Helpful Ways to Distract Seniors with Dementia

Posted on January 12, 2017April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Crying, pacing or yelling are all things common to seniors with dementia. While it can be exceedingly easy to snap at them, redirecting their activities through distractions is a very useful technique that usually leaves everybody in a better mood. If you are an Oshkosh dementia caregiver, then consider using these distraction techniques.

New Activity

Boredom causes some seniors to act out. Therefore, when you notice these behaviors consider starting a new activity. Lots of activities work including reading, cooking and putting in a movie your elderly loved one enjoys.

Do a Craft

Crafts can be a great way to keep your senior loved one mentally and emotionally active. Knitting, crocheting, making home décor and many other things work very well. Soon the senior will be having so much fun that he or she will be acting much better.

Incorporate Music

Oshkosh Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers can get seniors to stop certain behaviors by getting them to do something with a silly song. Consider tapping on a table to make your song even more interesting. On the other hand, start singing your senior’s favorite song and encourage him or her to sing with you. Enjoy a short impromptu dance party by playing a tune on your smartphone.

Request Help

Seniors want to feel needed just like everyone else. Therefore, ask the senior for help doing something around the house. This can be a great time to complete a project that you have been putting off such as going through the basket of mismatched socks or tidying up around the house.

Be Humorous

Lighten your senior’s mood by using humor. Keep a list of jokes in your pocket that the senior will understand. It is important to stay on your loved one’s intellectual level. Many caregivers find that keeping short video clips from Facebook or YouTube works very well.

Remember that every technique will not work all the time with every senior. It can be very uncomfortable to try something new, but the reward is a senior that acts appropriately. Learn more about effective distraction techniques and get help for your senior loved one by calling Senior Stride Home Care at 920-717-1767. We provide flexible Alzheimer’s and dementia senior care Oshkosh, WI, families can trust to help their aging loved ones boost emotional and mental wellbeing. Let us customize a unique care plan for your loved one today.

How Seniors Benefit from Eating Spearmint

Posted on January 5, 2017April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

A member of the mint family, spearmint is a native plant to Europe and parts of Asia. Its sweet mild flavor can be found in gum, toothpaste and mouthwash, although Oshkosh in-home caregivers can incorporate fresh and dried leaves into numerous dishes for their senior loved ones. It can be eaten in salads, used to flavor teas or incorporated into smoothies. Family caregivers will want to find many ways to put it into diets because of its many health benefits like the ones below.

Oral Health

Spearmint’s antibacterial and antimicrobial properties make it great at promoting healthy gums and oral hygiene. Those same properties help prevent mouth and throat infections. Additionally, chewing on a spearmint leaf is a great way to stop bad breath. This member of the mint family can be used to clear the sinuses, which is a leading contributor to bad breath.

Digestive Health

Many people find that spearmint is great for settling upset stomachs and relieving gastrointestinal issues. Flatulence, cramps and bloating often disappear when spearmint is consumed. Even seniors with irritable bowel syndrome may find that it helps relieve those symptoms as well.

Circulation Health

Eating just a single leaf of spearmint provides 100 percent of the daily recommended amount of iron. Therefore, it is helpful in building iron content in blood and improving circulation throughout the body. Spearmint helps blood move in the body faster, so wounds heal quicker. Many people who consume spearmint regularly find that they have more energy because the increased circulation boosts oxygen levels in their systems.

Heart Health

This mint is also great because of its high potassium levels. It is effective in relieving stress on blood vessels and arteries. For this reason, Oshkosh stroke caregivers believe it is effective for breaking up plaques that block arteries and cause strokes. Researchers even suggest that it may be extremely useful in preventing other cardiovascular illnesses.

In addition to nutrition, seniors also benefit from balanced care schedules. With help from Senior Stride Home Care, your loved one will get one-on-one assistance from highly trained Oshkosh elder care professionals. Call 920-717-1767 today to learn more about our flexible live-in and hourly caregivers and how they can work around your loved one’s schedule to help him or her age in place with dignity.

Do Aerobics Exercises Stave Off Dementia?

Posted on December 29, 2016April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Numerous studies have shown that seniors who do aerobic exercise on a regular basis can postpone the onset of Alzheimer’s, dementia and other cognitive disease. In fact, researchers assert it could slow down the progression of the disease. Below is everything dementia caregivers in Oshkosh, WI, need to know about aerobics and how it staves off dementia.

Aerobic Exercise at Home

There are many aerobic exercises that seniors can do at home. Some examples that a senior loved one can do at home include walking, dancing, bicycling, yoga or any other exercise that raises the heart rate. Oshkosh elderly care professionals assert that even vigorous cleaning can be used as a form of aerobic activity. The senior should aim for 30 minutes a day at least four times a week.

Cardiovascular Health

There is a strong correlation between heart health and cardiovascular disease. The healthier your loved one’s heart, the less chance he or she has of developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Doing aerobics exercise has been shown to lower the risk of high cholesterol, hypertension, cerebrovascular diseases and diabetes. All of these diseases increase the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s by 200 percent.

Improves Task Performance

Seniors who exercise show a marked improvement in their ability to pay attention, plan and organize. Doctors feel that the increased blood flow to the brain stops or slows down the development of amyloid plaques in the brain. Research also suggests that seniors who perform aerobic exercises on a regular basis are better able to multitask.

Psychological Benefits of Aerobic Exercise

Scientists are also starting to understand that seniors with dementia feel better emotionally when they exercise regularly. The largest positive change is seen in people who have also been diagnosed with severe clinical depression. Seniors with dementia report fewer occurrences of schizophrenia and mood disorders when they raise their heart rate through exercise regularly.

Exercise is the cornerstone of senior health, and that’s not just for seniors with cognitive disorders. Help your loved one stave off dementia and maintain a balanced lifestyle with Senior Stride Home Care. In addition to helping seniors maintain healthy lifestyles, we provide flexible live-in, hourly and respite care Oshkosh families can trust to be there for seniors anytime of day or night. Call 920-717-1767 today to learn more about our unique services and how we can customize them to help your loved one.

5 Ways to Help Seniors Stave Off the Common Cold

Posted on December 22, 2016April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

It is the time of year when it seems that everyone has a cold. There are some important steps that your senior can take to stop from getting a cold this year. Here’s how Oshkosh live-in care professionals can help seniors stave off the bug this winter.

1. Wash Your Hands

The most important thing that a senior can do is to wash his or her hands regularly. About 80 percent of cold germs are picked up from the things that are touched. Therefore, make sure that everyone is washing his or her hands for at least 30 seconds on a regular basis, especially after coming in contact with random surfaces. If you cannot get to water, then use a hand sanitizer that is over 50 percent alcohol.

2. Cough into Your Elbow

Most seniors were taught to cover their mouths with their hands when they coughed. This was bad advice because it moves the germs from the mouth onto the hands. Instead, convince the senior to cover his or her mouth with an elbow when he or she coughs.

3. Sanitize

Sanitizing on a regular basis can help stop cold germs from spreading through the house. While disposable wipes can be very helpful, they are also very expensive. Bleach and water makes a wonderful and more economical cleaner.

4. Go Disposable

Using paper plates, plastic utensils and disposable cups can help cut down on the spread of the cold virus. Therefore, consider using them for just a few days if someone has a cold. They can especially be useful if the person who normally does the dishes does not feel good.

5. Eat and Sleep Right

Getting enough rest and eating a well-balanced diet can help the cold systems stay away. Try to make sure your loved one eats enough vitamin C each day as the body cannot store it and the body’s immune system needs it to fight the cold germs effectively. Try to get at least eight hours of restful sleep each night.

Encouraging your senior to follow these five simple steps can help stop them from getting a cold this year. You can also help prevent the cold by calling Senior Stride Home Care at 920-717-1767 today. We provide flexible live-in and hourly home care Oshkosh seniors need to maintain physical and emotional wellbeing. Talk to a friendly Care Manager today to have a care plan customized for your loved one.

New Year’s Eve Activities to Entertain Seniors with Alzheimer’s

Posted on December 15, 2016April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

New Year’s Eve should be fun for everyone including seniors with Alzheimer’s. Therefore, Oshkosh Alzheimer’s caregivers should consider planning a family New Year’s Eve celebration this year with some of these exciting activities.

Host a Cooking Party-

Assign each person a country to research before the event and have them find out what people in that country eat on New Year’s Eve. Then, prepare that food and bring it to the family gathering. Before everyone digs in, have each person share what country the food is from and what people in that country believe eating that food will give them in the coming year. Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers in Oshkosh may need to help their senior loved ones prepare these dishes, which will only add to the fun.

Celebrate a Different Decade

Have each person choose a favorite decade. Then, create an outfit to match that decade. Each family member should try to create a two or three-minute routine about that decade. Perhaps they can dance to a favorite song from the decade or read a poem that was written during that time. Then, everyone has to try to guess the decade.

Play the Resolution Game

Everyone loves to make resolutions on New Year’s Eve. Have each person write down three resolutions. Two of the resolutions will be true and one will be a lie. Everyone states his or her resolutions and then everyone guesses which one is the lie.

Create a Scrapbook for the Year

Get a large calendar and write down all the events that have happened throughout the last year. Everyone can share how those events impacted him or her. Then, take a calendar for the next year and let everyone share what he or she hopes to accomplish in the coming year.

Play Name the Song

Start by finding songs of each decade of the senior’s life. Then, play snippets from those songs. Have each person try to guess the name of the song and the artist singing it. The person with the most correct guesses wins a prize.

Families can incorporate seniors with Alzheimer’s into their New Year’s Eve festivities in many different ways. Regardless of the activity or the food served, the most important thing is being together as a family. Learn more about activities that seniors with Alzheimer’s can enjoy by calling Senior Stride Home Care at 920-710-CARE (2273). Our flexible senior care in Oshkosh encourages seniors with cognitive disorders to lead active lives in order to boost emotional and physical wellbeing. Let us customize a personalized care plan for your loved one when you call.

5 Best Senior Comedians Over 65

Posted on December 8, 2016April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Thankfully, it is easy for seniors to laugh when they watch great comedians. In fact, many Oshkosh in-home care professionals recommend it to boost vitality. Many seniors can also draw inspiration for their daily lives from these five famous comedians and their hobbies.

1. Rodney Dangerfield

Caddyshack and No Respect are just two of the more famous movies in which Rodney Dangerfield performed. This actor was born on November 22, 1921 as Jacob Cohen. Amazingly, he did not start to act until he was over 40 years old. When he wasn’t working, he often could be found writing. After a thriving career, Dangerfield passed away on October 5, 2004.

2. Phyllis Diller

After being encouraged by her husband to try out for You Bet Your Life at the age of 37, Phyllis Diller had a long and successful career as a stand-up comedian. When she was not busy working, Phyllis enjoyed spending time with her family.

3. Red Skelton

Red Skelton was a weekly visitor in many homes that tuned in for the Red Skelton Show for over 20 years. His bit on the Pledge of Allegiance is still regularly featured on social media. Red was an insomniac who often slept for only two or three hours each night. In addition to writing comedy, he would get up very early to compose music.

4. Carol Burnett

For over 11 seasons, many families had a standing date on Sunday nights to watch The Carol Burnett Show. When this comedian was not performing, she loved decorating her condos and homes in the latest styles. She also enjoyed fashion design.

5. Lucille Ball

Lucille Ball’s I Love Lucy and its spin-off shows are still regularly viewed in many homes. When Ball was not having fun with sidekick and husband Desi Arnaz, she enjoyed gardening. She was the first woman to play a pregnant woman on television, the first to be involved in an interracial relationship and the first to own a television production studio.

Seniors can draw inspiration from these comedians who worked until well after the age of 65. Encourage your senior to stay active and boost emotional wellbeing with help from Senior Stride Home Care. Our live-in and hourly caregivers in Oshkosh encourage seniors to lead active lives that promote vitality and longevity. Call 920-717-1767 today to learn more about our services and how we can customize them to meet your loved one’s needs.

Does Caffeine Help Women Ward Off Dementia?

Posted on November 24, 2016April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

According to a study published in The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, women who consume a certain amount of caffeine daily might be able to ward off the onset of dementia. Below is everything Oshkosh elder care providers need to know about the study and its findings.

About the Study

The study of 6,467 postmenopausal women who lived in the Wisconsin community found that those consuming over 261 milligrams of caffeine daily over the course of 10 years were 36 percent more likely to not develop dementia symptoms or other cognitive medical problems. Researchers analyzed the risk for various social conditions, such as age and education, along with various health conditions like cardiovascular disease and found that they did not influence the outcome of the study.

Where to Get Caffeine

Women over the age of 65 who would like to reduce their risk of dementia must make sure that they consume approximately 24 ounces of coffee daily. That’s the equivalent of about 40 ounces of black tea or approximately 48 ounces of soda. Women can also get caffeine from eating chocolate or coffee flavored ice cream, consuming certain power bars or drinking energy drinks. Many over-the-counter medications also contain caffeine.

Caffeine Considerations

Elderly women are urged to consider the effect that consuming that amount of caffeine may have on their bodies. For example, doctors generally recommend that a person not consume caffeine after 6pm so that they can get a restful night’s sleep. Women are also urged to consider their calorie intake because many sources of caffeine are also high in calories.

Other Caffeine Effects

According to research by the Mayo Clinic, consuming more than 500 milligrams of caffeine daily can have many negative health effects including irritability, nervousness and muscle tremors. Therefore, women may need to find a healthy balance when it comes to caffeine consumption.

As always, women will want to speak to their primary care physician before making any huge lifestyle changes. Further follow-up studies may need to be done to confirm the findings of this study, but so far it looks promising in terms of dementia prevention. Should your loved one be diagnosed with dementia or other cognitive disorders, turn to Senior Stride Home Care. We are the leading provider of Oshkosh Alzheimer’s and dementia care that boosts cognitive wellbeing and delays the onset of dementia. Call 920-710-CARE (2273) today to set up a free consultation for your loved one.

Why Women Over 65 Should Continue to Get Gynecological Exams

Posted on November 17, 2016April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Say the word gynecologist to most women and they will want to run away. Yet, those who look after women over the age of 65 should encourage them to get an annual exam. The great news is that the woman may not need a pap smear, which is the part that most women hate about their annual visit the most. But there are still plenty of reasons why Oshkosh home caregivers should prompt elderly women to see their gynecologists.

One reason that a woman needs to see a gynecologist is to discuss changes in bladder and bowel habits. Commonly known as waterworks, many women choose to stay home from fun activities because they fear that they may not be able to get to the restroom in time. Changes in this area of life may be as simple as a urinary tract infection that can be easily treated. These changes, however, can be signs of larger problems that a woman needs to address.

During the exam, the doctor may look for signs of cervical cancer. Over 2,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in women over the age of 65 each year. If cancer is found, then the woman may work with her doctor to determine the right course of action. Occasionally, the woman may just need to have a hysterectomy.

Another important part of the exam might include checking for signs of breast cancer. While the doctor may do a manual breast exam, he or she may recommend that the woman go for a mammogram. Generally, a woman should have a mammogram at least every two years until she reaches the age of 70. Again, only the doctor can recommend what is right in individual circumstances.

Oshkosh elderly care providers understand that many women put off these exams over the fear of money. If the woman is covered by private insurance, she may find that the cost of these exams is nearly free depending on the insurance policy. If the woman is on Medicare, then Part B coverage ensures that these exams are almost free. If the woman has no coverage, do not let this stand in her way, as there are many free or affordable solutions available in most cities.

Even if a senior woman has experienced menopause, it’s still important for her to see a gynecologist. Senior Stride Home Care professionals understand that not all seniors are able to go to the doctor’s office alone, which is why our compassionate caregivers are available 24/7 to offer transportation to and from medical appointments. Additionally, we provide specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia and stroke care Oshkosh, WI, families rely on to help seniors age in place. Call 920-710-CARE (2273) today to schedule a free consultation

Crafty Thanksgiving Centerpieces You Can Make with Your Senior Loved One

Posted on November 10, 2016April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Celebrating Thanksgiving with a senior can make the holiday even more special. While you are busy planning and preparing a festive meal, involve him or her in the holiday by helping your loved one create a crafty Thanksgiving centerpiece for the dinner table. Oshkosh, WI, elder care providers recommend the following three festive centerpieces.

Wood Burned Centerpiece Box

Find a wooden half-crate that has a low profile. Have your love done draw or stencil the word “Thanks” on the side of the crate. Then, use a wood-burning tool to etch it in place. If you both are happy with the way that it looks, then you can leave it or add a stain to change the color. Fill the inside with a piece of Styrofoam. Stick beautiful fall flowers, fall leaves, gourds and miniature pumpkins on top of the Styrofoam until it is completely covered.

Chalkboard Centerpiece

Framed chalkboards make a beautiful simple Thanksgiving centerpieces that most seniors can easily complete with help from you or an Oshkosh, WI, part-time caregiver. Start by finding two framed chalkboards. If you do not like the color of the frame, then look for wooden ones and give them a quick coat of paint. Drill some holes in the top of the frame and use some wire to connect them to form a simple easel. Write the word “Thanks” on each one. You can position these in the middle of the table. Make your centerpiece even more festive by adding miniature pumpkins or gourds in front of it.

Leaf Lanterns

Leaf lanterns make a beautiful addition to Thanksgiving tables, but they are also easy to make. Start by collecting some beautiful fall leaves. Find an old jar and measure its circumference. Cut a piece of wax paper the same height as the jar and twice its circumference. Lay the wax paper on a table so that the waxy side is facing up. Arrange the leaves on one half of the long side of the wax paper. Fold the wax paper in half and hold a hot iron on top of it for just a few seconds allowing the wax to melt. Cover the outside of the jar with the wax paper gluing it in place. You can tie raffia around the top of the jar to hide the end of the wax paper. Place a tealight candle in the jar for a beautiful centerpiece. These look especially elegant placed on top of a glass mirror.

Creating Thanksgiving centerpieces with seniors need not be time consuming or expensive. You will be building memories that last a lifetime. Even if the project does not turn out perfect, you will love the experience of spending time together. Learn more about ways to engage with your senior loved one today by calling Senior Stride Home Care of Oshkosh at 920-717-1767 today. We provide flexible Oshkosh, WI, dementia, Alzheimer’s and stroke care that enables seniors to lead active social lives while boosting overall wellbeing. Call today to schedule a free consultation.

5 Family-Friendly Movies for Seniors to Watch This Thanksgiving

Posted on November 3, 2016April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Thanksgiving is the busiest box office day of the year, guaranteeing long lines and crowded theaters. Why endure all of that when Thanksgiving is all about family (and food)? Instead, families can spend some quality time watching heartwarming Thanksgiving flicks. These five family-friendly movies are perfect for Oshkosh, WI, at-home caregivers to bond with their senior loved ones on this family-oriented holiday.

1. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

When poor Charlie Brown gets roped into putting together a Thanksgiving dinner for his friends, it falls to Snoopy and Woodstock to make everything a success. The whole cast gathers around a hastily made up Ping-Pong table to celebrate the holiday. Despite all the mishaps, the true meaning of Thanksgiving shines through this family classic.

2. Winnie the Pooh: Seasons of Giving

Leave it to Disney to have a wonderful, family-friendly movie for Thanksgiving! This film features Pooh, Piglet, and Rabbit putting together a wonderful Thanksgiving meal together for themselves and their friends.

3. The Muppets

This 2011 film starts off with three Muppet fans finding out the Muppet Theater is in danger of being torn down. The three friends try to save the theater by bringing the Muppets back together for one last show.

4. Free Birds

Exactly what happens after a Thanksgiving turkey is pardoned? The main character in this 2013 animated film ponders just that when he gets roped into a plot to go back in time and prevent turkey from ever becoming part of the Thanksgiving menu.

5. Miracle on 34th Street

Although this film focuses on Christmas, it opens with the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Bridging the gap between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the story follows a little girl and what she truly wants for Christmas. Both the 1947 and 1994 editions are gorgeous films that are perfect for seniors to watch with their families and Oshkosh, WI, live-in caregivers.

Encourage your loved one to enjoy Thanksgiving with help from Senior Stride Home Care of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. We provide reliable elder care Oshkosh, WI, seniors need to lead active lives in the comfort of home. Contact 920-717-1767 today to learn more about ways you can help your senior loved one enjoy his or her golden years.