Author: Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Bringing up your senior loved one’s end-of-life wishes and talking about his or her affairs can be difficult, and it can be a challenge for your loved one to give up control or talk about these private matters. Doing some research and starting the conversation can help you and your loved one as you navigate putting his or her affairs in order.

1. Go Over Finances

Sit down with your loved one and his or her financial advisor. Make a list of all your loved one’s accounts, and make sure to include account numbers, names, and locations. If possible, consolidate similar accounts and ensure all accounts are titled correctly. Review your parent’s assets and investments, and talk with your loved one about any lifestyle adjustments that may be necessary to ensure he or she has enough resources for support. This is also a good time to go over your parent’s bills. Setting up a budget with the appropriate bill-paying information can help if you need to take over.

2. Gather Legal Documents

Make sure your loved one has all his or her legal affairs in order, which means ensuring his or her will or estate plan is up to date. The powers of attorney for your loved one’s finances and healthcare should also be updated. When updating your parent’s powers of attorney, encourage your loved one to create a healthcare directive that outlines whether he or she would like end-of-life care prolonged.

If your loved one gives you medical power of attorney, you’ll have the authority to hire a home caregiver for your parent. When researching agencies that provide at-home care, families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained caregivers, and 24/7 availability. Whether you need respite care to take a break from your caregiving duties or your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, you can rely on Senior Stride Home Care.

3. Discuss Insurance

Your loved one most likely has several insurance plans, including health, life, long-term care, automobile, and homeowners policies. Make a list of each policy with account numbers and contact information. You and your loved one should talk to a representative from each insurance company to ensure these policies are up to date and cover all possible expenses. It’s also important to look into your loved one’s health insurance and consider adding a Medigap policy to pay for things that aren’t covered by Medicare.

4. Help with Healthcare Appointments

It’s a good idea to write down the names of your loved one’s doctors, any medications he or she takes, and his or her health conditions, as this can be helpful if an emergency occurs. Some seniors have difficulty remembering doctor’s appointments as they age. Installing a simple reminder app on your loved one’s phone can prevent missed appointments.

5. Address Living Arrangements

Go over your loved one’s living situation. Some home modifications may need to be made to prevent accidents and make getting around easier. Look into safety modifications, such as installing a walk-in tub and grab bars by the toilet. If your loved one gets to the point where he or she is no longer able to live independently, talk about where he or she would like to live.

Your loved one may want to live at home as long as possible, and high-quality professional home care can make that easier. 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 is a leader 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.

6. Talk About End-of-Life Wishes

Your loved one’s funeral will be a celebration of his or her life. Ask if your loved one would like to help plan it. Funerals can be difficult to talk about, but your loved one may have specific wishes, such as the type of music that will be played and who will give the eulogy.

If your loved one’s preferences include living at home throughout his or her later years, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for the possibility he or she may need help with the activities of daily life. Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to an assisted living facility. 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 Oshkosh elder care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks. If you need professional home care for your loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Senior Stride Home Care today at 920-717-1767.

Family caregivers have to be mentally and physically strong to carry out their duties. Yet they may overlook just how many amazing things they can do. Learning how to recognize your caregiving strengths helps you focus on what you do best while also giving you a starting point for figuring out how to manage your weaknesses.

Think About What You Believe Makes a Good Caregiver

Everyone has a different idea of what makes a caregiver strong, and this usually comes down to what a person values. For instance, you may feel like being patient is a strength, while another person may see timeliness as a sign of being strong. High-quality caregivers often aim to be compassionate, caring, and well organized. Look for characteristics such as these in yourself to start noticing where you shine.

Go Through Your List of Daily Responsibilities

You might be surprised to discover the ordinary things you do can show you where your strengths lie. For instance, you might have chosen to make a complicated healthy recipe for your loved one because you’re a good cook. Alternatively, you may find you enjoy helping your loved one with a hobby because your strong point is increasing other people’s happiness and preserving family relationships. Even doing laundry can be a strength, since it requires you to enjoy helping others.

Most family caregivers can use a bit of help now and then. If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality senior home care, Senior Stride Home Care can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age.

Consider the Compliments Other People Give You

Over the years, you’ve probably had at least a few caregiving-related compliments thrown your way. For example, your siblings might tell you they admire how well you keep your loved one’s household running. You might also receive compliments related to other parts of your life, such as being praised for always getting your assignments done on time at work. These types of compliments can often reveal your strengths.

Decide Which Strengths You Want to Develop

Recognizing your caregiving strengths is important, but you should also do something with that knowledge. You can use your strengths to know where you need to focus your attention while someone else handles the things you don’t do as well. Your strengths can also be developed to make you an even better caregiver. For example, you could read a book on home organization to figure out how to hone your skills in that area. You can also take time out to practice self-care to enhance your compassionate nature.

Family caregivers sometimes need a break from their caregiving responsibilities. When they need respite care, Oshkosh families can rely on professional caregivers to help their senior loved ones remain safe at home.

Find a Way to Acknowledge Your Strengths

Even with a positive outlook, there will be days when you feel weak. On these days, you need to turn back to the lessons you’ve learned about what makes you strong. Find ways to scatter little reminders about your strengths throughout your daily life. For instance, you can write the word “compassion” on a sticky note and put it on your mirror or make a list in your caregiver journal. You can even save a meme on your phone that represents your strengths. Reminding yourself of how strong you are can help you on even the most challenging days.

Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Oshkosh Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care. Trust Senior Stride Home Care to provide high-quality compassionate, professional home care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at 920-717-1767.

Almost all seniors with Parkinson’s develop involuntary tremors as the disease progresses, which makes everyday activities such as eating more challenging. A company called Lift Labs has developed a smart spoon that almost instantaneously detects tremors to stabilize the tip of the utensil. For those who have Parkinson’s, this technology can enhance their quality of life and help them regain some of their independence.

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

Parkinson’s and the Loss of Motor Skills

Dopamine is a vital chemical the brain produces to enhance emotions and control many motor functions. Parkinson’s disease destroys nerve cells that control the production of dopamine. A lack of dopamine in the body can create a variety of overwhelming symptoms, including general weakness, difficulty swallowing, tremors, muscle aches, and muscle rigidity. While some medications can delay these symptoms, there is no permanent cure for Parkinson’s. Doctors and scientists are now looking for ways to suppress the symptoms of this disease.

A Look at Liftware

The Liftware smart spoon utilizes the same technology as expensive movie cameras. A small microprocessor recognizes sudden movements and uses an algorithm to stabilize the tip of the spoon. Currently, the spoon’s head can move up to an inch, which makes it a great product for seniors with Parkinson’s who are still able to chew and swallow food. The Liftware spoon can also differentiate between intended and unintended movements. It won’t make any sudden jerking movements if the user drops his or her hand slightly to speak or tries to scoop up a little more food.

Seniors with Parkinson’s who require assistance with eating and other daily activities can benefit from hiring dedicated caregivers. Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. Oshkosh, WI, 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.

The Team Behind Liftware

Anupam Pathak is the founder and CEO of Lift Labs, and he started this company to help as many seniors with Parkinson’s as possible. “Being able to see somebody eat on their own for the first time, or even just eat better, has been a hugely impactful thing,” Pathak stated during a recent interview with Voice of America. Each spoon currently costs around $195, but a single device can turn a senior’s life around. Lift Labs also accepts donations to help those who can’t afford their own Liftware. Once the donations can pay for a single device, Lift Labs sends a spoon off to the International Essential Tremor Foundation.

Future Technology

The Liftware spoon is only the tip of the iceberg, and the team at Lift Labs is working on a lineup of different heads that can be attached to the stabilizer unit, including options such as deeper soup spoons and blunt forks. Other companies are working on technology that will constantly monitor and track a senior’s tremors. If the tremors become too severe or the wearer is in danger, a doctor will be notified immediately. Each of these new devices could help seniors with Parkinson’s become a little bit more independent, which can go a long way toward enhancing their quality of life.

Living with a serious health condition 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. Call Senior Stride Home Care at 920-717-1767 and create a care plan tailored to suit your senior loved one’s needs.

A care package is a thoughtful way to show your love. Whether your senior loved one is at home or in the hospital, customized gifts can be comforting.

Think about how your senior loved one enjoys spending time at home and select something according to his or her interests. If your senior loved one needs professional in-home care in Oshkosh, WI, Home Care Assistance is here to help. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors.

Here are a few items you can add to the care package.

1. Musical Greeting Card

Your parent will be thrilled by a greeting card with your handwritten sentiment. One that plays music will spark a smile each time it’s opened. However, if your parent is hospitalized, give a regular card so his or her roommate won’t be aggravated by repetitive music.

2. Self-Entertainment

Enclose a magazine with topics of special interest to your mom or dad. If your parent enjoys reading, pack a book in his or her favorite genre. For seniors with impaired vision, buy large print versions. You can also buy an e-reader for unlimited book options.

If your parent enjoys listening to music, record nostalgic songs on an iPod Shuffle. This user-friendly device is small, requiring minimal packing space. With attached earbuds, your loved one can enjoy music privately.

Crossword and word search puzzles help decelerate brain aging and fortify neural connections by triggering memories. Each word your parent finds will activate his or her brain’s reward center.

If your parent likes to make crafts, provide the necessary materials and tools. For example, you can provide the supplies for woodworking, knitting, crocheting, beading, or model making.

3. Healthy Snacks

Put a variety of nourishing foods in a care package. If you’re shipping the gift, add single-serve packages of nuts, whole-wheat pretzels, popcorn, cereal bars, and protein bars. If the gift will be hand-delivered, consider adding mini juice boxes or some fresh fruits.

4. Hygiene Items

For a parent in the hospital, pack travel-size shampoo, deodorant, and soap. If your loved one wears dentures, add denture cleanser and adhesive. For seniors with permanent teeth, send a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash.

During a hospital stay, hand sanitizer helps keep germs at bay. Give your father disposable razors, shaving cream, and aftershave, and pamper your mother with body lotion.

If your loved one lives at home, substitute the above hygiene items with a bottle of perfume or cologne.

5. Sleep Aids

Seniors often experience insomnia, which is a common symptom of anxiety, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and restless leg syndrome. Nighttime bathroom trips also interrupt slumber.

Lack of sleep can lead to a variety of health issues in older adults. Living with a serious health condition 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.

To facilitate healthy sleep, pack a lavender spray to spritz on linens. To promote quiet and comfort, add a sleep mask, foam ear plugs, and soft socks.

6. Photo Album or Scrapbook

Fill a small binder with pictures of friends and family. You can also insert ticket stubs, concert programs, and playbills. If you don’t have the time to assemble a small photo album or scrapbook, place some pictures in a plastic zipper bag or mount a family portrait inside a small frame.

7. Gift Card

Pharmacies and supermarkets carry a vast array of gift cards. Buy one supporting your parent’s interests, such as craft-making or reading. You could give a department store gift card, with an offer to take your loved one shopping, or a gift card to your loved one’s favorite restaurant so he or she can treat a friend to a meal.

For families living in Oshkosh, WI, 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. To learn about our high-quality elderly care plans, give us a call at 920-717-1767 today.

Letter writing has become a lost art, and penpals may seem like an old-fashioned concept in today’s age of texting and social media. However, seniors remember the joy of receiving a handwritten note from a distant friend or family member. Corresponding with a penpal may also have physical and emotional benefits for your senior loved one.

1. Prevents Loneliness and Establishes Social Connections

Social isolation and loneliness are common among seniors, especially those who live alone or who have physical limitations that make it difficult to leave their homes. Having a penpal gives your loved one the opportunity to share feelings, jokes, and uplifting messages with another person. Your loved one will have something to look forward to, and he or she can reread the messages to boost his or her mood.

Strong social ties are essential to a senior’s wellbeing. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home 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.

2. Enhances Memory and Communication Skills

The act of writing and reading letters can help seniors exercise their memory and language skills. They will have to utilize various parts of the brain to recall stories and find the appropriate words. Writing also allows plenty of time for seniors to formulate their thoughts, which can make it easier for those who have communication disorders. Speech-to-text software and other technologies are also available for those who have limited hand and arm dexterity.

3. Boosts Self-Confidence

Meeting new people face to face can be intimidating for seniors who do not interact with strangers on a regular basis. Writing to a penpal is a low-stress, non-threatening method of making new friends. With a penpal, your loved one will know there is someone one who is looking forward to his or her letters.

If your loved one needs regular social stimulation, consider hiring a caregiver. For many seniors in Oshkosh, WI, live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Senior Stride Home Care, we extensively screen all of our live-in and 24-hour caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness.

 4. Encourages a Wider Perspective and New Interests

Interacting with a penpal from another country can prevent your loved one from getting stuck in a boring routine, and it can also provide a different point of view of the world. Your loved one may pick up new hobbies and activities while exchanging information with his or her penpal. Hearing the thoughts and concerns of another person can also take your loved one’s mind off his or her challenges.

5. Promotes Physical Health

Even though letter writing is not a very physical activity, it can still have positive benefits on your loved one’s physical health, as it provides a way to exercise the joints and enhance fine motor skills and dexterity. Looking forward to receiving letters and knowing there is someone waiting for a response can also serve as motivation for your loved one to engage in other healthy habits.

Social interaction is essential for older adults, whether it comes from a penpal or a visit from a compassionate caregiver. For families living in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, 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. To learn about our revolutionary senior care plans, get in touch with one of our professional Care Managers at 920-717-1767 today.

Cycling is a fun filled way for seniors to get some fresh air and exercise. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional non-medical home 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.

Some seniors may not have been on a bike since their childhood, and they will be surprised to see the various bike options available in the market. Many aging adults opt for comfort bikes with padded seats and low gears, which are built for smooth riding. Thanks to these lifestyle bikes, seniors don’t have to fear uncomfortable and painful bike rides. Here are some of the reasons why retired seniors should start cycling.

1. Provides Low-Impact Fitness

Biking is a low impact exercise, which means the body never makes hard contact with the ground. Low-impact exercises are often ideal for seniors, as stiff joints and soreness can make high-impact exercises painful. Riding a bike can be a good activity for seniors who have consistent knee pain and arthritis, as it puts little impact on their joints. Cycling can also provide the benefits of cardiovascular exercise while minimizing the risks of injury in older adults.

2. Saves Money

Biking is an economical way to travel and requires little maintenance, which can be a great benefit to seniors who are on a fixed income. Once seniors start riding comfortably, they can visit friends and run errands on their bike.

3. Reduces the Risk of Diseases

Consistent bike riding can reduce the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown people who ride their bikes for 20 miles a week reduce their risk of heart disease by 50 percent. Cycling is a great source of cardiovascular exercise, which keeps weight and blood pressure under control, strengthens the lungs, and protects the circulatory system.

For family caregivers, helping a loved one get into an exercise routine can be overwhelming. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Oshkosh Senior Stride Home Care can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks.

4. Lower Stress

Cycling isn’t just good for the body, it’s also good for the soul. Seniors who want to boost their emotional health should try cycling, as it can help relax an overworked brain. Riding a bike involves repetitive motions, which can have meditative effects on the mind. Seniors who need to reduce stress should take a trip to a local bike trail and concentrate on the rhythm of their pedaling to feel relaxed and regain their peace of mind.

Stress is also common among family caregivers, as they often try to do everything themselves. If you are the primary caregiver for a senior loved one in Oshkosh, respite care is available when you need time away from your important caregiving duties. At Senior Stride Home Care, our respite caregivers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help your loved one manage everyday tasks in the comfort of home while you have the chance to take a much-needed break. Call 920-717-1767 today to learn more about our senior care services and how we can customize them to meet your loved one’s needs.

Getting older does not mean losing the zest for life or the ability to be productive and creative. In addition to being physically healthy, many seniors retain healthy cognitive function. However, some older adults need help to maintain their cognitive health. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional non-medical in-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.

These renowned older illustrators continue demonstrating their creativity and talents and serve as an inspiration.

1. Brian Froud – 70

This English illustrator specializes in the realm of fantasy art. However, he claims the stunning landscapes in his creations are commonly inspired by the picturesque views of Dartmoor. Froud is responsible for the conceptual designs of many famous films, including Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal. His illustrations are also found in many books, including The Goblin Companion: A Field Guide to Goblins, Faeries, Good Faeries/Bad Faeries, and The Runes of Elfland.

2. Gary Panter – 66

Panter has an accomplished career as a cartoonist, a designer, a painter, and an illustrator in addition to being a part-time musician. His more recent works are found in the new wave comics movement. Panter’s illustrations have been showcased in many different magazines and newspapers, including Raw, Rolling Stone, and Time. His set designs for the TV series Pee-Wee’s Playhouse won him three Emmy awards. Other recognized works include Facetasm, Jimbo: Adventures in Paradise, and Jimbo’s Inferno.

3. George Pérez – 62

Along with being a writer, Pérez is a noted comic book illustrator. His visual art has been featured in comics such as The Avengers, Teen Titans, and Wonder Woman. Many writers cite Pérez as one of their favorite collaborative artists.

4. Paul Coker – 87

Coker’s long illustration career includes works found in Mad magazine and the character designs for Rankin-Bass animated films. He has also worked on various advertising campaigns, illustrated more than 375 articles for Mad, and helped create the characters and visuals for such beloved holiday shorts as Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph’s Shiny New Year, and Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town. His illustrations also introduced the long-running Horace and Buggy and Lancelot comic strips to the public.

5. Rotraut Susanne Berner – 68

Berner is a popular German graphic designer and illustrator. She is most known for her series of children’s books titled Wimmelbuch, which have sold more than 500,000 copies worldwide. Her works have also included more than 80 books for children and young adults, along with more than 800 book covers. Her contributions to art and children’s literature won her the coveted Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2016.

6. Sir Quentin Saxby Blake – 84

This cartoonist and illustrator hails from England. His best known artistic endeavors are easily recognized in the children’s books written by Roald Dahl. Blake won the Hans Christian Andersen award in 2002. From 1999 through 2001, he was the inaugural British Children’s Laureate, and he has also long been a patron of the Association of Illustrators.

Staying creative in the senior years can stave off dementia. If your loved one has already been diagnosed with dementia, engaging in mentally stimulating activities with a professional caregiver can be beneficial. For trusted and reliable dementia care, Oshkosh families can turn to Senior Stride Home Care. We are experts in caring for seniors with memory-related conditions, our caregivers are available 24/7, and all of our dementia care programs are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

The same applies for seniors who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. If your elderly loved one is living with Alzheimer’s and needs help managing the symptoms, turn to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of Alzheimer’s care. Oshkosh seniors can rely on our revolutionary Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program that helps slow cognitive decline and delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. CTM also encourages seniors to engage with others in an enjoyable way and helps them build new routines to look forward to. To learn more about CTM and our premier Alzheimer’s care, please give us a call at 920-717-1767.

Seniors who recognize the early warning signs of diabetes are often able to reverse the condition with certain lifestyle changes. However, many seniors fail to treat their diabetes because they attribute the symptoms to other age-related medical conditions. If your loved one has been diagnosed with diabetes, consider hiring a professional caregiver to help him or her manage the condition. When considering in-home senior care, Oshkosh, WI, 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.

Here are 7 early warning signs of diabetes that should not be ignored as well as tips on preventing this pervasive disease.

1. Increased Thirst

When a senior’s blood sugar level rises, he or she begins to pass sugar through the kidneys and into the urine. Over time, this dehydrates the senior and makes him or her feel constantly thirsty. Seniors who experience dry mouth or constant thirst should drink a few extra cups of water a day to keep their kidneys healthy.

2. Increased Hunger

Seniors with prediabetes may notice changes in their metabolism. However, eating sugar-laden foods to stabilize their blood sugar can worsen the condition. Alternatively, they should eat healthy snacks that give them long-term energy such as unsalted trail mix, oatmeal, and hard boiled eggs.

3. Chronic Fatigue

The glucose levels of a diabetic senior can fluctuate quite a bit throughout the day, and the body may respond by making him or her feel tired. While chronic fatigue can be caused by many different things, seniors who experience it should have their blood sugar tested. They must also seek medical assistance if the chronic fatigue is accompanied by unusual personality changes such as irritability and mood swings.

4. Vision Problems

Diabetes is often diagnosed during eye doctor visits. Ongoing glucose fluctuations can result in a variety of eyesight problems, including blurry vision and difficulty seeing at night. Seniors should schedule eye doctor appointments at least once a year to be tested for vision changes.

5. Slow Healing Wounds

In a healthy body, the arteries immediately send blood cells to a wound to begin the healing process. In diabetics, the arteries become damaged and lose their ability to effectively transport blood cells. A wound that won’t heal is one of the most common signs of diabetes, and it often results in secondary complications such as infections.

6. Tingling Hands and Feet

The vast majority of diabetic seniors will experience neuropathy at some point. Much like wounds that heal slowly, seniors experience a tingling sensation because the arteries can no longer send an adequate supply of blood to the extremities. Some seniors are able to reduce their neuropathy by wearing compression garments on their arms and legs.

7. Dry or Velvety Skin

Skin that is dry or itchy is common among seniors who have problems regulating their blood sugar levels. Excessive scratching can lead to lacerations and rashes that can take weeks to heal. Seniors with dry or velvety skin should use very mild soap when showering or washing their hands. They can also apply unscented lotion to their skin throughout the day to help relieve the itching and prevent further damage.

A professional caregiver can help a senior adopt a healthy lifestyle and manage diabetes. Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. Oshkosh, WI, 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.

The symptoms of diabetes can be exacerbated if a senior also has an age-related cognitive disorder such as dementia. Many families have no experience in specialized home care for seniors, which can make life a bit more challenging when an elderly loved one is diagnosed with dementia. The Oshkosh, WI, dementia home care experts at Senior Stride Home Care are here to help. We designed a program called the Cognitive Therapeutics Method, which uses mentally engaging activities to slow the progression of dementia, and all of our live-in and respite caregivers are expertly trained in dementia care. For more information on our senior care services, call one of our experienced Care Managers today at 920-717-1767.

As your elderly loved one ages, the risk of becoming lonely increases. Loneliness can lead to a variety of health issues, including slips, falls, obesity, and memory loss. Here are 5 ways your senior loved one can remain socially active and stave off loneliness.

1. Lean on Others for Support

Losing a spouse or loved one could increase the odds of seniors becoming lonely. Seniors are at a higher risk of social isolation during the period after their spouse or significant other has passed away. Provide your loved one with extra support during these times. Take a few days out of the week to spend with your loved one. This could make a huge difference to his or her life. Extra support can help reduce the risk of loneliness.

If you are not always available to provide support to your loved one, consider hiring a professional caregiver. When considering elder home care, Oshkosh, WI, 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.

2. Get a Pet

Taking care of a pet could help seniors stave off loneliness. Pets often turn into great companions. If your elderly loved one is a pet owner, he or she can remain socially engaged, feel more secure, and be less lonely. Caring for a pet can motivate your loved one to use time constructively, boost his or her mood, and possibly lower the number of medications he or she needs to take. Before giving your elderly loved one a pet, check with a doctor to make sure he or she is emotionally and physically able to care for and nurture the animal.

3. Engage in Hobbies and Activities

If your senior loved one stays at home day after day, he or she is at a higher risk of becoming bored and lonely. Encouraging your loved one to take up a hobby and get involved in local activities could prevent loneliness. Volunteering is a positive way for your loved one to find a purpose. Keeping your senior loved one busy not only enhances his or her sense of purpose in life, it can also reduce the risk of isolation and loneliness.

Sometimes seniors need motivation to engage in different activities, and they also want reassurance that the housework will be accomplished. A professional caregiver can help motivate your loved one and also help with household tasks. If your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, Oshkosh, WI, live-in home caregivers at Senior Stride Home Care are here to help. Our proprietary Balanced Care Method was designed to promote longevity by encouraging seniors to focus on healthy eating, regular exercise, mental engagement, and other important lifestyle factors.

 4. Maintain a Positive Body Image

Many seniors avoid others because they are not satisfied with their body image. Being overweight can cause your elderly loved one to feel embarrassed and avoid interacting with others, leading to loneliness. Encourage your loved one to exercise and maintain a healthy weight. In addition to building confidence, exercising could also help your loved one prevent serious health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. Compliment your loved one from time to time. Positive comments about his or her appearance can boost his or her self-esteem.

5. Attend Social Dinners

Dining with others is a great way for your loved one to stave off loneliness. Meals and family gatherings are a time for people to come together and share food, talk about life, and have a great time. Encourage your elderly loved one to attend dinners at the local senior center, dine with a church group, or join friends for a meal at a nearby café or restaurant. In addition to preventing loneliness, these social dinners can also promote better nutrition for your senior loved one.

Using these tips to help your loved one stave off loneliness can also prevent medical conditions associated with cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer’s disease. If your elderly loved one is living with Alzheimer’s and needs help managing the symptoms, turn to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of Alzheimer’s care. Oshkosh seniors can rely on our revolutionary Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program that helps slow cognitive decline and delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. CTM also encourages seniors to engage with others in an enjoyable way and helps them build new routines to look forward to. Call 920-717-1767 to speak with a Care Manager who can create a customized care plan for your loved one.