Leading Alzheimer’s Specialists in Oshkosh, WI

Posted on October 27, 2016April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Alzheimer’s caregivers in Oshkosh, WI, need a lot of help when it comes to caring for seniors with Alzheimer’s. Below are three of the leading Alzheimer’s specialists in Oshkosh.

Alzheimer’s Association Greater Wisconsin Chapter

The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Wisconsin Chapter works to educate the public on the signs and symptoms that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease in adults. The organization hosts annual fashion shows, walks and fundraisers to offer support in the community and assist those who are living with the disease. The association is also affiliated with research that is conducted to discover more treatment options. Educational events are also hosted by the staff to provide resources and information to those who live with the disease and the Oshkosh Alzheimer’s caregivers who want to provide a higher level of home care in Oshkosh.

Aurora BayCare Medical Center

Treatment is offered at Aurora BayCare Medical Center for seniors with Alzheimer’s. They prescribe medications to manage the disease to improve quality of life and to reduce the symptoms. Patients can take advantage of health counseling with the professional staff and undergo scheduled evaluations every six months to monitor the cognitive function of the patients. Caregiver support is also offered to those who are supervising adults who live with Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, patients can be referred to support groups for proper emotional support and encouragement.

Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute

The Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute is one of the leading memory care centers in the local area that provides well-informed diagnoses and treatment of dementia for each patient. Treatment is provided to over 3,000 patients annually with 200 physicians on staff at 36 different clinics through the institute. Up-to-date research is used to offer high-quality treatment with a staff that has received guidance from the WAI and the UW Health Memory Assessment Clinic. Each medical professional on the staff stays informed and educated by attending bi-annual clinic network meetings and WAI’s annual conference.

You can also turn to Senior Stride Home Care in Oshkosh, WI, for help looking after your loved one. We provide flexible Alzheimer’s, dementia and stroke care Oshkosh families trust to help seniors boost cognitive function and overall wellbeing. Contact us at 920-717-1767 today to learn more about our services.

Illnesses That Are Commonly Misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s

Posted on October 20, 2016April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

When an older adult begins exhibiting symptoms of cognitive impairment, they may receive an incorrect Alzheimer’s diagnosis. In reality, there are many treatable medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Following are several diseases that Oshkosh Alzheimer’s caregivers should get their loved one’s tested for.

Dehydration-

Some seniors fail to consume an adequate amount of fluids. This is especially true if they are taking a diuretic or drink an excessive amount of caffeinated beverages. Over time, cells and organs become starved for fluid. When the brain becomes affected, cognitive problems emerge.

Depression

Surveys suggest that up to 20 percent of senior adults live with depression. Loss of employment, a spouse, friends or being diagnosed with chronic medical conditions are some of the later life events that can lead to the mental disorder. Some of the many symptoms include:

Anxiety or sadness that lasts more than two weeks
Sleep disturbances
Generalized fatigue
Agitation, irritability or restlessness
Difficulty concentrating, memory loss or cloudy thinking
Indecisiveness
Suicidal thoughts or tendencies
Unwarranted guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness

Infectious Processes

Untreated respiratory, skin or urinary tract infections can all have cumulative effects that affect cognitive ability.

Hypoglycemia

Without a proper diet, blood sugar levels may drop dangerously low. In this case, seniors commonly display a wide range of out of the normal symptoms including aggression, confusion, inappropriate behavior or other dementia-like traits.

Medications

Various OTC or prescription medications produce adverse effects that include confusion or other cognitive symptoms. Sometimes, more than one medication may interact with another and cause undesirable effects. The problem may also occur if patients receive care and prescriptions from more than one physician. Live-in Oshkosh caregivers need to consult doctors to insure drug interactions won’t cause these symptoms among their loved ones.

Sleep Apnea

A lack of restful sleep combined with the oxygen deficits caused by apnea can cause a long list of symptoms ranging from general fatigue and memory loss to cognitive impairment and mood disorders.

If you currently care for a senior who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it’s important to get a second opinion. It will also help to hire a trusted Oshkosh, WI, home care provider like Senior Stride Home Care. As the leading provider of Alzheimer’s and dementia care, we strive to help seniors age in place without compromising their independence. Contact us at 920-717-1767 today to learn more about our cognitive care and how it benefits our clients.

Why Memory Screening Is Important

Posted on October 13, 2016April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

The difficulties of aging are not just limited to physical problems. Many seniors also live with cognitive issues including memory deterioration. Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia can rapidly take a toll on a senior’s cognitive function if they are left untreated, but new procedures for memory screening are highly effective for seniors even if they are not concerned about their mental health. Memory screenings are essential for the early detection of age-related dementia and help Oshkosh dementia caregivers determine how to implement care for their loved ones.

How Does Early Detection Aid in Treatment?

If a senior does have memory problems, it is better to know what the cause is as soon as possible. During a memory-screening test, a senior will be asked questions and asked to complete tasks that can determine if he or she is having the slightest difficulty with memory and cognition. This allows seniors to gain access to Alzheimer’s and dementia treatments as soon as possible, and they also have more time to make legal, financial, and healthcare decisions while they are of sound mind.

What Should You Do With Memory Screening Results?

Keep in mind that a memory-screening test is not a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s. If anything concerning is revealed during the test, you may need to take your senior loved one to see a doctor for further medical evaluation. Normally, the person conducting the memory-screening test will provide the senior with a copy of the results that he or she can share with his or her Oshkosh Alzheimer’s caregiver, primary care physician, or other healthcare professionals.

How Can You Get a Memory Screening Test?

If you think your elderly loved one could benefit from a memory-screening test, then you should look for qualified individuals conducting them in your area. There are a few different tests used by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, so there should be a physician, psychologist, pharmacist, nurse practitioner, or other healthcare worker in your area who is trained in conducting these types of screenings.Should your loved one receive and Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis, reach out to

Should your loved one receive and Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis, reach out to Oshkosh Home Care Assistance. We provide specialized memory care for local seniors in order to boost cognitive skills, delay the onset of dementia and encourage independence and self-esteem. Contact us at 920-717-1767 today to schedule a no-obligation consultation for your senior loved one.

6 Most Common Asthma Triggers for the Elderly

Posted on October 6, 2016April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Asthma is a chronic illness that causes inflammation of the airways, which results in extra mucus production making it difficult for seniors to breathe. Among seniors, asthma often goes undiagnosed or mistaken for something else. For Oshkosh, WI, caregivers, learning what triggers their loved ones’ asthma can help.

1. Fumes and Odors

To help ease asthma symptoms, providers of Oshkosh senior care recommend that you ventilate properly whenever you are using cleaning supplies. Visitors should avoid wearing strong perfumes and colognes. Choose air fresheners that eliminate odors instead of using fragrances that mask them as these fumes can trigger an asthma attack.

2. Dust Mites

These little guys are hard to see, but they are in every home. Vacuuming and dusting regularly can help reduce the number of dust mites in your loved one’s home. There are air filters on the market that help remove these and other common household allergens from the air and subsequently, your loved one’s lungs.

3. Pet Dander

We love our pets, but unfortunately they can be a common trigger for asthma sufferers. Bathing pets too often is bad for their skin and can produce more dander, but with regular brushing you can reduce pet dander. Vacuuming and replacing your air filters with allergen reducing filters can also help.

4. Mold and Mildew

Some areas of the house are prone to moisture, which can result in asthma-inducing mold and mildew. Using dehumidifiers or other dampness reducing products can reduce the occurrence of these unpleasant substances. Keeping the bathroom and kitchen area clean and sterilized will also help to eliminate mold and mildew problems.

5. Smoke

Smoke is a common irritant that aggravates the lungs. If you or other family members smoke, designate a smoking area away from your loved one. Additionally, fireplaces should only be lit when necessary to avoid excessive smoke inhalation that could irritate your loved one’s lungs.

6. Cold Air

Breathing cold air can be difficult for those with asthma. The sharpness of the winter air can trigger an asthma attack. If your loved one is going out during the winter months, encourage him or her to wear a scarf over his or her nose and mouth to protect the lungs from the cold.

If your loved one lives with asthma or other chronic diseases, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care. We provide flexible live-in and part-time care Oshkosh, WI, seniors need to manage illness, injury and old age in the comfort and safety of home. Contact us at 920-710-CARE (2273) today to learn how our comprehensive services benefit the elderly.

4 DIY Halloween Costumes for Seniors

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

Whether your loved one goes out to parties or stays inside handing out candy on Halloween, he or she will need a creative costume. Below are four clever DIY costumes that Oshkosh home care providers recommend making with your loved one.

1. The Silent Knight

Make fun of the old Christmas song “Silent Night” by dressing your loved one as an actual knight. Use lead sheet with a bird’s feather to make the helmet for protective armor. Spray paint on a non-slip safety mat to make the armor and sew the edges of the item to complete the look. Add a piece of duct tape over your loved one’s mouth to finish the Halloween costume and add a bit of humor to the holiday.

2. A Senior in High School

Help your loved one feel young again by dressing him or her up as a high school senior. Get a pile of books, pick up a letterman jacket from a thrift store, and spike your loved one’s hair with a bit of gel to transform him or her into a different type of senior for the night. Additional props include a pair of high tops sneakers, some pom poms, or a basketball.

3. Colonel Sanders

Get people in the mood for KFC on Halloween by dressing your loved one as Colonel Sanders with this classic costume that will turn heads. The costume is easy to put together with a white suit, browline glasses, and a black string tie with formal attire from former decades. You can even visit a local KFC restaurant to obtain a red basket that your loved one can carry around and collect candy with on Halloween.

4. The Queen of England

Ladies can feel like royalty for the night by dressing up as The Queen of England. Have your loved one wear her best coat dress and a formal hat or crown to match. Accessories can also be worn such as a broach that can be worn on the chest and a pair of pearls worn around the neck. She can even use a small handbag and carry around a tea mug so that your loved one is more recognizable.

Boost your loved one’s spirits this Halloween and all year round with help from Senior Stride Home Care. We are the leading provider of both live-in and hourly home care Oshkosh seniors trust to make life at home more manageable without compromising their dignity. Contact us at 920-717-1767 today to talk to an experienced Care Manager about our comprehensive in-home services.

Top 4 Places to Retire in Oshkosh, WI

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

Reaching retirement age is an exciting time for seniors to reap the benefits of their many years of hard work. However, choosing the right place to call home during retirement can be challenging. Following are four retirement neighborhoods that come highly recommended by Oshkosh at-home care agencies.

1. Bella Vista

Retirees can fulfill their dream of living in a picturesque setting at Bella Vista, which is a respected retirement community that offers independent and assisted living on the beautiful shores of Lake Winnebago. Located just minutes from the downtown area, retirees can have easy access to shopping centers and two nationally recognized hospitals. Residents can choose to live in one or two-bedroom units and enjoy accommodations that include prepared meals, light housekeeping, and a flat linen service.

2. Brookdale Senior Living

Brookdale Senior Living is an exclusive senior living facility for retirees who want to live in a quiet setting that still offers plenty of freedom. Residents stay busy by working in the garden and greenhouse, visiting the beauty shop, and cooking in the community kitchen in an updated and high-end setting that makes for comfortable living.

3. Evergreen Retirement Community

Retirees can look forward to living in a residential community that boasts 35 acres of beautiful land in a state-of-the-art facility for retirees. Independent living and assisted living are available, which makes it easy to transition to different conditions without moving off of the grounds. Residents stay busy by perusing exhibits, enjoying musical entertainment, and going on outings that are scheduled throughout the month. Outdoor concerts and evenings spent cooking with culinary chefs are another highlight for retirees who want to live out their golden years in style and comfort.

4. The Waterford at Oshkosh

The Waterford at Oshkosh is a cozy and high-end assisted living facility that offers highly sought-after features. Residents can maintain their independence with courtesy transportation that is available to visit neighboring medical offices and restaurants. The gated community features an elegant dining room where three buffets are served each day. Studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments are available to seniors who are looking for a tight-knit community to live in.

Help your loved one settle into his or her new life by calling Senior Stride Home Care at 920-710-CARE (2273) today. We provide flexible Alzheimer’s, stroke and Oshkosh dementia home care that goes wherever your loved one needs it. Whether your loved one chooses to retire to an assisted living facility, nursing home, or retirement community, we will go where we’re needed. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about our comprehensive services.

Senior-Friendly Halloween Party Games

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

Halloween fun isn’t just for youngsters anymore. Seniors often enjoy getting in on the festivities. Plan a seasonal party and include games that all can play. Live-in Oshkosh caregivers recommend the following Halloween-themed games for seniors and their families.

Candy Count

Put candy corn or similar candy in a jar and let guests guess the number of pieces. The person who comes closest to the actual count wins a prize. Another option involves guessing the weight of a pumpkin, though it’s not recommended for seniors with physical disabilities.

Crime Scene Outlines

This game is ideal for seniors who require in-home care in Oshkosh. Round up some white butcher paper, markers and tape. Create individual “chalk” outlines of the partygoers and hang the masterpieces around the dining or living room area. Images or items personalizing each outline might also aid in the identification process. Have guests guess who the identity of the victims are. Participants with the most right answers win.

Pumpkin Bocce

This game can be played both indoors and out. The activity is also a wonderful way of encouraging upper body exercise and range of motion. Acquire one large pumpkin and several miniature gourds. Position the large pumpkin up to six feet away from a designated starting line. Allow each player to roll his or her smaller pumpkin toward the larger target. The individual that comes the closest wins.

Halloween A to Z

Give each participant a piece of paper and a pencil. When the game leader says, “go” each player must write as many Halloween-related words he or she can think of using as many of the letters of the alphabet as possible. Stop the game after 10 minutes and tally the results to determine the winner.

Halloween Trivia

Tell your guests the plot line of a famous horror movie. Keep in mind that the movie must be relevant to the senior generation. Using only hints from the plot, let the guests guess the name of the movie. Keep score of the correct answers.

Halloween is great for kids, but seniors can have some fun with it, too. For more tips on giving your loved one a Halloween to remember, contact Senior Stride Home Care at 920-710-CARE (2273) today. Not only do we provide comprehensive stroke, dementia and Alzheimer’s in-home care in Oshkosh, but we also help seniors boost longevity and quality of life. Call today to schedule a free in-home consultation with a friendly Care Manager.

6 Ideal Dog Breeds for Seniors

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

Oshkosh home care providers believe dog ownership offers many benefits to seniors. Research indicates that pets provide a calming effect that lowers blood pressure. However, when considering a canine companion for a senior family member, some breeds are better than others. Before your loved one chooses a dog, keep the following six breeds in mind.

1. Welsh Terriers

The friendly and happy little dogs mature to a weight of 18 pounds. They are easy to train and willing to please. The terriers have a medium energy level and the only health concerns include the possibility of developing lens luxation.

2. Tibetan Spaniels

These adorable little dogs weigh a mere 12 pounds when fully grown. Their lush coat does require brushing a couple of times per week. Overall, the spaniels are quiet and do not need a lot of exercise. The only potential health problem involves possible patellar luxation or knee displacement.

3. Lowchen

Weighing 13 pounds at maturity, the Lowchen breed also has a long coat that requires some upkeep. Otherwise the animals are intelligent, alert and easy to train. Similar to spaniels, the small dogs might also develop knee problems.

4. Japanese Spitz

These beauties have a thick snow-white coat, but they are considered low maintenance and do not require an excessive amount of grooming or exercise. They tend to be very loyal to their owners. Outside of potential knee problems, the Spitz have normal health concerns pertaining to diet and age.

5. Miniature American Eskimo

Although these dogs appear to be a smaller version of a Husky, these dogs aren’t even related to the sled dogs. They weigh 16 pounds when fully grown and are very protective of their human parents. The potential for developing knee problems are a major health concern.

6. Toy American Eskimo

These little dynamos mature to a weight of 8 pounds. The dogs are lively, affectionate and eager to please. Weekly grooming and potential knee problems are the only drawback to owning one of these compact cuties.

Seniors also benefit from having human companions, as well. Contact Senior Stride Home Care at 920-717-1767 today to learn more about our premier home care services. Our flexible live-in and hourly caregivers in Oshkosh offer seniors emotional support and assistance with everyday activities in order to boost overall wellbeing. Our friendly Care Managers are readily available to answer all of your questions and customize a care plan for your loved one.

7 Reasons to Love Being a Senior Citizen

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

Many people look at aging as a negative. However, scientific research shows that there are many benefits associated with getting older. Following are seven perks Oshkosh in-home caregivers can share with their senior loved ones.

1. Better Outlook

Dr. Saverio Stranges studied the attitudes of various age groups. He found that by far, older adults are happier than their middle-aged counterparts. Based on their life experiences, seniors are additionally better able to deal with hardship and negativity.

2. Growing Family

Having grandchildren expands the circle of love that older adults experience. Grandparents develop more fully emotionally and socially when having the opportunity to have a relationship with their grandkids.

3. More Time

Getting older means not having to manage the challenge of raising a family or the stress of work-related issues. Once retirement occurs, older citizens have more time to spend with family members and friends, which increases the quality of their lives.

4. Personal Pursuits

With more time on their hands, seniors have the chance to fulfill their dreams or passions. These pursuits might include anything from devoting more time to a hobby, developing a new skill or traveling.

5. Civic Minded

Experience and knowledge culminate in a broader life perspective. Elderly adults often turn their focus toward making their community a better place for others. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, compared to other age groups, more seniors volunteer in their communities and vote.

6. Emotionally Secure

An article published in Smithsonian Magazine revealed that studies suggest that older people exhibit a greater degree of emotional and intellectual stability. When engaged in competitive events, senior adults express less regret or disappointment when not coming out on top.

7. Better Social Awareness

The same Smithsonian article also revealed that when asked to give advice for resolving conflicts, seniors demonstrated empathy and social awareness that surpassed other age groups.

When it comes to growing older, seniors have a lot to look forward to. Let Senior Stride Home Care of Oshkosh help your senior loved one make the most of his or her senior years. Our flexible live-in and hourly caregivers work around your loved one’s schedule to assist him or her with everyday activities such as personal care and housekeeping to boost both physical and emotional wellbeing. Learn more by calling 920-710-CARE (2273) today to talk to a friendly Care Manager.

Incredible Athletes Over the Age of 70

Posted on August 25, 2016April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Retiring and becoming a senior citizen does not necessarily mean that an individual becomes physically incapacitated. Providers of senior home care in Oshkosh know that there are many older adults who enjoy an active lifestyle. Some seniors fall into the extreme end of the spectrum and are celebrated as amazing athletes.

D. Paul Miller

Health and fitness remains a priority for this retired Illinois Wesleyan University professor. His favorite sport to take part in is cycling. At the age of 95, Miller was the oldest competitor in the 2013 National Senior Games.

Jacinto Bonilla

In 2006, Bonilla read an article in Men’s Health concerning the sport of Crossfit and began training and competing. In 2012, Bonilla placed 17th in the Crossfit world competition in the 60+ division. At 76-years of age, he continues competing in the sport and is a Crossfit instructor in Brooklyn, NY.

Sister Madonna

At 86 years of age, the “Iron Nun” remains an avid Ironman and triathlon participant. Her running career began with jogging at the age of 48. Crediting the “man upstairs” as being her coach, the Roman Catholic nun has completed 360 triathlons and 45 Ironman competitions.

Paul Tetrick

Professional cyclist Alison Tetrick has a unique relationship with one of her competitors. He also happens to be her grandfather, Paul Tetrick. The 86-year-old won 12 U.S.A. Cycling Time Trial Championships. He also placed ahead of his granddaughter in the 20K Paula Higgins Memorial Record Challenge Time Trial.

Steve Rounds

At the age of 66, Rounds became interested in the sport of rowing. Since that time, the 87-year-old achieved 20 world titles in the sport. Though frequently winning the event, Rounds strives to break the 2K-world record.

Yuichiro Miura

In 2013, Miura became the oldest person to reach the summit of Mount Everest. He was 80 at the time. The senior mountain climber boasts having made the journey three times. Miura was over 70 when he confronted the famous summit for the first time.

When it comes to maintaining vitality, Senior Stride Home Care can help. As the leading provider of stroke, dementia, and Alzheimer’s home care in Oshkosh, we promote the physical and emotional wellbeing of the seniors in our care. Learn how we can help your loved one achieve the golden years he or she deserves. Call 920-710-CARE (2273) today to set up a free consultation with a reliable Care Manager.