After Sun Skin Care Products for Seniors

Posted on June 9, 2016April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Skin products that are specially formulated to be applied after being out in the sun do not reverse damage. They are created to prevent moisture loss while encouraging new skin cell development. In order to reap the most benefit, the product should be applied immediately after sun exposure and reapplied two or three times throughout the day. If kept in the refrigerator, the lotion also offers soothing, cooling relief. After bathing is the ideal time for at-home caregivers in Oshkosh to apply the formula to lock in moisture.

Burt’s Bees After Sun Smoother

The quick absorbing and intense hydrating formula is one of the company’s best-selling products. Perfect for use on the face and entire body, the lotion’s many ingredients include aloe vera, bee pollen, coconut oil and linden flower extract, which also nourish and moisturize skin. Oshkosh respite caregivers should apply this product after their senior loved ones spend some time outdoors.

Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Moisturizer

Made with coconut oil and papaya extract, the Hawaiian Tropic formula is just thick enough to hold in moisture and protect delicate skin. Ideal for a day or night out, the unique formula also features ingredients that give skin a slight shimmer that catches the sun or interior lights, which gives skin a healthy, youthful glow.

Korres Yoghurt Cooling Gel

The gel formulated by the Lauren Hartmann Company cools and soothes upon application to eliminate heat and sun damage discomfort. The unique yogurt preparation is designed to nourish skin. Instead of containing a long list of harsh products, the cooling gel is enriched with organic plant extracts.

Alba Botanical

With a fragrance reminiscent of freshly brewed coffee, the formula contains coffee and green tea extracts that neutralize free radicals triggered by sun exposure. The caffeine and acids soften skin while encouraging blood circulation to damaged areas. The product additionally contains botanicals that act as emollients, which also hydrate, nourish and soothe dry, itchy and irritated skin.

Be sure to help your senior loved one maintain healthy skin by applying after sun skin care products. You can learn more about senior skin care when you turn to Senior Stride Home Care in Oshkosh, WI. Our expertly trained caregivers enable seniors to age in place while helping them exercise, prepare meals, get around, and carry out daily activities around the house. Call 920-710-CARE (2273) today to learn more and schedule a no-obligation consultation.

Maintaining Senior Nail Care

Posted on May 26, 2016April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Even if seniors still have generally good health, it may be difficult for them to properly manage and maintain their finger and toenails alone. Limited vision, an inability to bend over and touch the feet, and the health problems that come with old age can result in poor nail hygiene which may have serious consequences. Here’s what Oshkosh, WI in-home care providers can do to help their loved ones.

The Dangers of Improper Nail Care

Ingrown nails, nail fungus, corns, calluses, and ulcers are all common nail issues that affect the elderly. Since the aging immune system is so weak, these nail issues can lead to infections that may travel through the bloodstream and cause severe problems if left untreated. Many seniors also live with poor blood circulation due to diabetes or other health conditions, so they may not feel or notice issues with their feet and hands right away. To prevent infections that could lead to amputation or even death, it is important to always keep the nails of your elderly loved one trimmed, clean, and healthy.

How to Maintain Proper Nail Hygiene

Many seniors need assistance with nail hygiene because they cannot reach their feet themselves, or the joint immobility of arthritis may make it hard to use clippers. In general, feet should be kept clean, warm, and dried, and any shoes should fit properly without putting pressure on the nails. Keeping your loved one’s feet warm and dry will prevent fungus that could grow under the nails or along the feet. Fingernails should also be warm and dry as much as possible, and any hangnails should be clipped neatly instead of being torn off. Toenails should be cut in a straight even line in order to prevent ingrown toenails from developing. It is important to regularly examine the nails of your elderly loved one so that you can take them to the doctor as soon as any fungal infection or ingrown nails develop.

If you have trouble maintaining your loved one’s nails or need help tending to his or her personal care needs, turn to Senior Stride Home Care. In addition to helping seniors with everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming, we also provide specialized stroke, dementia, and Alzheimer’s care Oshkosh seniors need to age in place with confidence. Contact us at 920-717-1767 today to speak to a dedicated Care Manager about our services. Don’t forget to schedule a free in-home consultation when you call.

Lactose-Free Treats for Seniors Who Can’t Eat Dairy

Posted on May 19, 2016April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Statistics indicate that up to one-third of all adults live with lactose intolerance. These people lack or do not have sufficient quantities of the lactase enzyme in their stomach that makes it possible to break down the sugar known as lactose, which is found in milk and other dairy products. Without the enzyme, consuming dairy products causes abdominal discomfort, bloating, gas and diarrhea. However, there are many alternative dairy-free treats hourly Oshkosh caregivers can prepare to help satisfy their loved one’s sweet tooth.

Sorbet

This frozen treat is made using sweetened water and fruit juice or other flavor additives instead of milk or cream. Sorbet comes in many different fruit flavors and even chocolate. This dessert option also does not contain fat, which is great for seniors on a diet.

Coconut Bliss

Manufactured by a company called Luna and Larry’s, these delicious non-dairy treats are made with coconut milk rather than dairy. The organic ice creams come in a wide variety of flavors to suit your loved one’s preferences.

Tofutti Cuties

These non-dairy ice cream sandwiches come in berry, chocolate, cookies ‘n cream, mint chocolate chip, vanilla and totally vanilla flavors. The best part about these frozen delicacies is that they are made using soy.

So Delicious

So Delicious is another company that makes special dairy-free ice creams using coconut milk. They also manufacture dairy-free yogurt, dessert toppings and beverages in case ice cream isn’t on your loved one’s mind.

Oreo Cookies

A favorite with many for generations, the sweet, creamy filling of this popular cookie is made with canola oil and corn syrup. Instead of using milk and cocoa to make the chocolate cookie, Nabisco uses cocoa and alkali.

Nutter Butters Cookies

When craving something crunchy and peanut butter flavored, these cookies are sure to do the trick. They are made using a variety of oils rather than milk, however, the label warns that the product is made using wheat, peanuts and soy. While this is dairy free, this isn’t a treat for those with a nut allergy.

Graham Crackers

The traditional sweet crackers come in a variety of flavors and are all made using some type of vegetable oil. Eat them alone, with peanut butter or with marshmallow cream and ready-made frosting, which are also dairy-free sweets.

Dietary restrictions make mealtime challenging for seniors, but there are numerous at-home care agencies in Oshkosh that can help your loved one maintain a nutritious diet. Contact Senior Stride Home Care of Oshkosh at 920-717-1767 to speak to a dedicated Care Manager about our premier services that enable seniors to age in place comfortably. Our trusted caregivers are always available to help our clients adopt healthy habits that promote longevity and wellbeing, including healthy diet and regular exercise. Be sure to schedule a complimentary consultation today.

Simple Travel Tips to Optimize Senior Comfort

Posted on May 12, 2016April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

When Oshkosh live-in caregivers plan to take the seniors in their care on vacation, there are numerous things to consider. While planning a trip for you and your elderly loved one, consider some of these useful travel tips to avoid complications.

Be Realistic

It is best to scale back physical activity and build rest periods into your itinerary to keep your loved one from becoming too tired. A simple day trip to a lakefront cottage may be more enjoyable for your loved one than a trip to a theme park that requires a lot of walking. If you are going to visit any attractions, call ahead to ensure they can accommodate any special needs such as wheelchairs or walkers.

Carry a Bag of Essentials

Be sure to have the following items on hand at all times:

Your loved one’s medications along with a dosing schedule.
Water bottles and snacks.
A hat and sunscreen if you plan to be outdoors.
An extra change of clothes if your loved one is incontinent.

Be Aware of Sundowning

Seniors with dementia often become more agitated and fearful in the late afternoon or early evening. Oshkosh dementia caregivers can prevent this by not planning activities that could be loud and overwhelming during these times. Instead, try to get home or to your hotel by dark, close the curtains, and turn on lights to lessen the transition from light to dark.

Maintain Normalcy

Routine is especially important for seniors with dementia. Do your best to keep meal, medication, and bedtimes as close to normal as possible. You can also help your loved feel more comfortable in the new environment by bringing a favorite object from home such as a blanket, pillow, or article of clothing.

Be Flexible

If your loved one shows signs of agitation, be willing to adjust your plans. Go back to your hotel or find another quiet place where he or she can relax and calm down. Plan plenty of extra time into your itinerary so that your loved one does not feel rushed.

You might also defer to Oshkosh, WI Senior Stride Home Care for help planning a trip with your loved one. Our dedicated live-in and hourly caregivers are always available to help seniors of varying physical and cognitive ability with daily activities including medication reminders, prescription pick-ups, personal care, and more. To learn more, call 920-717-1767 and schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable Care Manager.

Can Scientists Use Stem Cells to Grow a Human Heart?

Posted on May 5, 2016April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Many seniors currently live with cardiovascular diseases with help from Oshkosh at-home caregivers and require transplant surgeries. With cardiac muscle tissue already being harvested from pluripotent stem cells, researchers are looking forward to the day when they will be able to grow an actual beating heart suitable for transplantation purposes. According to a study published in the March 2016 issue of Circulation Research, that day may be coming soon.

Years ago, a medical research team combined 3D printing technology with biological material to manufacture an organ that resembled the basic heart anatomy minus the cardiac tissue. This project motivated stem cell scientists to bioengineer embryonic cells so that they can be stimulated to develop into cardiac tissue. Embryonic heart tissue harvested in the lab has already been used for pharmaceutical testing purposes. In recent months, however, these lab-grown cardiac cells were injected into the aforementioned heart structure produced in a 3D printer.

Using chemical nutrients and mature skin cells, researchers were able to stimulate the embryonic cells to grow into an organ that resembles a heart in the process of development. The most exciting moment of the project involved sending an electrical shock to the lab-grown organ, which started beating like a functioning human heart. Although it is still too early to think about lab-grown hearts being used for transplantation procedures, researchers and Oshkosh home care agencies are optimistic about the potential use of stem cell therapy for cardiac patients.

This research into embryonic heart muscle creation by means of stem cells inspired a medical team at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, where Caleb Sizemore, a teenager suffering from congenital heart scarring, received an infusion of stem cells directly into his heart. Doctors are hopeful that the scarring of Caleb’s heart tissue can be reversed to a healing extent with stem cell therapy, a procedure that could potentially be applied to many other patients.

Living with and recovering from heart disease can pose a serious challenge for seniors who live alone. To combat these challenges, Senior Stride Home Care of Oshkosh provides flexible live-in and hourly home care for seniors. In addition to helping our clients manage cardiovascular disease, we also provide comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, and post-stroke home care in Oshkosh. Contact us at 920-717-1767 to learn more about our services and schedule a free in-home consultation today.

Heartburn Relief: Holistic Solutions for Seniors

Posted on April 28, 2016April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

When a senior lives with heartburn, over-the-counter medications won’t always help. Fortunately, Oshkosh senior care providers can resort to more natural methods to help their loved one relieve heartburn pain and discomfort.

Baking Soda

Sodium bicarbonate, more commonly known as baking soda, is a time-tested solution for heartburn that is both gentle and fast acting. As seniors need to be more concerned with side effects from medication or over-the-counter remedies, a simple solution of water and baking soda neutralizes antacid with no adverse effects to the rest of the system.

Aloe Vera Juice

A widely popular plant for skin health and burn treatment, aloe vera is an excellent anti-inflammatory that quickly reduces stomach inflammation and helps the body heal from prior acid damage. Like baking soda, aloe vera has little to no adverse effects, so it can be safely taken by seniors without risk of side effects. In addition, aloe juice is great for digestion and the regulation of blood sugar by promoting insulin sensitivity.

Mint and Mint Tea

Mint is great for settling stomachs, neutralizing acids, and soothing indigestion. Mint tea is a wonderful way to help seniors deal with current heartburn, but it can also prevent future cases as it slows production of stomach acid. Best of all, mint tea can be served hot or chilled to suit your loved one’s tastes.

Fennel Seeds

Chewing fennel seeds is an old breath freshening technique, but compounds in the seeds themselves help relax the stomach after a meal by reducing the amount of stomach acid released and preemptively reducing heartburn effects. For best results, the seeds should be chewed for at least 30 minutes prior to eating. Periodically chewing them throughout the day is a great way to keep stomach acid at bay.

Ginger

Fresh, cooked, or even candied, ginger has several ways in which it helps keep heartburn away:

Suppresses nerve impulses that spur acid formation
Absorbs acid present in the stomach
Helps keep the esophagus constricted at the stomach, preventing acid from bubbling up

Ginger is easily eaten raw, though seniors may prefer it in a tea with honey, a doubly soothing beverage that helps with other ailments aside from heartburn.

Heartburn can make life challenging for seniors, especially when they live with other health problems. Should your loved one require a helping hand managing an illness, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care. In addition to helping seniors around the house with chores, meal preparation, and errands, we also provide illness-specific services such as Alzheimer’s, stroke, and dementia care in Oshkosh. Contact us at 920-717-1767 today to learn more about our services and schedule a complimentary in-home consultation.

Understanding the Anti-Aging Properties of Willow Bark

Posted on April 21, 2016April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

In 400 BC, people were chewing on willow bark to alleviate inflammation, fever and pain. If dating back to the time of Hippocrates isn’t impressive enough, live-in Oshkosh caregivers only need to consider the fact that this powerful herb is still being used to treat inflammatory conditions and other ailments including tendinitis, gout and lower back pain. Valued for its high content of salicin-A, white willow bark closely imitates the effects of aspirin. Additionally, this amazing bark can also work as an anti-aging remedy.

Smooth Away Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Aesthetics are important to people at every age and the golden years are certainly no exception. Willow bark is widely known as an anti-acne treatment, but it can also do wonders for dry, aging skin that has begun to lose elasticity. Daily applications of willow bark extract can significantly smooth away fine lines and wrinkles. It’s filled with tannins, flavonoids, and antioxidants that can restore a healthy, youthful-looking glow.

Keep Inflammation at Bay

The best way to promote longevity and maintain wellbeing is by reducing inflammation. Willow bark has natural anti-inflammatory properties that are capable of fighting inflammation all throughout the body. It’s also great for alleviating arthritis pain without having to rely on prescription-strength or store-bought pain medications. Best of all, willow bark is not known to induce any negative side effects.

Treat Sensitive Skin Issues

Willow bark is also an impressive antiseptic. Pair that with its ability to limit inflammation and it’s the perfect topical application for a wide variety of skin conditions. If seniors have areas in which their clothing has chafed the skin or red, irritated rashes as the result of incontinence or incontinence products, solutions containing willow bark can supply rapid and lasting relief. When applied to a senior’s face, it is gentle enough to reduce redness and irritation to restore skin to a neutral skin tone.

Reactivate Youthful Genes

There are a number of genes in the skin that have a direct impact on how quickly and severely the skin ages. The expression of these genes changes over time, which is the primary underlying cause of lost skin elasticity, sagging skin, and fine lines and wrinkles. Studies have shown that routine use of willow bark, particularly early on, can decrease the expression of genes that cause aging skin while boosting the expression of genes that keep the skin looking youthful and healthy.

A large part of feeling well is looking our best. Willow bark and other natural products can significantly reduce the appearance of aging and consequently boost senior self-esteem and wellbeing. With Senior Stride Home Care of Oshkosh, WI, we emphasize the importance of senior wellbeing both inside and out. Our experienced caregivers help clients with daily activities including nutritious meal preparation, physical exercise, grooming, and more to boost longevity. Let us help your loved one enjoy the golden years he or she deserves. Call 920-717-1767 to speak with a friendly Care Manager about scheduling a free consultation today.

Heart Health: Why Seniors Should Eat More Avocado

Posted on April 14, 2016April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Avocados have been gaining popularity in the U.S. in recent years. Not only are they creamy and flavorful treats, but also they are nutrient-dense and contain more than a dozen vitamins and minerals. According to a study in the Journal of the American Heart Association, avocados can also fight cholesterol and protect cardiovascular health when eaten as part of a heart-healthy, moderate-fat diet. Here’s why part-time caregivers in Oshkosh should add more avocado into their loved one’s diets.

Understanding the Study

According to the JAHA study, researchers placed participants on three different cholesterol-lowering diets. These volunteers were placed on each of the diets for exactly five weeks and revealed a significant reduction in LDL, also known as bad cholesterol, while eating the moderate-fat diet with avocado. This was a beneficial outcome that strongly contrasted with results from the other diets. Those who participated in the avocado diet also exhibited favorable changes in their total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

How Avocados Affect Heart Health

The fat content in avocados comes from mono- and polyunsaturated fats in addition to omega-3 fatty acids, which naturally lower cholesterol levels. Avocados provide approximately 25 milligrams per ounce of beta-sitosterol. Regular consumption of natural plant sterols have been linked to lower cholesterol levels. Avocados are also rich in vitamin B6 and folic acid, which can help lower homocysteine levels associated with an increased risk of heart disease. A 2013 study published in Nutrition Journal also found that avocados reduced the risk of metabolic syndrome, which is a cluster of conditions associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease and diabetes.

Incorporating Avocados into Your Loved One’s Diet

Most people associate avocado with guacamole and corn chips. While delicious, this combo is high in calories, sodium, and other fats that are not heart healthy. Instead, try fresh avocado sliced on top of a salad, sandwich, or a piece of lean protein. Oshkosh in-home care providers can also add avocado to smoothies in place of fattening yogurt or other dairy products to maintain a smooth consistency.

There are other foods and beverages you can incorporate into your loved one’s diet to promote heart health. To learn more about them, turn to Senior Stride Home Care of Oshkosh. We provide flexible Alzheimer’s, dementia, and stroke care in Oshkosh in addition to helping seniors with daily activities. Not only do we help seniors around the house, but we also promote healthy lifestyle choices including nutritious diet and physical exercise. Contact us at 920-717-1767 today to learn more about our services and schedule a complimentary consultation.

Understanding the Trigger for Alzheimer’s

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

The age-related brain degeneration that occurs during Alzheimer’s disease can be extremely challenging for Oshkosh Alzheimer’s caregivers to witness. Though many researchers are working on discovering a cure for the condition, it is impossible to treat Alzheimer’s without understanding why it occurs in the first place. Some new research by scientists from the Lomonosov Moscow State University was recently published in a journal called Scientific Reports and lead researcher Vladimir Polshakov to share an exciting discovery about the possible trigger that may spur Alzheimer’s disease.

How Amyloid Plaques Cause Alzheimer’s

Beta amyloid peptides are a type of protein that typically resides in the membrane surrounding nerve cells of the brain. These proteins are supposed to protect the brain, but for some reason, as people age these proteins begin to stick together in clumps known as amyloid plaques. These clumps block the signals between individual synapses, and when the immune system tries to destroy the amyloid plaques, it ends up accidentally harming brain cells instead. The result of this damage manifests as the cognitive decline Oshkosh at-home caregivers witness while caring for seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

The New Discovery That Causes Amyloid Plaques to Form

Using several experimental techniques including nuclear magnetic resonance, the researchers studied how amyloid plaques formed. When certain isomerized beta-amyloid peptides interacted with zinc ions, the researchers realized that the peptides began to rapidly bond with each other. After coming into contact with zinc ions, the forming amyloid plaques bonded so quickly that it was hard for the scientists to even see the plaques forming.

Hope for a Future Cure

Now that the scientists realize that zinc ions facilitate rapid peptide bonding, they are optimistic about the potential for a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, they emphasize that more research needs to be done to understand why it is only isomerized peptides that are affected by zinc. After more research, it may be possible for them to create a medication that will block zinc ions from creating amyloid plaques.

In the meantime, family caregivers have other resources to help take care of their loved ones with Alzheimer’s. Senior Stride Home Care in Oshkosh provides comprehensive Alzheimer’s home care designed to help seniors with Alzheimer’s manage the disease in the comfort of home. This includes safety monitoring, mobility support, personal care assistance, medication reminders, and so much more. We even supplement Alzheimer’s care with our proprietary Cognitive Therapeutics Method at no additional cost to help delay dementia symptoms, strengthen senior cognition, and boost self-esteem. Call a compassionate Care Manager today at 920-717-1767 to learn more about Alzheimer’s home care and schedule a free in-home consultation.

Can Understanding Ageism Promote Longevity?

Posted on March 31, 2016April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

According to a researcher at Umeå University in Sweden, attitude can make a big difference when it comes to aging. In a study published in Nordic Psychology, Dr. Fredrik Snellman suggests that a more positive attitude toward aging may help Oshkosh at-home care providers and their loved ones live longer, more pleasant lives. Furthermore, Snellman asserts that the word “ageism” itself is a form of discrimination because it often makes people think of only elderly people. It is his belief that redefining this word may promote longevity.

Ageism, a term coined in 1968 by Dr. Robert Butler, encompasses three aspects: prejudice toward aging and aged people, discrimination against the elderly, and policies that reduce opportunities for older people. According to Snellman, the very term perpetuates an attitude of “us versus them.” He says that ageism should instead be portrayed as important to people of all ages, as we all use age as a basis of making sense of our society and organize our lives.

Snellman argues for the adoption of new terms to describe the aging process, citing a 2002 study that found people with negative attitudes toward aging live an average of 7.6 years shorter than those with more positive feelings about getting older. “Age-related indifference does not suddenly appear when we grow old. It appears gradually and in different ways at all ages,” Snellman said.

Society tends to characterize aging itself as a negative event. We often see aging as being linked to decrepitude, and that at a certain age, an individual ceases to be a functioning member of society. Linking age with capacity is a central component of ageism at any age and it contributes to problems not only for the individual but also within the family.

Caregivers and family members can fight harmful ageist attitudes by avoiding the mental trap of assuming an aging loved one’s problems are just “part of getting old.” Remember that people of any age can enjoy life and contribute in some way. Avoid selling a loved one short by succumbing to ageism.

You can further promote senior longevity by turning to Senior Stride Home Care of Oshkosh. We provide numerous services including stroke, dementia, and Oshkosh Alzheimer’s at-home care to help seniors meet the challenges of illness and injury in the comfort of home. Our experienced caregivers help seniors with everything from housekeeping and errands to personal care and companionship to ensure seniors remain as independent as possible during their golden years. Give your loved the support he or she needs to enjoy peace and longevity at home. Call us at 920-717-1767 today to schedule a free in-home consultation.