Tips for Helping Aging Adults Avoid Isolation

Posted on May 20, 2021April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Loneliness is difficult at any age, but seniors are particularly susceptible to isolation, which can lead to both mental and physical health issues. Here are a few ways to prevent senior isolation and promote senior health.

Build a Network

One of the most important safeguards against isolation is a healthy social network. Rather than making your aging loved one dependent on one or two caregivers, work on building a community of friends and neighbors who are part of your loved one’s social “team.” Make a list of the people your loved one interacts with on a regular basis, and make sure you have contact information for each person. The key here is building consistent contact. For instance, if your loved one has a regular salon or medical appointment, try to ensure he or she sees the same stylist, nurse, or doctor at each visit.

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.

Create a Schedule

Creating a regular weekly schedule can go a long way toward staving off feelings of isolation. While it’s not necessary to fill up every spare minute with social interactions, look for gaps in the schedule where your loved one may appreciate some additional contact. Building things like church attendance, medical care, and exercise into the schedule can provide reliable social encounters your loved one can enjoy on a regular basis. Consider coordinating transportation to these outings as a means of building additional social interaction into the weekly schedule.

If your loved one needs assistance with daily activities due to issues such as limited mobility, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Home care service 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.

Demystify Technology

These days, “social networking” often means connecting via technology and social media. Although computers can be intimidating for seniors, smartphones and tablets offer easy access to social media platforms. However, a few lessons in social media etiquette may be in order. In addition to social media, tools like FaceTime and Skype also make it possible to have face-to-face conversations from thousands of miles away. These interactions would make excellent additions to the weekly schedule, and with a little practice, most seniors find the technology manageable.

Consider Pet Adoption

Pet ownership has a number of benefits for people of all ages, and caring for pets can help seniors prevent isolation. Assuming your loved one is capable of caring for an animal, consider introducing a small pet into his or her household. The pet can be a constant source of companionship and even enhance home security by alerting your loved one to unusual activity in or around the home.

Isolation can result in mental, emotional, and physical challenges, but seniors don’t have to manage them alone. In Oshkosh, elder 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. Call one of our friendly Care Managers at 920-717-1767 to learn about ways our experienced caregivers can help your loved one.

Increasing Home Safety for Seniors with Alzheimer’s

Posted on May 6, 2021April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

The various types of cognitive impairment that occur during the different stages of Alzheimer’s can pose a threat to the safety of seniors affected by the disease. Understanding the ways Alzheimer’s progresses and the changes seniors experience can help family caregivers determine the best actions to take to prevent potentially dangerous mishaps. Here are a few safety measures that are easy to implement.

Provide Supervision when Going on Outings

For a senior with Alzheimer’s, a simple walk around the block without supervision can lead to a dangerous situation, as he or she may no longer recognize his or her own neighborhood. Once out and about, your senior loved one may not be able to find his or her way home. While it’s natural to want to venture outside, a senior living with Alzheimer’s shouldn’t go alone. Take your loved one for walks while keeping a watchful eye.

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. Homecare 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.

Take Precautions to Prevent Wandering

As the disease progresses, seniors lose their understanding of the concepts of date and time. The ability to differentiate between day and night also commonly disappears. Wanderlust may lead to attempts to venture outdoors during the middle of the night. A simple magnetic door alarm can alert you if your loved one goes outside unexpectedly. One portion of the alarm attaches to the door frame, and the other affixes to the door itself. When the door opens, the alarm emits an audible signal. Creative family members might consider camouflaging doors to inhibit interest in going outside. Another option includes installing simple latches high enough to be out of reach.

Remove Night Dangers

With no sense of day or night, seniors with Alzheimer’s often wake up in the middle of the night to perform common household chores or prepare meals. However, in time, they often forget how to safely perform common tasks. Remove stove knobs to prevent burns or fires, unplug other kitchen appliances when not in use, lock exterior doors, and make sure alarms are set to prevent wandering. Perhaps consider turning on a desk lamp at night in your loved one’s room.

If your loved one needs help around the home to prevent injuries, consider hiring a caregiver. 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 elderly home care. Oshkosh families trust Senior Stride Home Care to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.

Address Depth Perception Issues

Alzheimer’s causes the brain to receive and interpret information in unusual ways. Like-colored objects are often interpreted as having the same depth. When walking outdoors, your loved one may trip on a curb because he or she cannot detect the change in height. Indoor stairs are another consideration. Lighting the front of the steps makes them more clearly visible. Extreme differences in color can lead seniors with Alzheimer’s to perceive depths as greater than they are. Use nightlights to illuminate pathways at night, keep walking paths free of obstructions, and remove throw rugs to prevent trips and falls.

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. To schedule a free in-home consultation, give Senior Stride Home Care a call at 920-717-1767 today.

5 Ways to Talk about Unsafe Driving with an Elderly Parent

Posted on April 22, 2021April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

If you’re noticing signs your senior loved one is no longer able to drive safely, it can be challenging to bring up this subject, since many seniors equate driving with independence. This is understandable, but there could come a time when it’s not possible to put off this discussion anymore because of valid and serious concerns. If this is where you’re at now, here are five tips to keep in mind as you prepare to discuss unsafe driving with your loved one.

1. Find the Right Time

You’ll be fighting an uphill battle if you attempt to start a discussion about driving safety concerns when your loved one is clearly in a bad or disagreeable mood. Instead, look for moments when your parent is in a more calm and relaxed state. Also, avoid busier times of the day when you may not have his or her full attention.

2. Avoid Starting Off on a Negative Note

Saying, “You really shouldn’t be driving anymore” is an example of how not to start the discussion about unsafe driving. A more productive approach is to mention some of the things your loved one likes about driving. Using this tactic could also provide a subtle hint about where you’re going without actually saying it just yet. You may then be able to ease into your concerns about unsafe driving in a way that doesn’t leave both of you frustrated and defensive.

3. Offer Reasonable Solutions

You’ll be more likely to get pushback if you only mention your list of concerns about your loved one’s driving abilities during your discussion. Make the possibility of having to cut back on driving or stopping altogether less of an emotional blow by suggesting possible solutions. Options include:

• Using local transportation or rideshare services
• Setting reasonable limits on driving (e.g., local drives are fine, but longer trips should be made with someone else driving)
• Riding with your loved one when he or she drives so you can offer an extra set of eyes
• Recommending driver safety courses designed specifically for seniors

Even if your loved one has to give up driving, he or she can still enjoy a high level of independence. Oshkosh senior home 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.

4. Provide Clear Examples

Instead of saying “You’ve had a lot of close calls and serious incidents lately while driving that concern me,” give specific examples. What this does is allow your loved one to better understand why you’re concerned. Plus, your parent may not realize how serious the situation has gotten until you start providing some examples he or she can identify with.

Driving may not be the only safety concern you have about your parent, so you may find extra peace of mind by hiring a professional caregiver. Families looking for top-rated home care providers can reach out to Senior Stride Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.

5. Get Some Backup

If your loved one is your parent, he or she may not like the idea of a “child” talking to him or her about unsafe driving. If you know this will be an obstacle, get some assistance from other family members or friends your loved one respects and trusts. It can also be helpful to bring your loved one’s doctor into the conversation. This can be especially beneficial if medical issues are responsible for the inability to drive safely anymore.

Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a trusted provider of respite care Oshkosh seniors can depend on. Call one of our Care Managers at 920-717-1767 to learn about our customized in-home care plans.

Why ADLs Are Essential for Your Aging Parent

Posted on April 8, 2021April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

The activities of daily living (ADLs) are the essential tasks people complete each day to maintain healthy lives. As they get older, it may become increasingly challenging for seniors to handle these important daily tasks, and they may need assistance with completing the activities of daily living on their own. Learn more about ADLs and why they’re so essential for your aging loved one’s physical and mental wellbeing.

Eating

At its most basic level, this fundamental ADL involves being able to feed yourself, chew, and swallow food. More broadly, it includes being able to prepare nutritious meals and snacks for yourself. Proper nutrition is essential for seniors to prevent a variety of health conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Aging adults with mobility limitations or chronic health issues may have difficulty with this ADL, and family caregivers can help their loved ones by taking care of grocery shopping and preparing meals their loved ones can store in the fridge or freezer and reheat later.

Helping your loved one plan and prepare nutritious meals is one of the many types of support an in-home caregiver can provide. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable in-home care. Oshkosh, WI, families trust Senior Stride Home Care to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.

Dressing

In addition to being able to put clothes on and take them off, dressing involves choosing clothing that’s appropriate for the current weather conditions and anticipated daily activities. Aging adults should be able to manage zippers, buttons, and other kinds of clothing fasteners without assistance. If you see your parent start to wear the same items of clothing for several days, it may be due to a decrease in his or her dexterity and flexibility. If your loved one has these types of issues, he or she can benefit from clothing options that are easier to manage, such as slip-on shoes, pants with elastic waistbands instead of zippers, and shirts with magnetic closures instead of buttons. Elderly people with serious balance or coordination challenges may need additional assistance with dressing themselves.

Bathing

Personal hygiene is vital for a senior’s health. Regularly bathing and maintaining good hygiene habits (including nail and hair hygiene) are essential for aging adults to avoid a variety of health issues, such as skin infections. If your parent is failing to practice good bathing and hygiene habits, consult his or her physician to determine if there’s a physical cause. If your loved one is concerned about falling in the bathroom, consider hiring a professional caregiver to help your loved one bathe, wash his or her hair, and get in and out of the tub or shower safely.

When considering at-home care, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits.

Continence

An independent senior should be able to control his or her bowels and bladder. It’s not uncommon for an aging adult to experience occasional incontinence, but it must be addressed so it doesn’t become a serious health issue that could impact a senior’s ability to age in place. Although incontinence can be a sensitive topic, it’s essential to address it with your loved one. If your senior parent is experiencing regular incontinence, he or she may need assistance with staying clean and changing his or her clothes after accidents.

Toileting

Being able to use the bathroom without help is one of the most essential ADLs. Aging adults should be able to get to the toilet, use it, and clean themselves after they use it. Bathrooms can be hazardous and challenging to navigate for seniors, and your loved one may need assistance to use the restroom safely. If your parent is nervous about going to the bathroom alone, requires help to get up and down from the toilet safely, or needs to go often, consider hiring a caregiver to provide the support your loved one needs.

Mobility

Being mobile means a senior is able to get out of bed on his or own and begin the day without a great deal of difficulty. Essentially, your loved one should be able to get around the home without needing constant physical assistance. When your loved one is mobile, he or she is better able to preserve his or her strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Whether your parent is able to ambulate independently or needs the assistance of a mobility aid, such as a walker or cane, he or she should remain as mobile as possible.

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. To learn about our quality-assured services, give us a call at 920-717-1767 today.

What You Should Know about Mixed Dementia

Posted on March 18, 2021April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Dementia is an umbrella term for conditions associated with cognitive impairment. If your senior loved one is living with more than one form of dementia, his or her condition is referred to as mixed dementia or multifactorial dementia. Because Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia, it’s typical for older adults with multifactorial dementia to have AD and another form of dementia such as vascular or Lewy body dementia. Keep reading to learn what you need to know about mixed dementia.

It’s More Likely to Develop Because of Age

The Alzheimer’s Association notes age is a common risk factor for many forms of dementia. The association also says multiple forms of dementia are more likely to develop as affected seniors get older, but not in any specific order. For instance, Alzheimer’s may develop first, and other forms of dementia could come along later.

If your loved one is living with cognitive impairment and other symptoms resulting from dementia, help is just a phone call away. Caring for senior loved ones can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.

You May Never Know Your Loved One Has Mixed Dementia

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) cites a study based on post-death evaluations of individuals with Alzheimer’s that reported more than half of the subjects had another type of dementia. While research like this suggests mixed dementia may be fairly common, you may never know for sure if your loved one has it during his or her lifetime.

Misdiagnosis Is Common

As mentioned above, it’s common for Alzheimer’s to be one of the types of dementia associated with mixed dementia. For this reason, your loved one may be evaluated and diagnosed with AD based on the symptoms present at the moment. And because there’s no standard test for identifying mixed dementia (or any other type of dementia, for that matter), it’s only likely to be diagnosed if the doctor notices:

• Symptoms not typically associated with Alzheimer’s
• Symptoms that progress faster than what’s typical with AD
• Unexpected reactions to initial treatment/symptom management efforts

Seniors with dementia often need help to be able to live at home safely. 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.

FDA-Approved Alzheimer’s Medication May Be Effective

No medications are currently approved specifically for mixed dementia. However, some seniors with multifactorial dementia do respond well to drugs already approved by the FDA to manage AD. According to Verywell Health, studies involving participants with mixed dementia who were given common AD medications reported some improvement in memory and thinking. Others have shown a slowdown in the progression of cognitive decline.

Treatments Specific to Identified Dementias May Be Helpful

If your loved one is diagnosed with mixed dementia, he or she may benefit from treatments for the specific forms of dementia identified. A common mixed dementia combination is Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, which is related to brain damage caused by a disruption of blood flow, such as what happens during a stroke. If this is the case with your loved one, treatment may involve:

• Managing cholesterol levels
• Lowering blood pressure
• Controlling blood sugar, if your loved one has diabetes

You Should Focus on Your Parent’s Immediate Care Needs

Because it’s entirely possible to not know whether your loved one has mixed dementia, it’s best to simply provide the type of care that’s immediately needed. That being said, if you do notice symptoms that seem out of the ordinary, bring them to the doctor’s attention. Some seniors with mixed dementia also benefit from cognitive-based therapies that help them retain memory capabilities.

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

5 Symptoms of Prediabetes in Aging Adults

Posted on March 4, 2021April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Identifying prediabetes in seniors is important for preventing it from progressing to type 2 diabetes. In the early stages, prediabetes can mimic other disorders and have mild symptoms that are easy to overlook. Being aware of the following symptoms of prediabetes allows family caregivers to take prompt action to protect their senior loved ones’ health.

1. Blurry Vision

Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can affect a senior’s vision and lead to general blurriness, difficulty focusing, and other issues. When this occurs, seniors need to omit sugary foods from their diet and include proteins such as nuts, lean meat, and seeds.

2. Increased Thirst

The body gets rid of extra glucose by making more urine, which could lead to dehydration. Make sure your loved one avoids sugary drinks such as soda and alcohol, which can raise blood sugar levels and increase dehydration. Seniors should instead drink plenty of water to rehydrate their bodies.

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 senior care. Trust Senior Stride Home Care to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.

3. Slower Healing Times

High blood sugar levels also affect a senior’s ability to heal. The risk of infection increases when minor wounds don’t heal. Seniors in the prediabetes stage sometimes mistake slower healing times as a sign of normal aging. However, it’s not normal for a minor wound such as a paper cut to turn into a festering sore weeks later.

4. Extreme Fatigue

Prediabetes may cause insulin resistance in aging adults. When this happens, the body is no longer able to turn glucose into energy, which can make seniors feel extremely tired. To stave off fatigue, your loved one may need to monitor his or her glucose levels throughout the day and make changes to his or her diet and exercise routine.

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.

5. Unexplained Weight Gain or Loss

Many seniors would love to lose a few pounds without even trying. However, getting thinner combined with these other symptoms could point to prediabetes. The body will begin to burn fat to combat the lack of energy that comes from blood glucose. Alternatively, seniors may gain weight if they experience hunger in response to low blood sugar levels. Following a well-balanced diet and exercise plan could help your loved one control his or her weight and reverse prediabetes in its early stages.

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 homecare. 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. Call us at 920-717-1767 to create a customized in-home care plan.

Tips for Being a Good Caregiver for an Aging Parent with Parkinson’s

Posted on February 18, 2021April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Taking on the role of family caregiver is becoming more common. However, older adults with Parkinson’s often have different needs compared to their healthier counterparts. Here are a few ways you can provide better care to an aging parent with Parkinson’s.

Learn about the Disease

Potential caregivers need to learn as much as possible about Parkinson’s disease. The disorder doesn’t progress the same in all adults, nor do all seniors experience similar symptoms according to a concrete timeline. By learning about the neurological disease, you can gain a better understanding of the type of care your loved one may require.

Address Safety Concerns

Aging adults with Parkinson’s often lose their balance when standing or walking. Ensure all pathways in the home are clear of obstructions. Any throw rugs must be firmly secured to the floor or removed due to the possibility of sliding and possibly causing a fall. Install grab bars in the shower, tub, and toilet areas of the bathroom, and make sure the floor of the shower has some type of nonslip surface. At night, ensure the home has sufficient lighting and consider using night-lights to illuminate the pathway to and from the bathroom.

Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, an Oshkosh 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.

Prepare Healthy Meals

Seniors with Parkinson’s are prone to thinning bones. Make sure your loved one’s diet contains sufficient amounts of calcium, magnesium, and vitamins D and K. The medications prescribed to treat Parkinson’s tend to cause dehydration. Keep track of the amount of fluids your loved one consumes throughout the day, and encourage him or her to drink water periodically. In addition to drinking enough fluids, your parent should consume up to 25 grams of fiber each day to prevent constipation. In the later phases of the disease, swallowing may become difficult. If your loved one doesn’t consume enough calories, he or she may lose weight. Eating smaller meals more frequently sometimes helps. Liquefying meals is another option.

Consider Medication Side Effects

The typical medications for Parkinson’s disease can cause a number of undesirable effects, such as:

Loss of appetite
• Compulsive eating
• Involuntary shaking or tremors
• Fluid retention in the form of edema
• Nausea
• Hallucinations

Levodopa must be taken on an empty stomach between meals. The medication interacts with protein, which inhibits adequate absorption of the drug.

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.

Encourage Regular Exercise

Encourage your loved one to get as much physical activity as he or she can tolerate. Exercise helps seniors with Parkinson’s maintain their balance, mobility, and overall strength. Reading aloud and singing strengthen jaw and vocal muscles. Your loved one can also make faces in the mirror to strengthen the facial muscles. Water aerobics strengthen the musculoskeletal system without putting undue stress on weight-bearing joints. Swimming, walking, and practicing tai chi are other options. Your loved one must remember to gradually warm up before exercising and to cool down afterward.

Many seniors in the early stages of Parkinson’s are able to live on their own, but they may need a bit of help with the everyday tasks of life, such as exercising and preparing nutritious meals. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable 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. For more information about our flexible, customizable home care plans, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at 920-717-1767.

Tips for Assisting a Senior with Handling Finances

Posted on February 4, 2021April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Facing difficulty with monthly expenses, leaving unopened bills or overdue notices lying around, and an inability to budget effectively are among the signs your senior loved one probably needs some assistance with finances. Still, you should bring up this topic in a way that comes across as helpful, since many seniors understandably consider money matters private. Express genuine concern, but do so while offering solutions like the ones suggested below.

Set Up a Budget

If you’re primarily concerned about your loved one’s inability to cover monthly expenses, work with him or her to set up a budget. After essential expenses are taken care of, look for ways to save, which might include:

• Eliminating redundant services (e.g., switching to one provider for TV, Internet, and phone)
• Spacing out the purchases of big-ticket items that aren’t absolutely necessary
• Finding smart ways to save (e.g., preparing more home-cooked meals together to reduce expenses related to eating out)

Determine an Allowance

If you’re seriously concerned about your loved one’s ability to manage money, another option is a weekly or monthly allowance. Ideally, this is done on a voluntary basis and you and your loved one agree on how much the allowance is and how it’s handled.

Suggest Automatic Bill Paying

Is your loved one’s main issue forgetting to pay certain bills on time? If this is the case, automatic bill paying is one way to minimize this problem while still allowing your loved one to have control over his or her finances.

Cognitive issues such as forgetting to pay bills may indicate your loved one needs help with other everyday tasks. 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. 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.

Recommend Expense-Tracking Apps

If your loved one is comfortable with technology, there are plenty of apps available that can keep track of his or her daily, weekly, and monthly expenses. Mint, YNAB, and Expensify are among the top expense-tracking apps recommended by U.S. News & World Report.

Seek Discounts

From free cups of coffee to lower interest rates on credit cards, there are many discounts offered to older adults. Help your loved one find savings opportunities like these that would likely benefit him or her.

Consult a Financial Advisor

Some seniors have fairly complex finances, especially if things like retirement accounts, stocks and bonds, and investment properties are involved. Seek input from a financial advisor so your loved one can make well-informed decisions about how to manage his or her finances, savings, and investments.

The many tasks involved in helping your loved one handle his or her finances may seem daunting, and the extra worry can take a toll on your wellbeing. Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Oshkosh families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation.

Help Out Now & Then

Some seniors are reluctant to turn to family members for financial support. However, your loved one may be more open to letting you lend a hand now and then if you do it in a way that comes across as being helpful instead of offering a handout. You’ll have to choose your moments, but you can try:

• Picking up the tab for your next meal out together
• Paying for groceries when your loved one has a lot to buy
• Offering some cash to cover out-of-pocket prescription costs

Consider a Financial Power of Attorney

You don’t have to wait until your loved one is no longer capable of making sensible financial decisions to take this step. It’s entirely possible to proactively set up a financial power of attorney at a time when your loved one can still be fully involved in this process.

Financial management is a challenge for most people, and it can be even more difficult for aging adults. 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 at-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. If you need compassionate professional home care for your loved one, call one of our friendly Care Managers today at 920-717-1767.

Can Head Injuries Increase the Risk of Dementia?

Posted on January 21, 2021April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports up to 25 percent of adults 65 or older experience falls each year. Up to 51 percent of the injuries resulting from falling include head trauma and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Another 9 percent of traumatic brain injury cases in seniors occur during motor vehicle collisions. Hospital records in the United States show older adults account for more than 80,000 cases of TBI emergency room visits annually. Research shows the trauma the brain endures after a blow to the head makes older adults more likely to develop dementia.

The Extent of Brain Trauma

When an older adult experiences a blow to the head, there may or may not be an open wound. However, dangerous trauma occurs internally. Upon impact, the brain quickly moves in the opposite direction, then reverses movement and impacts the skull at the site of the initial blow. The movements may occur several times if the blow is severe.

The jostling motion tears neurons and delicate blood vessels. The ruptured vessels bleed. Fluid accumulates, and the ventricles and tissues swell, putting pressure on the already-traumatized brain. Researchers have found within hours of a TBI, amyloid proteins and tau plaques begin rapidly accumulating along with other proteins, further damaging neurons.

Although TBIs gradually heal, the trauma they cause may linger. Blood vessels may remain blocked secondary to damage or clot formation. The proteins and plaques continue accumulating months after the injury, and the resulting damage is likely to lead to the onset of dementia symptoms.

Scientists from Sweden’s Umea University assessed the correlation between TBIs and the development of dementia in approximately 300,000 adults. They determined seniors who had experienced TBIs were six times more susceptible to developing cognitive impairment compared to those who had never had a TBI. Their study was published in the January 2018 issue of PLOS Medicine.

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

TBI Dementia Symptoms

Dementia symptoms may occur depending on the severity of the TBI. The type of cognitive impairment that develops is also dependent on the location of the injury. For some older adults, symptoms develop within a month after the injury. In others, symptoms may not become apparent for up to a decade. Even a mild brain injury may cause:

Confusion
• Disorientation
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Emotional changes
• Headaches
• Inability to learn or retain information
• Incoherent speech

Seniors with moderate to severe injuries exhibit similar symptoms. However, the cognitive impairment isn’t reversible and progresses with time.

Seniors with dementia can optimize their quality of life with the help of highly trained, experienced professional caregivers. If your senior loved one needs professional dementia care, Oshkosh caregivers are available around the clock to provide the high-quality care he or she needs. Using the revolutionary Cognitive Therapeutics Method, dementia caregivers can help your loved one stay mentally engaged and delay the progression of the disease.

TBI Treatment

Immediately following TBIs, older adults are typically hospitalized and undergo imaging studies to determine the extent of the trauma. Cognitive symptoms and healing progression are monitored over time.

If your loved one has experienced a head injury or is living with dementia, having a trained professional caregiver close by can provide you and your family with much-needed peace of mind. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of senior care. Oshkosh families can rely on Senior Stride Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. Trust Senior Stride Home Care to provide high-quality compassionate professional home care for your loved one. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at 920-717-1767.

Tips for Enhancing Eyesight in Aging Adults

Posted on January 7, 2021April 8, 2024 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Many bodily functions gradually decrease with age, including vision. However, there are a number of ways to boost eyesight and delay the onset of visual impairment in the senior years.

Eat Healthy Foods

Orange and yellow vegetables, dark leafy greens, and egg yolks provide the antioxidants needed to reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration. Capers, garlic, onions, and shallots are rich sources of cysteine, lecithin, and sulfur, which protect the lenses of the eyes from cataracts and reverse night blindness. The anthocyanin found in blueberries, goji berries, grapes, and other berries has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Berries also supply the vitamins and minerals that protect vision. Cod, mackerel, salmon, and sardines provide the fatty acid known as DHA, which promotes the health of cell membranes. Oily fish are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which ensure healthy vascular function and blood circulation.

Consider hiring a professional caregiver if your loved one needs help preparing healthy meals. 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.

Perform Visual Exercises

Performing certain eye exercises each day strengthens the muscles that control eye movement, which increases visual acuity and prevents macular degeneration. Simple exercises include rolling the eyes clockwise and then counterclockwise 10 times in the morning, at night before bedtime, or when experiencing eye fatigue. Another exercise would be to hold a pen or pencil approximately six inches from the nose, slowly move the object to arm’s length while maintaining focus, and repeat the process 10 times. Warming the eyes encourages blood flow. Seniors can rub the palms of their hands together until they feel warm, position a hand over each eye for five seconds, and repeat the process three times.

Protect the Eyes from the Sun

Although most people have firsthand experience with painful sunburns, few realize the eyes are also susceptible to damage from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Whenever older adults venture outside during the daytime, they should wear sunglasses designed to block both UVA and UVB rays. Otherwise, chronic sun exposure could lead to cataract formation and other eye-related issues.

Some seniors need help getting dressed and taking precautionary measures when stepping outdoors. 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.

Ensure Sufficient Sleep

Seniors need seven to nine hours of sleep every night. Restful sleep enables the entire body to relax, perform cellular repairs, and recover. An inadequate amount of sleep can lead to health conditions such as weakened vision. Throughout the course of the day, older adults should close their eyes and rest for approximately 10 minutes for every hour spent reading, watching TV, or sitting in front of a computer. During this time, seniors might also try placing a slice of cucumber over each eye to provide cooling relief.

Get Routine Eye Exams

Older adults need to undergo annual eye exams to ensure their vision remains stable. Eye examinations determine if seniors need vision correction. Routine evaluations are also needed to rule out the possibility of glaucoma development. If an eye doctor finds the disorder early, appropriate treatment can prevent its progression.

Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elder care. Oshkosh, Wisconsin, 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 parent, give us a call at 920-717-1767 today.