Category: Senior Health

As seniors age, it’s common for vision or hearing abilities to decrease, which can affect their independence and quality of life. Understanding how to provide the right care for seniors with sensory impairments is essential to ensure they feel supported, safe, and valued. Below, we explore practical ways to care for a senior loved one facing vision or hearing challenges.

Understand the Unique Needs of Seniors with Sensory Impairments

Vision or hearing impairments can impact a senior’s ability to communicate, move around, and perform daily tasks. It’s important to recognize your loved one’s specific needs and adapt how you interact with and assist him or her. For instance:

• Vision impairments may lead to an increased risk of falls, difficulty reading, or challenges in navigating spaces.
• Hearing impairments can create feelings of isolation or frustration in conversations and interactions due to communication barriers.

By taking a thoughtful, personalized approach, caregivers and family members can address these challenges effectively.

The type of home care seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Senior Stride Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time.

Create a Safe and Accessible Environment

For seniors with vision or hearing impairments, safe and accommodating home environments are key. Some modifications to consider include:

• Lighting – Ensure all areas of the home are well lit with minimal glare to help a loved one with low vision move around safely.

• Decluttered spaces – Remove tripping hazards like loose rugs, cords, and excess furniture to create an obstacle-free environment.

• Visual cues and labels – For seniors with hearing impairments, use visual indicators like labeled drawers, colored tape to mark steps, or flashing alerts for doorbells and alarms.
• Soundproofing – If hearing aids amplify background noise, soundproofing measures can increase comfort by reducing unnecessary distractions.

A thoughtfully arranged home isn’t only functional but also fosters a greater sense of security.

Vision and hearing impairments can have a major effect on the ability to perform everyday tasks, but help is just a phone call away. Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. 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 service agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.

Support Communication Needs

Effective communication is the foundation of meaningful relationships and proper care. Consider these strategies:

• For vision impairments
• Speak clearly and identify yourself when entering a room.
• Describe actions, objects, or surroundings to provide context during activities.
• Use assistive devices such as magnifiers or screen readers to aid in communication.
• For hearing impairments
• Maintain eye contact and speak slowly, avoiding exaggeration or shouting.
• Use gestures or written notes when needed.
• Provide access to hearing aids, subtitles on TV, or other assistive technologies like amplifiers.

Tailored communication fosters confidence and avoids unnecessary frustration for seniors with sensory impairments.

Incorporate Assistive Technologies

Modern technologies offer incredible tools to support seniors with vision or hearing impairments:

• For vision loss
• Text-to-speech technology and large-print devices make reading and navigating digital content easier.
• Wearable technology like smart glasses also provides live auditory descriptions of a person’s surroundings.
• For hearing loss
• Personal amplifiers or Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids connect with devices like phones or TVs for better sound quality.
• Speech-to-text apps convert spoken language into written text, enabling seniors to engage in conversations more easily.

Introducing these tools can empower your loved one to maintain independence and engage with the world more comfortably. 

Encourage Participation and Emotional Wellbeing

Sensory impairments can sometimes lead to isolation or a lack of confidence. To support your loved one’s emotional wellbeing:

• Social engagement

Encourage involvement in community activities, online discussion groups, or in-person clubs. Many organizations specifically cater to seniors with sensory impairments.

• Creative outlets

Activities like music, crafts, or audiobooks allow seniors to enjoy hobbies tailored to their capabilities.

• Therapeutic support

Professional services like counselors and group therapy sessions can alleviate feelings of loneliness or frustration.

Equal parts connection and creativity are essential to enhancing your loved one’s emotional health and overall satisfaction. 

Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Oshkosh, WI, Senior Stride Home Care are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. For more information about our flexible, customizable home care plans, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today.

When it comes to caring for a senior loved one, clear and effective communication with his or her healthcare providers is essential. By fostering a collaborative relationship with the care team, you can ensure your loved one’s health needs are met while reducing misunderstandings. Here are some practical steps you can take to strengthen this vital connection. 

Come Prepared with Questions and Notes

Preparation is key for making the most of medical appointments. 

• List questions in advance – Before each visit, create a checklist of questions or concerns. Focus on things like recent changes in your loved one’s health, medications, or mood. 

• Bring documentation – Carry a record of medical histories, current medications, and previous physician recommendations. This will save time and ensure accurate communication. 
• Take notes – During appointments, document instructions, diagnoses, and next steps. This not only serves as a record for future reference but also clarifies anything you might have missed. 

Appoint a Healthcare Proxy or Advocate

A healthcare proxy can streamline communication during important medical decisions.

• Identify a proxy – Work with your loved one to legally designate a trusted caregiver or family member as his or her healthcare proxy. This person has the authority to communicate directly with healthcare professionals on your loved one’s behalf. 
• Act as an advocate – If you’re attending appointments, make sure to speak up on your loved one’s behalf if he or she seems confused, hesitant, or unable to express him or herself. Ask clarifying questions and ensure all options are thoroughly explained. 

Caring for a senior loved one can be difficult, but compassionate help is just a phone call away. Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Oshkosh live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional caregivers from Senior Stride Home Care to enhance his or her quality of life. 

Build a Relationship with Providers

Developing a rapport with your loved one’s healthcare team can improve communication. 

• Introduce yourself – Make sure doctors, nurses, and specialists know who you are and how you’re involved in the care process. 

• Establish trust – Be polite, respectful, and open to their expertise. This creates a collaborative relationship that encourages two-way communication. 
• Be consistent – If possible, be present at regular appointments. Having a constant point of communication can build trust and prevent important details from slipping through the cracks. 

Caring for senior loved ones can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Senior Stride Home Care for the help they need. We provide high-quality in-home care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.

Understand Medical Terminology and Ask for Clarity

Healthcare providers often use complex medical jargon, which can sometimes lead to confusion. 

• Take time to learn – Familiarize yourself with basic terms related to your loved one’s conditions and treatments. This helps you better engage and follow conversations with providers. 
• Ask for simple explanations – Don’t hesitate to request that complex instructions or terms are explained in plain English. Most physicians are happy to break down information to ensure you fully understand. 

Use Technology to Stay Connected

Technology can bridge communication gaps between you and healthcare providers.

• Patient portals – Many providers have online platforms where you can review medical records, book appointments, and send messages directly to doctors. 

• Virtual appointments – Telehealth services allow you to attend consultations remotely, ensuring you’re involved even if you can’t be physically present. 
• Health apps – Consider apps that track symptoms, manage medications, and store health records. They keep essential information organized and easily accessible for discussion during appointments. 

Your loved one’s medical team can offer sound advice on whether your parent can benefit from professional home care. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a trusted provider of Oshkosh elderly home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. For reliable in-home care services, contact us today.

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to a senior’s wellbeing, but there are many factors that can lead to insomnia. Here are the top five reasons your elderly loved one might be losing too much sleep. 

1. Pain

Older adults may have chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, or cancer that cause pain, which can easily affect the quality of sleep. Whether your loved one has difficulty falling asleep initially or staying asleep after the pain begins, pain-related insomnia can get worse over time. Finding the best treatment for the pain may reduce the risk of further sleep interruption.

2. Medication

Elderly individuals sometimes take medications that interfere with their sleep patterns. This type of insomnia can be difficult to correct because your loved one requires the medication, yet he or she still needs to try and get proper rest. It’s important for your loved one to report any sleep-related side effects to his or her physician to see if there are alternatives available.

3. Anxiety

Many older adults lie awake worrying about personal problems, such as the loss of a spouse, a move to an assisted living facility, or their own health. Life changes or stressful events can impact the ability to fall asleep, but the emotional support of family can alleviate anxiety.

Stress in seniors can result from growing challenges with everyday activities. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable home care. Families trust Senior Stride Home Care to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.

4. Frequent Urination

Changes in bladder habits can naturally occur with age, but dietary choices and certain medications can also impact the need to urinate frequently. Since waking up at night to use the bathroom can be disruptive to sleep patterns, treating the problem at its source may help your loved one sleep better.

Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing serious illnesses and require more extensive live-in care. Oshkosh seniors can count on Senior Stride Home Care to provide the in-home care they need and deserve. 

5. Poor Sleep Habits

Sometimes nightly habits can contribute to sleeping problems. Your loved one may need to adjust his or her bedtime activities. Watching television before going to bed may be relaxing for some seniors, while others may prefer to read or exercise. Having a calm environment with the proper temperature and bedding can also be an important part of maintaining healthy sleeping habits.

Lack of sleep can lead to a number of health issues in aging adults. 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 service. Oshkosh families trust Senior Stride Home Care to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today to schedule a free in-home consultation.

Trying to lose weight as an older adult can be a frustrating and tiring process. Even though weight loss is possible at any age, seniors have quite a few hurdles they need to overcome. Here’s a quick look at some tips and tricks older adults can use if they’re ready to shed some weight. 

Create Weekly Meal Plans

Creating a meal plan at the start of the week makes seniors much less likely to grab unhealthy snacks and fast food, and they’ll also have a better idea of what they’re putting into their bodies every day. When planning out meals, your senior loved one needs to make sure to include plenty of healthy fats and protein. These macronutrients provide energy and leave seniors feeling fuller for longer. Try to keep an eye on how many calories your loved one is eating every day as well. 

Focus on Superfoods

Sticking to nutrient-dense foods is one of the most effective ways to lose weight. Also referred to as superfoods, nutrient-dense foods provide a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. Some of the superfoods you might want to add to your loved one’s diet include nuts, avocados, fatty fish, berries, and leafy green vegetables. When purchasing superfoods, make sure they don’t have any processed ingredients or additives. Some foods labeled as superfoods might contain sweeteners and dyes.

If you’re the primary caregiver for your loved one, it may be challenging to find the time to shop carefully for the healthiest choices, so consider having another caregiver take over for a few hours occasionally. Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. Oshkosh respite care experts from Senior Stride Home Care are available on an as-needed basis, giving your family peace of mind that your loved one will remain safe and comfortable while you relax or focus on other important responsibilities. 

Skip the Empty Calories

The majority of calories seniors consume on a daily basis should come from lean sources of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Empty calories are found in processed foods such as soda, candy, and baked goods. While those foods are perfectly fine as the occasional treat, your loved one shouldn’t be eating them every day. Having a soda or candy bar a few times a week could negate all of the other healthy lifestyle choices your loved one has made. You also need to be wary of adding sweeteners to your loved one’s foods and beverages.

Families whose loved ones need assistance with choosing healthy foods should consider hiring trained caregivers to help with grocery shopping and preparing meals. When considering at-home care, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits.

Boost Muscle Mass

In the past, many doctors believed older adults couldn’t regain muscle mass after they had lost it. Increasing strength isn’t easy after the age of 65, but it’s possible. It’s also important to realize strength training is one of the best ways to lose weight, and the muscles will burn calories even when not exercising. In addition to lifting weights at the gym, your loved one might also want to use exercise bands at home. Even low-impact training such as Pilates and yoga can boost muscle mass. Steady-state exercises such as running and riding a bicycle burn calories as well, but they tend to be more time-consuming. 

If your loved one needs help losing weight, a professional caregiver can be a great asset. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of home care. Oshkosh families can rely on Senior Stride Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. To create a customized care plan for your loved one, call us today. 

Hospital readmissions are frequent among older adults, but most of these cases are preventable. Avoiding hospitalization can reduce the risk of other dangers and boost quality of life. The tips mentioned below may speed the recovery process and prevent seniors from being readmitted to the hospital.

Focusing during the Discharge Process

If you don’t understand something about your senior loved one’s condition or the treatment process, you need to ask the nurse, doctor, and other medical providers before leaving the hospital. During the discharge process, you’ll receive the advice, tips, and information you need to establish a good healthcare plan. However, many caregivers rush through this process and put their loved ones at risk for hospital readmission or worse. Ask hospital officials about discharge programs you and your siblings can participate in. These programs can give you tips and advice about: 

• Home improvements 
• Medication reminders 
• Rehab exercises 
• The importance of doctor visits 

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, WI, 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.

Healthy Diet & Exercise Routine

The top causes of hospital readmissions among older adults are heart attacks, pneumonia, heart failure, and ineffective hip or knee replacements. Following a healthy diet and staying physically active can reduce these risks and lower your loved one’s odds of being readmitted to the hospital. 

Help your loved one avoid eating foods that disrupt treatment, opting for healthy options recommended by his or her medical provider instead. Although exercise is crucial for heart and bone health, your loved one should avoid activities that put too much pressure on the mind and body. 

Transportation

This is an aspect of caregiving that often gets less attention than it deserves. Transportation is vital to recovery because your loved one will need to handle basic tasks, such as picking up medications from the pharmacy, going to doctor appointments, attending group therapy, and running various errands related to his or her physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. 

Your loved one’s health may prevent him or her from driving, so he or she will rely on you and other caregivers for transportation. When your family is unable to drive your loved one to necessary appointments, he or she can use senior-friendly driving services, such as Lyft and Uber, or transportation options offered by nonprofit organizations, or you can hire a professional caregiver. 

A professional caregiver can provide transportation and monitor your loved one for post-hospitalization complications. When searching for reliable at-home care agencies, families want to know their senior loved ones will be well taken care of. At Senior Stride Home Care, our expertly trained caregivers are available around the clock to assist with tasks around the house, provide transportation to medical appointments and social events, and much more.

Full Support System

Accidents and illnesses related to falls are common reasons older adults are readmitted to the hospital, which is why they need full support from family and friends during the recovery process. Having someone monitor daily activities can lower the risk of slips and falls and prevent accidents and traumas that require additional treatment. 

Create a schedule that allows you and your siblings to devote equal time to caring for your parent. In some cases, getting other family members to help out isn’t possible, so you should use in-home respite care services. Help from caregiving professionals allows you to continue handling your personal and professional tasks while your loved one receives adequate care throughout the recovery process. 

Oshkosh home care service 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. To hire a dedicated caregiver, call Senior Stride Home Care at 920-717-1767 today.

A large portion of the human body is composed of water, but did you know that the younger a person is, the higher the percentage of water his or her body contains? As a result, dehydration becomes an increased risk as people age, and dehydrated seniors can become seriously ill if they’re not quickly and properly treated. 

Factors that Precipitate Dehydration 

It’s a normal part of the aging process to experience a decrease in sensations. For many seniors, thirst is often not readily perceived, and drinking water regularly is therefore skipped. Other factors that could be contributing to a senior’s dehydration include, but are not limited to: 

• Medications – Seniors may also be taking life-saving diuretics that can cause dehydration
• Health issues – Decreased kidney function and poorly controlled diabetes can contribute to fluid loss
• Side effects of chronic conditions – Difficulty with swallowing, as is seen with Parkinson’s disease and other degenerative disorders, can make drinking difficult

Increasing fluid intake is one of the simplest ways to lower the risk of dehydration. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of senior home care. You can rely on Senior Stride Home Care to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia.

Symptoms of Fluid Loss

There are certain symptoms that may indicate dehydration. These include exhaustion, dizziness, confusion, urine that appears dark orange, and dry skin that doesn’t readily spring back when pulled. Severe fluid loss can result in nausea, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. 

Dehydration is just one of the many health issues older 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 elder care. Oshkosh families trust Senior Stride Home Care to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.

Staying Hydrated 

For several years, the population has been advised by the media to drink eight glasses of water per day. In reality, eight glasses a day for some individuals, especially seniors, can be dangerous. People require varying amounts of water throughout the day according to their ages and activity levels. For instance, a petite elderly woman with congestive heart failure could go into a medical crisis after drinking excessive amounts of fluids. It’s important to consult with your loved one’s doctor to determine the amount of water that’s safe and will promote health. 

Drinking Smart 

Water is the best liquid to drink to keep hydrated. Many seniors sip coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages throughout the day, not realizing that caffeine has a tendency to cause dehydration. Caffeinated drinks should be enjoyed in small to moderate amounts, and water should be a senior’s main source of hydration. 

To ensure your loved one is staying hydrated, consider hiring a professional caregiver. 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 us today at 920-717-1767 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.

Aging isn’t always an easy process, and it isn’t uncommon to be in denial as we begin to experience some of the natural changes and challenges associated with getting older. We want to feel as energetic as we did when we were younger, without any restrictions. While aging can put limitations on certain aspects of life, seniors don’t have to sacrifice their health or happiness. Seniors should not only be given the opportunity to age in place but also have the chance to do so while maintaining their regular routines and quality of life. The following tips are essential to aging well and can help seniors live well into their golden years.

1.Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself

Many individuals find it easier to be more understanding of their peers who are experiencing similar life changes than they are of themselves when help is needed. Give yourself some of the compassion you give others.

2.Cherish the Differences

When you were younger, you pushed yourself to your limits because you believed you had to, a mentality that’s usually associated with the younger years of life. The expectation was that you had to “give it your all.” However, at this stage in your life, it’s important to take time to smell the roses without guilt and to cherish those moments.

3.Take Care of Yourself

It might take longer to get dressed in the morning, go to the store, or prepare a meal, but that’s okay. Allow yourself the time you need to care for yourself, and make sure to allocate time to do the things you enjoy, whether that’s spending time in the garden or heading to the club for a round of golf. And if you find that you need assistance, don’t be afraid to seek hourly care for help a few hours a week with errands or activities of daily living.

Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust at-home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.

4.Stay Connected with Friends & Family

With age, it can be easy to fall into a daily routine, which more often than not may not involve much communication with the outside world. Make it a point to call a friend or family member at least once a week. A simple phone call can lift your spirits and make someone else’s day.

For families living in Oshkosh, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Senior Stride Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.

5.Remain Active & Try New Things

Staying active doesn’t mean spending hours at the gym. It can be as simple as enjoying the things that appeal to you or trying something that pushes you out of your comfort zone. As you continue to participate in regular activities, you can strengthen your body and your mind, resulting in better overall health.

Aging is inevitable, but how you age is completely up to you. So take the above tips and run with them. Even if you can only squeeze one or two into your daily routine, the small changes can have a big impact in the long run. 

In Oshkosh, in-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. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at 920-717-1767. 

Surgical operations are often necessary to treat accidents, injuries, and various diseases. Before having surgical procedures, seniors should know what to expect and develop adequate pre- and post-operative care plans to boost their safety and increase their odds of successful recovery. Below are some tips to follow when helping your senior loved one prepare for surgery. 

Ask Questions

An older adult shouldn’t approve a surgery unless he or she is comfortable with the procedure. To achieve an acceptable level of comfort, your parent should speak with his or her doctor, a surgeon, and other medical professionals about the operation, discuss the procedure’s benefits and possible side effects, and ask for all surgical and nonsurgical options. Asking questions can educate your loved one and instruct him or her on what steps to take before and after surgery and what to expect in the future. If your family isn’t satisfied with the answers, get a second opinion. Being confident about and comfortable with a surgical procedure could decrease the odds of problems.

It’s also important to plan for your loved one’s care after surgery, and older adults who need help during the recovery process can benefit from professional in-home care. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of homecare services. You can rely on Senior Stride Home Care to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.

Discourage Heavy Eating & Drinking

Some doctors may ask aging adults not to drink anything a few hours prior to a procedure or suggest avoiding specific foods. Your loved one should speak with his or her nurses or the surgeon before the operation to learn what foods are acceptable pre-surgery and what to avoid. Keep in mind some items could prevent medications from working and increase the risk of psychological stress. The objective is to avoid issues such as blood clotting, digestive problems, and nausea.

Hiring a professional caregiver is a good way to speed up your parent’s recovery process after surgery. In Oshkosh, in-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.

Discuss Costs

One of the most stressful aspects of surgery for seniors and their families is the cost. Insurance may not cover the entire operation and other medical expenses, which is why your loved one should know the fees associated with the surgery before agreeing to the procedure. There are often resources available to older adults to cover out-of-pocket surgical expenses. Some hospitals also offer payment plans. Regardless of the price, never let monetary concerns prevent your parent from getting medical treatment that could boost his or her overall health, quality of life, and longevity. 

Inquire about Post-Surgery Care

It’s beneficial to choose a post-surgery care plan before your loved one is released from the hospital to boost his or her recovery odds. Post-surgical care is also essential to mental and emotional health. While preparing for a procedure, you don’t want your loved one stressing about who will help around the house, take him or her to run errands, or assist with recovery steps such as meal preparation, physical activities, and medication management. Therefore, your family should sit down before the surgery and develop an attainable post-surgery care plan that benefits your loved one. 

Caring for a senior, both before and after surgery, can take a toll on a caregiver’s own health. Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care. Oshkosh families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Senior Stride Home Care. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation. We will work with you to create a customized home care plan that’s suited for your loved one’s unique needs. Call the Senior Stride Home Care team at 920-717-1767 today.

Part of being a family caregiver is learning to expect the unexpected. There are all sorts of potential emergencies, from natural disasters to medical problems, you and your senior loved one may encounter. Being prepared for these emergencies can help things go as smoothly as possible. Here are some things you need to remember to include in your caregiver emergency plan. 

1. Gather All Important Documents Together

When you’re in the middle of an emergency, you probably won’t have time to run around the house gathering insurance cards, IDs, power of attorney documents, and medical records. Make sure copies of all these documents are placed in an easy-to-access folder or envelope so you can grab them and go. 

2. Make a List of Your Loved One’s Current Conditions & Medicines

In an emergency, it can be difficult to provide professionals with an accurate list of a senior’s medical needs. Take the time to neatly write up a list of the medicines your loved one takes. You should also list your parent’s diagnosed medical conditions, any major diseases or injuries your loved one has had in the past, and any allergies he or she has. 

3. Create a “Go Bag”

Take a few small totes and fill them with everything you and your loved one would need for overnight stays. Include a change of clothes, basic toiletries, and a spare pair of eyeglasses. If your loved one has medications that don’t expire quickly, you may want to include doses of these.

A professional caregiver can help you put together a complete emergency kit for your loved one. Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. 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 homecare agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.

4. Stock Up on Extra Medications & Supplies

Make sure you plan for emergencies that could leave you and your loved one stuck at home for a few weeks. Always keep a stock of extra medications, hearing aid batteries, contact lenses, and anything else you might need to be safe at home. 

5. Prepare for Mobility Issues

If your loved one has any mobility issues, your plan should address them. For example, you may want to get a wheelchair if your loved one has arthritis. Even if your parent usually just uses a cane, having some extra help might be important during an emergency. 

6. Make a Contact Plan

Print up a contact sheet with information on how to get in touch with your loved one’s doctors and family members. If you don’t live with your loved one, discuss how you’ll get in touch with him or her in case of an emergency. During some types of emergencies, phone and internet lines might go down, so you may want to establish a meeting place with your loved one. 

If you have the help of a professional caregiver, make sure he or she has a copy of your emergency contact plan. Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional home care Oshkosh seniors can trust and rely on.

7. Research Your Area’s Disaster Evacuation Plans

Check with your local government to learn more about how the area handles wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, and other natural disasters. Take time to learn about things like evacuation routes with your loved one. Some seniors may benefit from drills to help them prepare in case anything goes wrong. 

If you’re concerned about ensuring your loved one’s safety in case of an emergency, consider hiring an around-the-clock caregiver. Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Oshkosh live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional live-in caregivers from Senior Stride Home Care to enhance his or her quality of life. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at 920-717-1767 to learn more about our high-quality home care services.

Cognitive decline can cause issues with a senior’s thinking, communication skills, eyesight, memory, and other functions. Although cognitive decline cannot be prevented, there are ways seniors can delay its onset. Here are some of the most common symptoms of memory impairment. 

1. Confusion

Forgetting where they placed their car keys may be normal for some seniors, but constant confusion is a common symptom of cognitive decline. In addition to confusion, your elderly parent may become agitated due to the difficulty of completing simple tasks or the inability to communicate with other people clearly. Don’t get upset with your loved one. Instead, offer assistance and simplify your parent’s tasks. You can also use visual aids to help your parent throughout the day. 

If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of elderly home care. Senior Stride Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.

2. Poor Motor Coordination

Many seniors with cognitive decline experience gait and balance issues. To boost bone health and prevent osteoporosis, seniors need regular moderate exercise. Older adults can also enhance their motor coordination by increasing their vitamin D intake. 

3. Impaired Judgment

Older adults experiencing cognitive decline may find it difficult to determine right from wrong. Make sure your loved one isn’t having a negative reaction to medication. If so, ask the doctor about alternative prescriptions or treatment options. In the event impaired judgment is making it difficult for your parent to handle daily tasks, consider hiring an in-home caregiver.

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.

4. Short-Term Memory Loss

Seniors who cannot remember simple things like what they ate for breakfast or wore to bed may be experiencing cognitive decline. The memory decreases over time, so your loved one is at higher risk for short-term and long-term memory loss. However, you can help your parent stave off conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease by encouraging him or her to follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and develop positive habits to combat stress. These things lead to good circulation, which can stop blockages that damage the brain. 

5. Inability to Identify Loved Ones

When seniors are no longer able to identify their friends and family members, they may have developed chronic, acute, or progressive cognitive decline. Older adults may have difficulty remembering names of people they speak with each day, street addresses they regularly drive to, or organizations they belong to. 

You can help your loved one stave off these symptoms by making sure he or she gets a good night’s sleep, stays hydrated, continues to socialize, and adopts other healthy lifestyle choices. 

Caring for older adults with mild to moderate cognitive decline can be difficult for some caregivers. Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of Oshkosh elder care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at 920-717-1767 to learn more about our customized care plans.