In addition to keeping your loved one fuller for longer, the fiber pushes the food through the intestines so he or she feels less constipated. However, your loved one may need to slowly increase the amount of carbohydrates eaten if he or she prefers foods that are high in fiber (such as beans), as this prevents the negative side effects of taking in too much fiber at once, such as gas pains. Start by adding small servings of one or two of these types of carbs to your loved one’s diet until he or she can eat them comfortably.

5. Provide a Low-Fat Source of Protein

Some of the best carbohydrates also contain high levels of protein, and they can serve as an alternative to higher-fat red meats that may need to be limited in your loved one’s diet. Try swapping out a processed ham sandwich for one that has nut butter instead. Beans, yogurt, and quinoa are a few more carbs that can help your loved one get enough protein without having to load up on too much fat.

Providing nutritional advice and preparing healthy meals are just two of the many ways a professional caregiver can support your loved one. 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 in-home care. Oshkosh Senior Stride Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives. To hire a compassionate, dedicated caregiver, call us at 920-717-1767 today.

Top 5 Indicators of Cognitive Decline

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

Cognitive decline can cause issues with a senior’s thinking, communication skills, eyesight, memory, and other functions. Although cognitive decline cannot be prevented, there are ways seniors can delay its onset. Here are some of the most common symptoms of memory impairment.

1. Confusion

Forgetting where they placed their car keys may be normal for some seniors, but constant confusion is a common symptom of cognitive decline. In addition to confusion, your elderly parent may become agitated due to the difficulty of completing simple tasks or the inability to communicate with other people clearly. Don’t get upset with your loved one. Instead, offer assistance and simplify your parent’s tasks. You can also use visual aids to help your parent throughout the day.

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 elderly home care. Senior Stride Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.

2. Poor Motor Coordination

Many seniors with cognitive decline experience gait and balance issues. To boost bone health and prevent osteoporosis, seniors need regular moderate exercise. Older adults can also enhance their motor coordination by increasing their vitamin D intake.

3. Impaired Judgment

Older adults experiencing cognitive decline may find it difficult to determine right from wrong. Make sure your loved one isn’t having a negative reaction to medication. If so, ask the doctor about alternative prescriptions or treatment options. In the event impaired judgment is making it difficult for your parent to handle daily tasks, consider hiring an in-home caregiver.

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. Short-Term Memory Loss

Seniors who cannot remember simple things like what they ate for breakfast or wore to bed may be experiencing cognitive decline. The memory decreases over time, so your loved one is at higher risk for short-term and long-term memory loss. However, you can help your parent stave off conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease by encouraging him or her to follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and develop positive habits to combat stress. These things lead to good circulation, which can stop blockages that damage the brain.

5. Inability to Identify Loved Ones

When seniors are no longer able to identify their friends and family members, they may have developed chronic, acute, or progressive cognitive decline. Older adults may have difficulty remembering names of people they speak with each day, street addresses they regularly drive to, or organizations they belong to.

You can help your loved one stave off these symptoms by making sure he or she gets a good night’s sleep, stays hydrated, continues to socialize, and adopts other healthy lifestyle choices.

Caring for older adults with mild to moderate cognitive decline can be difficult for some caregivers. Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of Oshkosh elder care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at 920-717-1767 to learn more about our customized care plans.

How Playing Games Can Boost an Aging Adult’s Brain Health

Posted on February 16, 2023April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

One of the best ways to promote a senior loved one’s mental and emotional wellness is by playing games. Studies have shown elderly people who regularly partake in activities that stimulate the brain have increased cognitive function, memory, and learning abilities. Typically, they retain these capabilities better and longer than those who don’t regularly stimulate their minds. Here are just a few ways your loved one may benefit from regular participation in games.

Better Short-Term Memory

One great benefit of playing games is the chance to use short-term memory. Remembering whose turn it is, what the instructions say a turn should involve, and what’s required to win are all exercises for the short-term memory.

For seniors, short-term memory is one of the first types of memory to see the effects of aging. Forgetting names of casual acquaintances and where keys were left are common examples of short-term memory failures. The stimulation games offer can boost cognitive health and keep short-term memory healthy. Games good for reducing forgetfulness are ones that repeat a range of behaviors, such as Uno and Monopoly.

A professional caregiver can be a wonderful game-playing partner for your parent. 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, a 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.

Reduced Risk of Dementia

Many seniors have normal memory loss related to aging, but developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease is quite different, and the symptoms are progressively severe. Luckily, studies are showing some activities significantly reduce the likelihood of developing dementia. One study with 20 years of follow-up showed a 15 percent lower rate of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in elderly people who played games at least once a week. Further, the study suggested any type of game is equally effective, meaning your loved one can enjoy his or her favorite game and still benefit from it.

Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of home care service. 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 stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.

Greater Emotional Stability

Elderly people who play games also tend to have a reduced risk of depression and report an overall higher quality of life. Emotional health is related to the brain and is extremely important to your loved one’s wellbeing.

Seniors often experience major life changes that can be difficult to accept and lead to a sense of sadness and anxiety. However, playing a game is an enjoyable activity that can give your loved one a chance to partake in something fun with other people.

Focusing on the enjoyment of looking forward to a game can also ward off negativity. Any game your loved one takes joy in playing is good for increasing emotional stability. Consider old family favorites as well as new games.

Increased Mental Agility

Playing games, especially if your loved one plays a variety of them, can promote mental agility and help his or her brain develop new neural pathways. When the brain becomes more agile, it’s able to think in new ways and become stronger, boosting the way a person thinks, remembers, and learns new skills. The best games for increasing mental agility are ones that invoke many different ways of thinking, such as chess and Trivial Pursuit.

If your loved one needs more mentally stimulating activities to keep his or her mind sharp, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, 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. To learn about our high-quality in-home care options, give us a call at 920-717-1767 today.

How Can Older Adults Learn to Appreciate At-Home Care?

Posted on February 2, 2023April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Seniors sometimes begrudgingly accept home care services, and it may take some time to bond with their new caregivers. While this transition is usually short-lived, these strategies can ease your elderly loved one into accepting his or her new in-home care arrangement and find ways to appreciate it.

Choose the Right Caregiver

The rapport between your loved one and his or her caregiver is important. For this reason, it’s best for your loved one to get to know several different caregivers to find one who matches his or her personality. Once a solid relationship is established, your loved one may look forward to the caregiver’s visits and be more willing to allow additional assistance as it’s needed.

Though you may be researching multiple agencies that provide in-home care, Senior Stride Home Care has much to offer your family and your elderly loved one. We are leaders in the senior home care industry, offering proprietary programs like our holistic Balanced Care Method and around-the-clock assistance from reliable, experienced caregivers. Trust Senior Stride Home Care to help your loved one enjoy a happier and healthier life in the golden years.

Visit Frequently

Sometimes seniors worry their friends and family members won’t visit as often as they once did now that a caregiver is tending to their needs. You can alleviate this fear by continuing to spend time with your loved one, and you should also build a relationship with your loved one’s caregiver to foster good communication.

Focus on the Benefits

A high-quality caregiver can help your loved one enjoy greater independence. It’s important to focus on the positive benefits your loved one is enjoying now that he or she has a caregiver. Assistance with following a healthy lifestyle, opportunities for socialization, and the ability to enjoy life unencumbered by chores are a few of the benefits your loved one can focus on as he or she adjusts to the new arrangement.

Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of homecare services. 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 stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.

Find a Favorite Activity

Now that your loved one has a compassionate caregiver, he or she is free to explore new opportunities. Perhaps your loved one has always enjoyed going to the movies but is unable to drive. Now your loved one can enjoy a weekly trip to the theater with transportation provided by a caregiver. If your parent loves reading but has impaired vision, the caregiver can help by reading aloud. Having shared activities to look forward to can reinforce the bonds between seniors and their caregivers.

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