6 Healthy Meals You Can Make in Advance for Seniors

Meal preparation is one area where many seniors face difficulty, and you need to know your aging loved one has a steady stream of healthy meals he or she can choose from when you’re short on time. These six meals can all be prepped ahead of time so all your loved one has to do is mix or heat them up.

1. Grilled Chicken Salad

Seniors with arthritis or hand weakness often skip adding vegetables to their meals because of their inability to chop them up. However, most veggies stay fresh for up to a week after they’re chopped, which means you can do this part of the cooking ahead of time so all your loved one has to do is mix up the salad. Grilled chicken adds a healthy dose of protein to your loved one’s lunch or dinner salad, but you can also boil eggs to add if he or she prefers.

2. Veggie Egg Muffins

Egg muffins are perfectly portioned breakfasts your loved one can simply heat up in the microwave. To make them, whisk eggs until they’re blended and fill a muffin cup halfway, then add your loved one’s favorite veggies and bake them in the oven. You can experiment with different combinations, such as bell peppers and onions, so your loved one never gets bored. Veggie egg muffins last for five days in the refrigerator, or they can be frozen so your loved one has no excuse to skip this most important meal of the day. 

Sometimes aging adults experience cognitive decline that causes them to simply forget to eat, take their medication, or perform other important daily tasks on their own, which could put their safety at risk. Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to an assisted living facility. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading Oshkosh home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.

3. Healthy Lasagna

Seniors sometimes skip dishes such as lasagna because the recipes tend to make so much food. However, lasagna can be made in smaller portions by layering the ingredients in a loaf pan or muffin tins. Once you’ve assembled the lasagna, the portions can be frozen for up to a month. You can also use thinly sliced vegetables such as eggplant or zucchini in place of the noodles and switch to ground turkey rather than sausage or beef to increase the healthiness of your loved one’s favorite recipe.

4. Stews and Soups

These dishes have softer textures that are perfect for seniors who also face difficulty with chewing. From chicken noodle to beef stew, you can chop the ingredients ahead of time so your loved one can simply throw them into the pot. Alternatively, you can completely cook the stews or soups and freeze them in individual portions. 

Some seniors need a higher level of assistance to ensure they get enough nutrition, exercise, and mental stimulation and that their daily needs are met. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Oshkosh Senior Stride Home Care can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks.

5. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Every senior needs a hearty meal that’s easy to just heat up when hunger sets in. Try switching out the rice in your loved one’s favorite stuffed bell pepper recipe with another whole grain such as quinoa to increase the nutritional value, then freeze or refrigerate the peppers for your loved one to enjoy throughout the week.

6. Overnight Oats

Oatmeal is a wonderful way to get some fiber into your loved one’s diet, yet he or she may not have the time or energy to make a bowl of oats. Give your loved one a diverse set of breakfasts by cutting up fruits that can be added to the overnight oats, then show him or her how to put oats, milk, and other flavorful ingredients into a jar to sit overnight. When your loved one wakes up in the morning, a delicious breakfast will be ready, just waiting to be enjoyed.

Eating well is a vital component of staying healthy, but seniors often find making their own meals challenging. With these six easy-to-fix alternatives, your loved one will have tasty choices that provide the nutrients he or she needs. If your loved one needs assistance with planning and preparing meals or accomplishing other simple tasks of daily life, help is just a phone call away. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Oshkosh, WI, Senior Stride Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. To learn about our high-quality in-home care services, give us a call at 920-717-1767 today.

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Best Meals for Older Adults with Celiac Disease

Approximately one percent of people in the United States have celiac disease, and many of them are over 65. Celiac basically means the body is sensitive to gluten. Consumption of gluten damages the small intestine over time and leads to issues with digestion. If your elderly loved one has celiac disease, here are some great ideas for his or her next meal.

Spinach Omelet

One of the best ways to plan meals for seniors with celiac disease is to stick to the following food groups as much as possible: dairy, meat, nuts, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. This way, there’s no second-guessing whether a certain ingredient has gluten in it or not. For breakfast, a spinach omelet is an easy choice, as it contains some important nutrients needed to boost the health of those who eat a gluten-free diet. Spinach is especially healthy, as many people with celiac disease are encouraged to eat more iron and folic acid. Feel free to add cheese, onions, and other veggies to this delicious dish.

Family caregivers who don’t have time to prepare breakfast for their loved one can seek help with meal prep from professional caregivers. In Oshkosh, home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Senior Stride Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.

Chicken and Rice

Not everyone is ready to stop eating grains when they discover they have celiac disease, and that’s okay. Some grains such as rice are gluten-free. Chicken and rice is a nice comfort food almost any senior can eat, even if he or she has oral issues that make it difficult to chew specific foods. Chicken is also rich in vitamin B6, which is important for fighting off infections.

Preparing gluten-free meals is just one of the many things your loved one may need help with. If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Oshkosh, live-in care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Senior Stride Home Care, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more.

Fresh Salad

For something a little lighter, put together a fresh colorful salad for your loved one. Make sure to skip the croutons. You can add spinach to increase the iron and folic acid content. Adding cheese can provide your loved one with some much-needed calcium for strong bones. Otherwise, stick to the food groups mentioned above by adding fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and eggs, chicken, beef, or another favorite protein.

Steak and Baked Potato

If your loved one isn’t into salads, steak and baked potato is an excellent gluten-free option. Steak is an excellent source of vitamin B12, which can help seniors with celiac disease fight fatigue. Potatoes, particularly sweet potatoes, are also high in fiber, which is important for regulated digestion in people with celiac disease.

Grilled Salmon and Vegetables

A grilled or baked salmon steak is a great alternative to beef, and it’s filled with vitamin D. Many people with celiac disease don’t get enough of this essential vitamin in their food. Come up with a healthy side dish made of vegetables. For example, steamed broccoli is a great source of folic acid. Add some cheese to make it more flavorful and to give your loved one’s calcium levels a boost.

Preparing nutritious gluten-free meals for your loved one on a regular basis, without any help, can be a tremendous responsibility. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Oshkosh, WI, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Senior Stride Home Care. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. Call 920-717-1767 today to schedule a free in-home consultation session.

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5 Reasons Older Adults Should Try the Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is becoming more and more popular with people who are looking to lose weight and get healthy. This is especially true with older adults because this way of eating has numerous other health benefits. Based on the cuisine of people who live in Southern Europe, along the Mediterranean Sea, the diet is perfect for increasing longevity and fighting disease. Here are some specific reasons you may want to encourage your older loved one to begin eating this way. 

1. Promote Longevity 

Most people want to live as long as they can, and the Mediterranean diet has been accredited with making this happen for many. Studies have shown people who live in the Mediterranean region and eat this diet, which includes plenty of fish, vegetables, olive oil, nuts, legumes, and whole grains, live longer.

A professional caregiver can ensure your loved one eats healthy meals and enjoys a higher quality of life. In Oshkosh, elderly care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Senior Stride Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.

2. Prevent and Manage Diabetes

If your loved one is diabetic or on the path to developing diabetes, a switch to the Mediterranean diet could help him or her manage the condition. Following the Mediterranean diet can help with weight loss and control, which is important for those with diabetes. However, the diet has also been shown to keep blood sugar levels under control and potentially even reverse diabetes.

Encourage your loved one to switch to healthy foods, and help him or her prepare nutritious meals. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Oshkosh seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.

3. Protect the Brain 

Older adults are also at a greater risk for diseases that affect the brain, such as dementia, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s. Studies have shown the Mediterranean diet may keep these conditions at bay. Experts believe this has to do with the fact that the diet prevents inflammation from building up in various parts of the body, including the brain. The diet is also rich with healthy fats from nuts and olive oil that are good for the brain, heart, and cardiovascular system, and it may even boost long-term memory. 

4. Boost Emotional Health

The Mediterranean diet may also prevent emotional disorders like anxiety and depression. It can boost mood, which is essential for seniors who feel isolated or are often stressed and worried. The diet cuts out processed and fast foods that are typical in many Western diets, and those foods are often linked with depression. 

5. Prevent and Fight Cancer 

The older your loved one becomes, the more at risk he or she is for developing cancer. Some experts believe the Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of cancer. This diet provides plenty of polyphenols, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids that can stave off cancer. Because the diet is largely plant-based, this way of eating may also help seniors fight cancer.

Consider hiring a dedicated caregiver if your loved one needs assistance preparing nutritious meals. In Oshkosh, home care providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Senior Stride Home Care are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To create a customized in-home care plan for your loved one, give us a call at 920-717-1767 today.

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10 Healing Foods for Older Adults Post-Surgery

Recovering from surgery can be a challenging task for a senior. Getting the right types of food ensures the body has the nutrition it needs to heal properly. Make sure your senior loved one eats the following healthy foods when recovering from a surgery.

1. Lean Proteins

Protein is essential for building new cells after surgery. It is ideal to pick proteins that contain a lot of iron for blood cell production. Good options include black beans, chicken, lean ground beef, and lentils.

Switching to healthy foods is just one of the many ways older adults can speed up the recovery process. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional non-medical home care. Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Senior Stride Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

2. Seeds and Nuts

The healthy fats in walnuts, almonds, sesame, and flax seeds help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins properly. Most nuts and seeds contain a lot of vitamin E, which is necessary for speeding up wound healing and reducing scars. 

3. Fresh Vegetables

Vegetables are a great way to get all the vitamins and minerals needed for post-surgery healing. Most vegetables also contain high amounts of fiber, which can alleviate the digestive issues caused by pain medications.

4. Yogurt

Yogurt is great for seniors to eat after a surgery because it contains a lot of live probiotics. These helpful bacteria restore the body’s natural bacterial imbalance after managing antibiotics and potential infections from a surgery.

Caring for a senior loved one who is recovering from a surgery can be a difficult task. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Oshkosh, Wisconsin, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Senior Stride Home Care. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.

5. Berries

Berries are a great source of vitamin C and other antioxidants that reduce inflammation following a surgery. Vitamin C is particularly helpful because it rebuilds the collagen in skin.

6. Water

It might not technically be a food, but water is essential to surgery recovery. Dehydration can make healing take much longer. If your loved one does not like plain water, try including some fruit juice or herbal tea.

7. Eggs

Eggs have a soft texture that is ideal for seniors after surgery. They are also loaded with a lot of nutrients. A single egg contains protein, vitamins A, B, E, and K, calcium, zinc, iron, and many other nutrients needed for recovery. 

8. Leafy Green Vegetables

Leafy greens are some of the most important types of vegetables to eat after a surgery. Mustard greens, kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are all great sources of vitamin K and iron.

9. Plant-Based Oils

The body needs a lot of fat to absorb vitamin K and other essential post-surgery nutrients, but saturated fats can lead to clotting and high blood pressure. Get healthier monounsaturated fats from coconut oil, olive oil, or avocado oil.

10. Whole Grains

In addition to providing plenty of fiber, whole grains are also important because they are a healthy source of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are vital after a surgery because they give the body the energy it needs to heal.

Older adults who need help maintaining their health while recuperating from surgery should consider professional in-home care. Find out how an Oshkosh, Wisconsin, caregiver can help your senior loved one enjoy a higher quality of life by reaching out to Senior Stride Home Care. All of our professional respite and live-in caregivers are trained in comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care, and they can also assist seniors with basic daily tasks like exercise, cooking, bathing, and light housekeeping. To learn about our high-quality in-home care services, give us a call at 920-717-1767 today.

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Best & Worst Foods for Elderly People with Diabetes

Diabetes is particularly harmful to seniors since it can cause extensive nerve and organ damage if left untreated. Diabetic seniors should monitor their blood sugar regularly and pay close attention to their diet. Food for diabetic seniors needs to be rich in nutrients while being low in sugar. Take a look at some of the beneficial and harmful foods for seniors with diabetes. 

Good: Fresh Vegetables

Whenever possible, it is a good idea for seniors with diabetes to eat dishes made from fresh vegetables. Vegetables with a lot of color, like tomatoes, beets, carrots, and kale, tend to have particularly high nutritional content. For many older adults, weight loss is an important part of reducing the symptoms of diabetes. Fresh vegetables are high in fiber and low in calories, so they can keep your senior loved one feeling full for hours without packing on the pounds. 

It can be difficult preparing food for diabetic seniors, but a professional caregiver can help your loved one maintain a nutritious diet. Oshkosh non-medical home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.

Bad: Processed Starches

White bread, premade cookies, flour tortillas, pastries, and crackers all tend to have a lot of added sugar. Since these foods are so low in nutrition, they only provide empty calories without many nutrients. In addition to being loaded with sugar, these sorts of processed starchy foods are particularly problematic because most of the fiber has been removed from them. The body processes them too quickly, causing dangerous blood sugar spikes.

Good: Lean Protein

The healthiest types of proteins for older adults with diabetes are typically plant-based proteins like tofu, nuts, seeds, and beans. These foods contain enough protein to make your loved one feel energetic and active, but they are also very low in fat and sugar. Diabetics who want animal-based protein should typically stick to seafood and low-fat poultry so they can keep their weight low while receiving plenty of nourishment. Excessive fat intake can exacerbate diabetes symptoms, so you may need to trim fat off the chicken and other meat your loved one eats.

Bad: Sugary Drinks

Without any food or fiber content to slow digestion, the sugar from juices enters the bloodstream rapidly. Seniors with diabetes need to cut back on sweetened coffee, sweet tea, soda, and energy drinks. Even fruit juices or fruit-based smoothies could cause a rapid increase in blood sugar. Sugary alcoholic beverages like frozen margaritas are a particularly bad choice because alcohol causes blood sugar levels to fluctuate. 

If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, an Oshkosh home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.

Good: Whole Grains

Many diabetics worry that they cannot eat carbohydrates, but whole grains are healthy for people with diabetes. Whole grains like oats, quinoa, and barley can keep blood sugar levels at a steady number, and they also provide plenty of beneficial fiber.

Seniors with diabetes who need assistance with meal planning and cooking can benefit from professional in-home care. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Oshkosh seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers. To hire a professionally trained in-home care expert for your elderly loved one, call us at 920-717-1767 today.

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7 Nutritious Foods to Serve Older Adults with Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes a serious inflammatory reaction when a person eats gluten. The digestive issues that accompany celiac disease can make it difficult for seniors to get the nutrition they need. These seven foods are a great way to give a senior with celiac disease proper nutrition while still meeting dietary requirements. Just make sure to choose unprocessed items because processed, precut, and frozen foods are often contaminated with gluten.

1. Potatoes

Starchy potatoes are a natural side dish for seniors who cannot eat bread, tortillas, and rolls. When eaten with the skin on, potatoes are an excellent source of nutrients. They are particularly rich in potassium, which also lowers blood pressure. 

Celiac disease is one of the many health conditions aging adults are susceptible to. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care. Oshkosh families trust in Senior Stride Home Care to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.

2. Fish

Fish provide an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids that protect against heart disease, and they are naturally gluten free. You can easily substitute breadcrumb toppings and flour batters for ground-up nut toppings and cornmeal batter when preparing fish. Some of the best fish options for seniors include salmon, tuna, sardines, or mackerel.

3. Greek Yogurt

Dairy products do not typically contain gluten, and they are a great source of calcium for seniors concerned about osteoporosis. Yogurt is a particularly great form of dairy because it contains beneficial probiotics that help people with celiac disease digest properly. Make sure to read the label because some brands use stabilizers and thickeners that contain gluten.

4. Quinoa

This grain from South America is gluten free, so seniors with celiac disease can get enough whole grains without ingesting gluten. In addition to being a great source of fiber, quinoa also has an impressively high amount of protein per serving. It can be eaten as a hot side dish, or the grains can be chilled and mixed into salads.

Seniors with celiac disease may need assistance with meal preparation and other daily tasks. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Oshkosh seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.

5. Raspberries

All fruits are gluten free, but raspberries are a particularly healthy option for seniors. Just one cup of these berries contains half the vitamin C seniors need in a day. They are also packed with antioxidants that reduce inflammation.

6. Beans

Beans are versatile and can be cooked and served in many ways, so it is easy to find a dish with beans that satisfies even the pickiest of eaters. These legumes provide heart-healthy fiber and nourishing protein to seniors with celiac disease. They are also soft enough to be eaten by seniors with dental conditions.

7. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is one of the best gluten-free cereals available. Seniors with celiac disease often have difficulty getting enough fiber in their diets without eating common whole grains, so oatmeal is a great way to include more heart-healthy fiber. You can serve oatmeal as a hot cereal, or bake it in the oven to make a tasty granola.

Celiac disease can affect your loved one’s quality of life and make daily tasks difficult to manage. Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Oshkosh seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more. To create a comprehensive home care plan for your elderly loved one, call Senior Stride Home Care at 920-717-1767 today.

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6 Healthy Breakfast Choices for Aging Adults

Breakfast is an important meal for seniors. They need to have enough fuel and nutrition to enable the body and mind to function properly. Some need breakfast to regulate blood sugar, while others live with different types of anemia, which requires a continual source of protein throughout the day. There are many simple breakfasts seniors might enjoy that are healthy, easy to prepare, and inexpensive. 

1. Eggs

One egg contains 70 calories, 6 grams of protein, and 250 milligrams of choline. Adults need 0.68 grams of protein per pound each day. This equates to 81 grams of protein for a 120-pound adult. Protein curbs appetite and regulates blood sugar. Choline is necessary for normal cell and liver function, and it also aids in transporting nutrients throughout the body. Eggs also contain B and D vitamins along with various minerals. They can be eaten boiled, poached, or scrambled and combined with cheese, meats, and vegetables.

Eating eggs every morning is one of the many ways seniors can maintain their health and wellbeing. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Oshkosh, WI, Senior Stride Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

2. Oatmeal

Adults need 20 to 30 grams of fiber each day to prevent constipation. One cup of cooked oatmeal supplies 4 grams of fiber, 6 grams of protein, and a mere 145 calories. Each serving also supplies 2 percent of the daily requirement of calcium and 8 percent of iron. Adding fresh fruits increases the amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. 

3. Yogurt

One cup or container of plain yogurt supplies 12 grams of protein, 42 percent of the daily requirements for calcium, and 537 milligrams of potassium. Adding fresh fruit, nuts, or granola increases the nutritional benefits. Yogurt can also be mixed with dried cereal or oatmeal. Low-fat versions are available, and they offer the same degree of benefits. 

4. Smoothies

Smoothies are ideal for seniors who have difficulty chewing solid foods. Breakfast smoothies can be easily made using yogurt or low-fat milk as a base and adding a variety of fruits and nut butters. Protein powders can also be added to boost the nutritional value. Smoothies can be made in large batches and frozen in individual servings for later enjoyment. 

Some seniors require assistance with meal preparation and other day-to-day tasks. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Oshkosh seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.

5. Whole-Grain Waffles

Several companies make frozen whole-grain waffles that are easily prepared by putting them in a toaster. One waffle contains approximately 140 calories and provides 4 grams of protein. They are also abundant in vitamin B, calcium, iron, and phosphorus. Buttering the waffle with nut butter increases the protein value. 

6. Salad

Fill a plate or bowl with your loved one’s favorite greens. Add tomatoes, avocado chunks, hard-boiled eggs, cucumbers, carrots, and other healthy ingredients. If weight is a concern, go easy on the salad dressing or simply serve the salad plain.

Consider hiring a professional caregiver if your loved one needs encouragement to eat healthier foods or requires assistance with daily activities. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Oshkosh, Wisconsin, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver. To learn about our comprehensive, high-quality elderly care plans, give Senior Stride Home Care a call at 920-717-1767 today.

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5 Health Benefits of Acai for Older Adults

An acai berry is a small purple fruit that can be found throughout Central and South America. Nutrition and health experts now claim acai berries are a superfood because they are packed with dozens of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These amazing berries can provide seniors with many health benefits, which is why they should consider having a few servings every week. 

1. Reduced Risk of Cancer

No single fruit or vegetable can kill all cancerous cells, but acai berries contain several vital nutrients that could reduce a senior’s risk of cancer. In addition to vitamin C, these berries also contain a phytochemical that destroys tumorous cells before they can multiply. Also known as antioxidants, these phytochemicals lower the risk of dozens of age-related ailments, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and different types of cancer. 

Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care. Oshkosh families trust in Senior Stride Home Care to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.

2. Increased Cardiovascular Health

High cholesterol levels can negatively impact a senior’s health and lead to conditions such as strokes and heart disease. Acai berries are filled with sterols, which can break apart blood clots, relax the blood vessels, and increase circulation. Seniors who are trying to increase their cardiovascular health should add sliced acai berries to their salads, fruit bowls, and smoothies.

3. Lower Cholesterol Levels

Much like red wine, acai berries are packed with anthocyanins. These antioxidants are what gives red and purple plants their unique hue, and they also fight the free radicals that damage veins and arteries. A 2016 study published in the journal Nutrition found those who regularly ate vibrant berries had lower cholesterol levels as well as lower rates of cardiovascular disease. 

4. Slowed Signs of Aging

One of the reasons age-related blemishes occur is because of a phenomenon known as oxidative stress. This process occurs when the body no longer has the resources to fight off free radicals. While these blemishes might not seem like anything more than cosmetic issues, they can lead to a variety of serious medical conditions. Seniors who don’t take care of their hair, skin, and nails often have to manage issues such as rashes, psoriasis, and nerve damage. 

Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Oshkosh seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.

5. Fewer Digestive Problems

Different medications and ailments can negatively impact a senior’s digestive system and result in issues like constipation and diarrhea. Eating as much fiber as possible can reduce discomfort and promote healthy bowel movements. Every 100 grams of acai powder has about 14 grams of fiber, which is nearly half of what the average senior needs each day. Acai powder can add amazing flavor to many dishes, including oatmeal, pudding, yogurt, smoothies, and fruit salads.

A nutritious diet goes a long way in promoting a senior’s health and wellbeing. If you’re undecided on what to cook for your loved one or need a break from your caregiving duties, consider hiring a caregiver. Oshkosh respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed. Call Senior Stride Home Care at 920-717-1767 and find out how our revolutionary care plans can help your senior loved one age in the comfort of home.

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How Seniors Benefit from Eating Spearmint

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.

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7 Foods That Aren’t Really Bad for You

Fad diets have unfortunately caused people to think that certain foods are extremely unhealthy. However, these misconceptions have been disproved through medical research. Oshkosh live-in caregivers may have heard that these seven foods are unhealthy, but they can actually be very beneficial in a senior’s diet.

1. Lettuce

This leafy green is often called a nutritionally void vegetable, but this is not true. A serving of lettuce contains half the daily-recommended amount of vitamin A.

2. White Rice

Brown rice seems like the healthier option, but it turns out that the phytic acid in the rice hull can leach iron from a person’s diet. Most modern white rice is actually fortified with all the nutrients that are removed in the processing steps.

3. Egg Yolks

While egg yolks may be high in cholesterol, they actually contain a beneficial form of cholesterol that lowers overall blood cholesterol levels.

4. Potatoes

Low-carb diets make potatoes seem as unhealthy as a few spoonfuls of sugar. However, a potato actually only contains about 160 calories, and if you eat it with the skin, the fiber prevents blood sugar spikes.

5. Coffee

Caffeinated beverages like coffee have a bad reputation for being loaded with calories and caffeine. As long as you drink your coffee black and have less than four cups a day, you will not ingest too many calories or exceed the recommended amount of caffeine.

6. Red Meat

A serving of steak does not always have to be fattening and loaded with cholesterol. Modern grass-fed cuts of beef tend to minimize the fat while providing essential iron and other necessary nutrients.

7. Avocados

Many people avoid avocados just because they are higher in calories than other fruits or vegetables. This food has over 20 vitamins and minerals and the healthy fat in avocados help to keep you feeling full longer. Therefore, it can be very healthy in moderate amounts.

Oshkosh senior home care agencies like Senior Stride Home Care can help your loved one maintain a nutritious diet and get the nutrients he or she needs to live a long and active life. In addition to preparing nutritious meals for your loved one, we promote physical exercise and cognitive stimulation to boost physical and mental wellbeing. Set up a free consultation today by calling 920-710-CARE (2273) to speak with a friendly Care Manager.

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