5 Reasons Your Elderly Parent Will Benefit from Owning a Pet

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

When seniors have pets living at home, it can be of great benefit to them. Studies show that animals can significantly enhance the health and wellbeing of their owners. Seniors living in retirement homes or those who have elder care in Oshkosh are among those who reap the greatest benefits from pet ownership.

1. Combats Loneliness

Loneliness is particularly challenging for seniors. As people age, they can easily become withdrawn and isolated. The bond that is formed between pet and owner keeps seniors social and gives them a source of companionship. This in turn will stave off feelings of depression and safeguards their mental health.

2. Promotes Active Lifestyle

When animals have needs, they don’t mind letting us know. Whether it is to be taken for a walk, fed, or simply cuddled, a pet can motivate someone to get up and move around. Playing with a pet is not only good exercise for the animal, but for the person as well.

3. Reduces Pain and Discomfort

Animals can be a useful and welcome distraction for those with minor aches and pains. This leads to fewer visits to the doctor as well as reduced need for medication, which in turn lowers the overall healthcare costs.

4. Alleviates Depression and Anxiety

Stroking and petting a cat or dog causes the body to release hormones and chemicals such as oxytocin, serotonin and prolactin, which promote a sense of happiness and wellbeing. This release of chemicals helps stave off feelings of sadness, anger, and loneliness.

5. Enhances Cardiovascular Health

Seniors who require Oshkosh post-stroke care may also benefit from pet ownership. Petting an animal has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce stress levels. These effects consequently lower cholesterol levels and reduce senior heart rate, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Cat owners in particular are much less likely to experience heart disease than those do not have a feline companion.

Pet ownership isn’t the only way seniors can enjoy health and wellbeing during their golden years. Senior Stride Home Care provides flexible hourly and live-in home care in Oshkosh that promotes a healthy balance of nutritious diet, daily physical activity, and socialization. This balanced lifestyle promotes senior wellness and longevity in the comfort of home. Learn more when you call 920-717-1767 today and speak with a friendly Care Manager.

Helping Seniors Stave Off Seasonal Allergies

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

Spring is in the air, and unfortunately, so are seasonal allergies. Pollen, mold, and smog can bring on runny noses, sneezing fits, and itchy eyes, and sometimes those symptoms can be exacerbated among seniors. Here are a few tips for Oshkosh hourly caregivers looking to help seniors conquer the season of the sneeze.

Keep Allergens Outside

Allergens often come into the house on your shoes and clothes. Keep the pollen count at a minimum by removing and leaving shoes at the door. Vacuum your loved one’s home frequently and use machine-washable area rugs on the floor. Keep filters on any air conditioners clean and when pollen counts are high, use the air conditioner rather than opening a window. These steps will keep allergens outside where they belong.

See an Allergist

For severe allergies, make an appointment with your loved one’s allergist. They can prescribe different medications and work with seniors to develop plans to avoid pollen, mold, and the situations that can bring on serious allergy attacks. It helps to stay a step ahead and develop a strategy before allergy season hits.

Change Clothes Regularly

Synthetic fabrics attract pollen when they rub together because these materials create an electrical charge, and pollen is also charged. Look for more natural fabrics for your loved one to wear. Seniors who’ve been around allergens should shower and wash their hair and clothes afterward. Be sure to use a dryer for the clothes. Hanging them on a clothesline allows them to collect more allergens.

Choose the Best Times to Be Active

Pollen counts are lowest before dawn, in late afternoon, and during the early evening. Use those times to take walks or exercise outside with your loved one to keep allergies at a minimum. Be sure to monitor daily pollen counts and smog alerts online or on the news as an added measure.

Get Out of Town

If your senior loved one can’t seem to escape the pollen at home, it may be best to get away for a while. Provided that your loved one is well enough, consider taking a vacation to a beach during the worst allergy periods. Pollen and other allergen counts are lower near the ocean as the breeze blows the pollen away.

Allergies can dampen the excitement springtime usually generates for seniors. If your loved one has trouble managing seasonal allergy symptoms, turn to Senior Stride Home Care of Oshkosh. Our reliable Oshkosh elder care promotes senior health and wellbeing and allows seniors to age in place while maintaining their independence. Learn more today by calling 920-717-1767 and scheduling a no-obligation consultation with a friendly Care Manager.

How to Make Home Safe for Your Senior Loved One with Dementia

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

The elderly often experience loss of muscle tone and control and dementia causes changes in judgment. The combination of physical and neurological impairments creates cause for concern among Oshkosh caregivers and warrants a full evaluation of home safety. Read on for some practical ways to make the home setting a safer one for your senior loved one.

Remove or Limit Access to Danger Zones

Evaluate how easily your loved one can access the basement or any other level changes that include steep stairways. It is important to limit access to sharply sloped stairways due to potential hazardous fall situations. Consider installing locks, doorway gates, or even half doors.

Keep All Living Areas Well Lit

Poor lighting can also lead to falls. Use night-lights in your loved ones sleeping area and also in hallways and bathrooms. Be sure to keep up with replacing worn out bulbs. If the constant light seems to disrupt your loved ones sleep patterns, consider switching to motion sensor lights that come on as needed. Also be sure that his or her glasses are always available and that eye exams are up to date. It is advisable to keep an extra pair of glasses on hand to ensure your loved one can see where he or she is going.

Install Bathroom Safety Features

The slippery conditions that exist during bathing make fall risks a reality. Don’t rely on your own strength or existing towel bars to catch your loved one should he or she lose balance. The Alzheimer’s Association points out that bath time resistance is often a common aspect of dementia, which makes the bathroom an even riskier location. Place non-skid mats in the shower and install grab bars around the tub and toilet areas. It’s also important for Oshkosh home care providers to accompany seniors with dementia when they use the bathroom.

Kitchen Safety Tips

If your loved one seems too forgetful to use the stove alone, make sure that you or an Oshkosh dementia home care provider handles meal preparations or at least supervises them. This will prevent possible fires or accidental burns. Large, easy-to-read signs posted in the kitchen can prove helpful when remembering to turn off the stove and oven can protect your loved one, as well.

Remaining at home as long as possible is a desirable choice for most elderly people with dementia. There are many sensible ways to increase home safety and maintain comfort and dignity in the home, especially when you turn to Senior Stride Home Care of Oshkosh. We are a trusted provider of dementia and Alzheimer’s home care that enables seniors with cognitive disorders to live at home while maintaining as much independence as possible. Our highly trained caregivers offer emotional support, cognitive stimulation, and personal care assistance to enhance your loved one’s time at home. Give your loved one the care he or she deserves by calling 920-717-1767 and scheduling a no-obligation consultation today.

Games That Stimulate Cognitive Function of Seniors with Dementia

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

There are numerous benefits of playing games for seniors, especially for those who have dementia. In addition to being a great source of fun and easing the agitation brought on by the disease, games help keep senior brains active. The following games mentally stimulate seniors, help slow the progression of the disease, and come highly recommended by providers of home care Oshkosh families can trust.

Video Games

Surprisingly, video games can be useful in keeping senior brains active, even those who have dementia. While almost any game will do the trick, many companies are now marketing specific games for use by adults who need to exercise their brains. Initially, these games were geared towards adults with healthy minds, but Alzheimer’s facilities in the U.S. are finding that seniors with cognitive decline also benefit from playing these types of games. One specific computer-based game to look into is SmartBrain. The Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry reported that the game helps with attention and memory, and can even be adjusted to meet the needs of people with varying degrees of dementia.

Shake Loose a Memory

This question-based game was designed by specialists in the gerontology field to encourage and bolster memory skills. Regardless of mental abilities, it’s a game your loved one can enjoy playing with the whole family, even the grandkids. The game gently probes your senior loved one’s memory by asking him or her to remember certain events in a way that isn’t frustrating to them.

Qwirkle

This game is great because it can be played in more than one way, making it ideal for seniors at any stage of dementia. Initially, it was designed to be a game of strategy and logic. Seniors with mild dementia can play as intended to strengthen their minds and slow the progression of the disorder by thinking logically. For seniors with more advanced dementia, Qwirkle has alternate styles of play that focus more on color matching and patterns.

Card Games

From simple games like Crazy 8’s to more elaborate games like Phase 10, card games are extremely helpful for seniors with dementia. Because there are so many different card games to choose from, there is bound to be one to meet your senior loved one’s unique needs. Card games challenge the brain to make connections and remember patterns and as much as possible. These games are also fun for seniors because card games give them the option to play alone or with friends and family

Stimulating senior cognition is key to caring for an aging parent or family member with dementia. In fact, mental stimulation is important for seniors with any degenerative illness such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. To help your loved one exercise his or her cognitive function, turn to Senior Stride Home Care. As a leading provider of Alzheimer’s, stroke, dementia, and Parkinson’s care Oshkosh families can trust, we strive to stimulate senior cognition with companionship and emotional support in the familiarity of home. Give your loved one the dementia home care he or she deserves. Call us at 920-717-1767 today to speak with a compassionate Care Manager about scheduling a free consultation.

Cancer Outreach: Resources for Seniors

Posted on February 18, 2016April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Dealing with a cancer diagnosis is difficult for everyone involved. For seniors, it can be even more difficult because they may not have easy access to groups that could help them accept and adapt to their diagnosis. This is where online cancer outreach can make a huge difference. There are a number of great sites that seniors and their loved ones can turn to to learn more about cancer and reach out to others in the cancer community. Oshkosh 24 hour care providers recommend the following cancer resources.

Cancercare.org

This site is one of the most popular cancer resources online. It offers information for seniors with cancer and survivors, as well as for caregivers who want to learn more about how to help their loved ones. There are forums where any member can ask questions and get answers from professionals in the medical field. There are also tips regarding coping with and accepting a diagnosis, which is why seniors will benefit from making this site their first resource.

American Cancer Society

This national society for patients and survivors of difference cancers offers information on treatment options and research. There is also a chat forum that allows people from all over the country to ask questions and share insights. This site is a useful tool for seniors and family caregivers who want to stay updated on all of the latest cancer research information.

Association of Cancer Online Resources

The Association of Cancer site offers a plethora of options for numerous types of cancer. You can select the topics you are interested in and find all manner of resources whether you’re looking for medical trials or in-home care in Oshkosh. They also provide information regarding side effects of chemo and radiation, making it one of the most thorough cancer online resource directories available.

Livestrong Foundation

This site provides guidance to help seniors from the moment of diagnosis right through the recovery process. There are tips on living healthy while undergoing treatment as well as how to continue to enjoy life when there are no more treatment options available.

When you and your elderly parent or family member need help finding the right support, turn to Senior Stride Home Care. We are a leading provider of in-home services that specializes in dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke, and Alzheimer’s home care for seniors in Oshkosh. Additionally, we help seniors age in place while tending to their individual needs such as personal care, housekeeping, and medication reminders. To learn more about how we can help your loved one at home, call a dedicated Care Manager at 920-717-1767 today.

Senior Health: Benefits of Using Garlic

Posted on February 11, 2016April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

Garlic belongs to the allium family that includes leeks, onions, and shallots. It is commonly found in most regions of the world and has long been used as a seasoning in cooking and even as medicine. Documentation indicates that garlic was a common food and medicinal resource dating back to ancient times for Babylonians, Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks, and even Romans. There are numerous health properties of garlic and some Oshkosh home care providers believe these benefits are especially useful for seniors.

Provides Nutritional Value

One clove of garlic is only four calories and contains vitamins B1, B6 and C. The vegetable also provides a steady source of calcium, copper, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and selenium in addition to fiber. The diallyl sulfides found in garlic help the body increase ferroportin levels, which is a protein that has the ability to cross cell membranes and enables iron to travel where the mineral is needed.

Has Antimicrobial Properties

The sulfur compounds in garlic also boost the body’s immune system. Researchers from East Sussex in the United Kingdom performed a 12-week study involving 146 volunteers. One portion of the group was given daily garlic supplements. During the course of the study, individuals who took garlic and caught a cold or the flu experienced symptomatic relief 60 to 70 percent faster than those who did not consume garlic.

Promotes Cardiovascular Health

Garlic’s sulfuric properties additionally offer anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulating and smooth muscle relaxation effects. These properties reduce cholesterol levels and dilate blood vessels, which reduces blood pressure. These health benefits are useful for seniors recovering from heart attack or who need post-stroke care in Oshkosh.

Increases Bone Density

According to scientists from the Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences in Iran, garlic increases estrogen levels in women and decreases the likelihood of bone loss. A steady diet of garlic may very well prevent osteoporosis among senior women.

Garlic can be eaten raw, cooked, or powdered to enhance senior health, but some seniors may have trouble preparing healthy meals with it. Senior Stride Home Care provides flexible live-in and hourly home care Oshkosh seniors can depend on to help with daily activities like grocery shopping and nutritious meal preparation. Whether seniors need part-time or live-in assistance, our dedicated caregivers help seniors maintain independence during their home care experience. To learn more about our services, contact a friendly Care Manager at 920-717-1767 today and schedule a no-obligation consultation.

Senior Health: Benefits of Music Therapy

Posted on February 4, 2016April 7, 2025 by Julie Davids PHR, M.O.B.

When we age, we often develop emotional, mental, and physical disorders that can’t always be remedied with traditional medicines. Some seniors may prefer holistic medications, while others will look to programs like music therapy. If you’re curious about the health benefits of music therapy for seniors, Oshkosh caregivers will explain several advantages of this alternative treatment.

Lowers Blood Pressure

In a study by Dr. Jean Tang at Seattle University, results revealed that seniors could greatly lower their blood pressure by listening to certain types of music three times a day. Music specifically designed to promote relaxation had the highest benefit, but classical music by Mozart also significantly lowered blood pressure.

Boosts Cognition

As people lose cognitive function, music is one of the things the brain remembers longest. Dr. Paul Williams at the University of Toronto conducted a study that showed caregivers found it significantly easier to help seniors with dementia when they listen to their favorite music. Seniors receiving dementia home care in Oshkosh can perform daily tasks better and deal with change easier if caregivers play tunes that seniors have always liked.

Promotes Memory

Music is known to boost memory, so it stands to reason that it helps unlock old memories for seniors with Alzheimer’s. It also turns out that the memory-improving effects of music help seniors with Alzheimer’s to retain new information. Professor Brandon Ally from Boston University found that people with Alzheimer’s can remember and learn new things if the information is presented as a song.

Increases Mobility

For seniors with arthritis or other diseases that result in painful bones and joints, listening to music can be quite beneficial. The small finger and arm movements required to play music are gentle enough to avoid pain, but they are enough to stretch and work joints while increasing mobility, flexibility, and fine motor skills.

Reduces Pain

Data analysis discovered by researchers from the Barts Health NHS Trust shows that music could soothe both physical and emotional pain. While recovering from an operation, a senior may not be able to take pain or antianxiety medications due to side effects. Any type of music that the senior enjoys can calm them and reduce pain perception.

Treatments like music therapy provide numerous health benefits for seniors in terms of physical, emotional, and cognitive disorders. To supplement your loved one’s music therapy treatments, turn to Senior Stride Home Care of Oshkosh. We provide comprehensive home care seniors can rely on no matter what their individual needs require. Our trusted caregivers offer transportation to and from therapy sessions, help with nutritious meal preparation, diligent medication reminders, and more to help seniors age in place with dignity. Get your loved one the care he or she needs today when you call 920-717-1767 and schedule a free consultation with a friendly Care Manager.

How to Alleviate Caregiver Stress

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

Taking on the role of caregiver for a senior loved one can lead to stress and eventually burn out. The change in family dynamics, financial concerns, disruptions to the household routine, and the added workload of caregiving all contribute to caregiver stress. It is important to manage stress if you’re a caregiver in Oshkosh and luckily there are numerous ways to diffuse it.

Ask for Help

This is the most important thing you can do to reduce stress. When it becomes challenging to take on caregiving alone, consider asking for help. Call up a close friend or relative and ask him or her to relieve you on a regular basis. If that isn’t possible, reach out to Oshkosh Senior Stride Home Care for live-in, hourly, or respite care for your loved one.

Exercise Regularly

It can be challenging to exercise when you are under stress, but the benefits outweigh the inconvenience. Regular exercise boosts your mood and relieves caregiver stress. Even something as simple as a brisk daily walk can help boost your mental state while taking in some fresh air.

Eat Healthy

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats, and whole grains will keep your energy level stable and prevent dramatic highs and lows that make it challenging to get through the day. Healthy foods will also stave off malnutrition and illness associated with it, which will make you a more effective caregiver.

Take Breaks

Aim to spend at least 30 minutes each day doing something you enjoy. This can be something as simple as reading a book or watching your favorite TV show. Setting aside time for yourself will give you something to look forward to and keep burnout at bay.

By implementing these ideas, you can reduce the level of caregiver stress you experience. If you begin to experience signs of burnout, such as reduced energy, becoming ill, or acting impatiently toward your loved one, may need a more substantial break from caregiving. Senior Stride Home Care provides flexible services including Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Oshkosh Parkinson’s care for seniors. Whether your loved one needs home care on a live-in or hourly basis, or you simply need respite care to regroup, we will help. Call us today at 920-717-1767 to speak to an experienced Care Manager and schedule a free consultation.

Key Signs Your Elderly Parent Has an Eating Disorder

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

According to the National Eating Disorder Association, eating disorders affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses. Even seniors can be affected by eating disorders for any number of reasons, which can lead to serious health consequences. If you are concerned about your elderly parent’s eating habits, Oshkosh live-in home care providers can help. Here are some red flags that indicate your loved one has an eating disorder.

Extreme Changes in Weight

Anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and other disorders can cause huge changes in body weight. While some weight changes may be the result of other health issues or medications, major increases or decreases in weight shouldn’t be ignored.

Secretive Behavior

Those with eating disorders will often go to great lengths to hide it. If your loved one is shying away from family dinners and lunch with friends or turns down every offer for food, an eating disorder may be the problem.

Increased Pickiness

If your parent is starting to restrict his or her caloric intake, you may notice that he or she has become a picky eater. While some of this might be blamed on tooth pain or digestive upset as your parent ages, be wary if he or she starts to reject entire food groups or is refusing all forms of fat or sugar.

Secluding His or Herself

Eating disorders can lead to lengthy routines, especially if bingeing, purging or over-exercising are involved. If your previously social parent is now spending lots of time alone, an eating disorder may be the reason. In cases like this, seniors will benefit from elder home care Oshkosh families can trust.

If you’re concerned about a parent’s eating habits, have a frank discussion with him or her and talk to a doctor. Eating disorders are serious but with help from therapists and in-home caregivers, seniors can overcome them. Senior Stride Home Care provides comprehensive Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, and Oshkosh dementia home care to promote senior health and wellness. In addition personal care assistance, our highly trained caregivers also help prepare nutritious meals for seniors. Schedule your free consultation today when you call 920-717-1767 and speak to a friendly Care Manager.

Tips to Help Your Elderly Loved One Adapt to In-Home Care

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

The decision to provide in-home care in Oshkosh for your senior loved one can be one of the most beneficial decisions you and your loved one make. However, it can also be a difficult decision for your loved one to accept and adjust to. Here are some tips to help your loved one adapt to at-home care.

Talk About What to Expect

Let your loved one know what will change with the new care plan. As difficult as it was for you to make this decision, your senior loved one is probably hesitant to accept it because this decision could impact his or her life significantly. Preparing your loved one can make the transition easier, and knowing what to expect will significantly boost your loved one’s reception of home care. Talk with your loved one about what in-home care entails, whether your loved one’s Oshkosh caregiver will be there on an hourly or live-in basis, and any other pertinent information that may make your loved one comfortable. Another good thing to discuss are boundaries your loved one would like to have respected and how to make that happen. It’s important to review your loved one’s boundaries so he or she can maintain independence while receiving home care.

Introduce the Caregiver

It may be intimidating for your loved one to have in-home care provided by a complete stranger, but if you ask the assigned caregiver to meet your loved one beforehand, it may make the transition easier. Make sure someone your loved one knows and is comfortable with is there to introduce the caregiver while the two of them get to know one another. A meeting beforehand can make the initial days of in-home care much easier for both parties.

Promote Good Self-Esteem

As your loved one adapts to an in-home assistance with tasks he or she was once able to do alone, it is normal for your loved one to feel a sense of low self-esteem. Reassure your loved one about all the positive things he or she will gain from in-home care, talk about all of the tasks your loved one is still able to do effectively, and discuss how your loved one can still be independent even while receiving in-home care. Boosting your loved one’s self-esteem is key in terms of adapting to home care.

Include Your Loved One in the Planning

Sometimes accepting help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating, can be easier if you include your loved one in the planning process. Encourage your loved one and his or her caregiver to make a plan together about how to tackle each activity your loved one needs assistance with. Putting together a plan that your loved one is comfortable with and meets your loved one’s needs can make is easier for your loved one to adjust to home care.

If you’re currently looking for home care for your senior loved one, reach out to Oshkosh Senior Stride Home Care. We are a trusted provider of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, dementia, and stroke home care Oshkosh seniors deserve. Our expertly trained caregivers work around the clock to ensure your loved one’s needs are met, whether he or she needs help with mobility assistance, personal care, or even housework. To learn more about Senior Stride Home Care, call us today at 920-717-1767 and schedule a free in-home consultation.