Category: Senior Health

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.

One of the best ways to promote a senior loved one’s mental and emotional wellness is by playing games. Studies have shown elderly people who regularly partake in activities that stimulate the brain have increased cognitive function, memory, and learning abilities. Typically, they retain these capabilities better and longer than those who don’t regularly stimulate their minds. Here are just a few ways your loved one may benefit from regular participation in games.

Better Short-Term Memory 

One great benefit of playing games is the chance to use short-term memory. Remembering whose turn it is, what the instructions say a turn should involve, and what’s required to win are all exercises for the short-term memory. 

For seniors, short-term memory is one of the first types of memory to see the effects of aging. Forgetting names of casual acquaintances and where keys were left are common examples of short-term memory failures. The stimulation games offer can boost cognitive health and keep short-term memory healthy. Games good for reducing forgetfulness are ones that repeat a range of behaviors, such as Uno and Monopoly. 

A professional caregiver can be a wonderful game-playing partner for your parent. 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, a senior 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.

Reduced Risk of Dementia 

Many seniors have normal memory loss related to aging, but developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease is quite different, and the symptoms are progressively severe. Luckily, studies are showing some activities significantly reduce the likelihood of developing dementia. One study with 20 years of follow-up showed a 15 percent lower rate of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in elderly people who played games at least once a week. Further, the study suggested any type of game is equally effective, meaning your loved one can enjoy his or her favorite game and still benefit from it. 

Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of home care service. Oshkosh families can rely on Senior Stride Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ 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.

Greater Emotional Stability 

Elderly people who play games also tend to have a reduced risk of depression and report an overall higher quality of life. Emotional health is related to the brain and is extremely important to your loved one’s wellbeing. 

Seniors often experience major life changes that can be difficult to accept and lead to a sense of sadness and anxiety. However, playing a game is an enjoyable activity that can give your loved one a chance to partake in something fun with other people. 

Focusing on the enjoyment of looking forward to a game can also ward off negativity. Any game your loved one takes joy in playing is good for increasing emotional stability. Consider old family favorites as well as new games.

Increased Mental Agility 

Playing games, especially if your loved one plays a variety of them, can promote mental agility and help his or her brain develop new neural pathways. When the brain becomes more agile, it’s able to think in new ways and become stronger, boosting the way a person thinks, remembers, and learns new skills. The best games for increasing mental agility are ones that invoke many different ways of thinking, such as chess and Trivial Pursuit. 

If your loved one needs more mentally stimulating activities to keep his or her mind sharp, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Senior Stride Home Care can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. To learn about our high-quality in-home care options, give us a call at 920-717-1767 today.

More than 30 percent of adults 65 and older have diabetes, according to an estimate by the Hormone Health Network. If you have a senior loved one living with diabetes, exercise is commonly recommended to maintain optimal health and keep symptoms in check. Here are six of the top exercises that can be beneficial for senior diabetics.

1. Walking

Putting one foot in front of the other is a simple and effective way for seniors with diabetes to increase circulation, get down to or stay within a healthy weight range, and strengthen key muscle groups in the core and lower body. Diabetic seniors are encouraged to walk briskly at least 30 minutes per day, five days a week, when possible.

For optimal health, it’s essential for seniors with diabetes to adopt healthy habits, including regular exercise. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust senior home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.

2. Yoga & Tai Chi

Healthline.com notes that loss of coordination is a common issue with diabetes when there’s nerve-related damage contributing to muscle weakness. Yoga and tai chi can increase balance and coordination in diabetic seniors because they use slow, controlled movements that target core and lower-body muscle groups.

A review of several studies published in the Journal of Diabetes Research found blood sugar and A1C levels were reduced by practicing tai chi. Additionally, according to Diabetes UK, certain yoga poses may enhance insulin regulation by gently stretching the pancreas, which creates insulin-producing beta cells. Yoga and tai chi can also ease stress and promote relaxation—two other things that are beneficial for seniors with diabetes.

3. Weight Training

If muscle mass is low in diabetic seniors, it can be challenging for the body to manage blood sugar levels. Weight training is an effective way to increase muscle mass and keep glucose numbers within an acceptable range. Weight training exercises recommended for seniors include:

• Overhead shoulder presses
• Forward lunges
• Arm curls

4. Stationary Bicycling

Aerobic exercise of this nature is often recommended for people with diabetes to increase heart and lung health, burn calories, and boost circulation. A study published in the American Journal of Health Promotion found casual bicycling on a stationary bike can lower blood pressure. This is beneficial for diabetic seniors, since diabetes damages arteries and increases the risk of developing high blood pressure.

If your loved one lives alone, you may not be able to monitor his or her exercise habits closely, but a professional caregiver can do this and much more. Living with serious health conditions 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. Swimming

Low-impact exercises like swimming can be especially beneficial for senior diabetics. Swimming is also ideal for older adults because it doesn’t put too much pressure on joints due to the buoyancy of the water. This can also be better for seniors who already have difficulty with land-based exercises. What’s more, swimming in a heated pool allows seniors with diabetes to increase circulation and tissue healing, two of the top benefits associated with heat. Other water-based forms of exercise, such as water aerobics, can produce similar benefits.

6. Dancing

Not every exercise that’s good for senior diabetics has to involve weights, a pool, or a trip to the gym. The simple act of dancing, whether it’s done while standing or when seated (for older adults with limited mobility), can provide an assortment of diabetic-friendly benefits. According to Cleveland Clinic, these include shedding excess pounds, easing stress, increasing flexibility, and lowering blood sugar.

Even seniors who face serious health challenges such as diabetes can live in safety and comfort at home with the help of trained professional caregivers. Oshkosh elderly home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers. If you need professional home care for your loved one, Senior Stride Home Care is just a phone call away. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at 920-717-1767.

The body’s immune system weakens with age, making seniors susceptible to a number of health conditions, such as pneumonia. This infection is caused by viruses and bacteria. Although pneumonia accounts for numerous deaths every year, it’s preventable. Here are a few ways seniors can prevent pneumonia.

1. Know the Symptoms

Diagnosing pneumonia in seniors can be difficult because many of them don’t show symptoms such as fever and chills. Here are some of the most common symptoms associated with pneumonia:

• Coughing
• Delirium
• Weakness 
• Dizziness 
• Confusion

If you know more about pneumonia and its symptoms, you can help your senior loved one get immediate treatment to prevent the infection or slow its progression. 

2. Practice Good Hygiene

Colds, influenza, and ordinary respiratory infections can potentially lead to pneumonia, but practicing good hygiene can prevent these health conditions. Encourage your loved one to carry hand sanitizer at all times to keep his or her hands clean while in public. Washing hands regularly can prevent illnesses that cause pneumonia, and good oral hygiene can prevent dental infections that could lead to pneumonia.

Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional in-home care. 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.

3. Get Immunized

Your loved one needs to be vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia. This is a one-time vaccination that can reduce the risk of developing the infection. A booster vaccine can be taken every five years, but it’s best to consult a doctor before getting the booster. Your loved one will also need vaccinations against other diseases and infections that can cause pneumonia.

Preventing illnesses such as the flu and pneumonia is important because they can lead to more significant health issues. Living with serious health conditions 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.

4. Stop Smoking

Smoking is a major risk factor associated with pneumonia. If your loved one smokes, his or her lungs may have difficulty defending against pneumonia as well as various other conditions and infections. By not smoking, your loved one can prevent pneumonia even if he or she is considered at high risk for the condition.

5. Live a Healthy Lifestyle

Living a healthy lifestyle can keep your loved one’s immune system robust, which is necessary for fighting off infections and illnesses that cause pneumonia. To keep the immune system healthy, your loved one needs to eat a well-balanced diet, get plenty of exercise, and manage stress. Good health not only reduces the risk of pneumonia, but it can also help your loved one prevent a variety of age-related diseases. 

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 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. To learn about our quality-assured services, give us a call at 920-717-1767 today. 

More than any other age group, seniors tend to feel lonely and isolated. Many live alone, and their friends, spouses, and other contemporaries may have moved or passed away. They’ve most likely retired from their jobs, and their children are grown and out of the home. 

Loneliness can lead to some serious health concerns. If your senior loved one seems isolated, you may want to consider finding more ways for him or her to socialize. Here are a few of the key reasons seniors should socialize regularly.

Prevents Depression

It’s estimated that more than 7 million seniors in the U.S. experience depression, which can lead to poor physical health. Loneliness is often a contributing factor. Studies have shown participating in regular social activities can have the same mood-boosting effects on the body as exercise.

Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. 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.

Reduces the Risk of Dementia

Another common mental health concern for seniors is dementia. While there’s no definite way to prevent dementia, socialization may keep it at bay. Socializing helps seniors keep their brains engaged as they interact with other people.

Boosts Physical Health

Seniors who socialize regularly are often in better physical health for several reasons. Having a good time with friends and loved ones usually means plenty of smiling and laughing, which can lower blood pressure and keep the effects of stress at bay. 

Interacting with others can also boost the immune system. Seniors who socialize often tend to eat healthier than those who stay at home alone. Socializing can also boost physical health if your loved one participates in group activities like golf, tennis, or walking. 

In many cases, maintaining an active social network can be enough to ward off several diseases. 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.

Enhances Self-Esteem

One effect of being socially isolated, especially for older people, is losing the sense of importance, which can lead to an overall lack of self-esteem. However, seniors who spend time with friends and family members can regain their confidence and once again feel as if they’re valuable members of society

Ways to Encourage Your Senior Loved One to Socialize

If your loved one lives in isolation, there are some things you can do to help him or her spend more time in social situations, including: 

•   Encouraging friends and family to visit more often 
•   Including your loved one in family activities like vacations and trips to restaurants
•   Helping him or her find a hobby 
• Encouraging him or her to volunteer
• Helping him or her find a part-time job
• Teaching him or her how to use social media
• Encouraging him or her to begin dating again if he or she is divorced or widowed
• Finding a local senior or community center that offers activities for older adults

For many families in Oshkosh, homecare services 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. To learn about our premier elderly care plans, get in touch with our staff at 920-717-1767 today.

After a health episode, it’s important for seniors to review their habits. With a few lifestyle adjustments, seniors can hasten the healing process and prevent further health episodes from happening. Here are some changes seniors can make after health scares to boost their overall health.

1. Look at Health from a New Perspective

Whether a senior has a fall or experiences another type of health episode, it’s a good time to examine his or her lifestyle habits. Many people feel living a healthy life is boring. They don’t enjoy exercise or healthy foods, and they don’t want to give up bad habits. 

Seniors should try to find some joy in healthier habits, and caregivers can help them by finding recipes, exercise classes, and other healthy hobbies that suit their tastes. By turning a healthy lifestyle into something fun and exciting, seniors may be more open to lifestyle alterations they would otherwise disregard.

Seniors who need help making healthy lifestyle choices can benefit from professional in-home care. Homecare 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.

2. Make Accommodations to Increase Safety in the Home

When injured due to a slip or fall, seniors should use their recovery time to modify their homes. There are many types of assistive technology, and seniors of all mobility levels can benefit from them. Seniors who want to prevent falls should consider getting grab bars and rails installed in stairways, bathrooms, and hallways. Transfer benches and walk-in tubs help seniors bathe without incident. Stairlifts can also be a great help to seniors who have a difficult time walking. 

3. Eat Healthier

After experiencing major health episodes, it’s essential to consume a well-balanced diet. Doctors might suggest dietary plans to follow, which may contain lean protein and nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. 

Seniors who are used to eating unhealthy meals may find it difficult to comply with their doctors’ orders, but professional caregivers can help them incorporate healthy ingredients into their diets. Instead of cookies, your loved one can eat a healthy bowl of oatmeal sweetened with cinnamon. Instead of fried chicken and french fries, your parent can dine on salmon and sweet potatoes. By coming up with creative solutions to dietary changes, professional caregivers can help seniors transition to healthier lifestyles.

From assisting with healthy meal preparation to offering respite to family members, there are several ways professional caregivers can help seniors and their families. 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. Exercise

If your loved one has sustained an injury, gentle exercise can help him or her heal. Seniors can try sit-down activities such as chair yoga or chair aerobics to keep them active and help them maintain strong, healthy bones and muscles. Regular exercise is also important for seniors recovering from cardiovascular events. Your loved one can try gentle, heart-healthy activities like taking a walk around the park or riding a stationary bike. 

5. Get Proactive about Medical Care

After injuries or health episodes, it’s often up to caregivers to make sure their loved ones get the best possible medical treatment. During the healing process, caregivers should make sure their loved ones receive the appropriate attention from their doctors, take the right medications, and attend all scheduled medical appointments. 

Seniors who have experienced serious health episodes may need professional in-home care. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional home care service. Oshkosh families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. Trust Senior Stride Home Care to provide high-quality compassionate professional care for your loved one. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at 920-717-1767.

There are several known liver diseases that often have similar effects on the body. Some of the most common conditions that affect the liver include hepatitis and cirrhosis. Nevertheless, only a comprehensive liver function test can precisely reveal any problems with this vital organ. Here are a few common symptoms caregivers need to look for.

Jaundice 

One of the most common symptoms of liver disease is jaundice, which refers to the change in pigmentation of the skin. People with moderate to severe forms of jaundice may turn noticeably yellow, especially on the face and upper body. Additionally, the feces and urine of aging adults with jaundice may have abnormal colors.

There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional senior home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.

Changes in the Eyes

The white part of the eye will often look yellow when a senior has liver disease. Small bumps on the eyelids are often signs of a buildup of fat in the body, which is another common sign of liver disease. Some people with liver disease may also find their eyes become dry. Liver disease is often accompanied by problems with night vision. 

Weight Gain & Loss

Seniors who are diagnosed with fatty liver disease will likely gain weight. This condition causes an excessive accumulation of fat in the body. Therefore, it may be difficult to maintain a steady weight even with routine exercise and a healthy diet. By contrast, other types of liver disease can lead to abrupt weight loss due to an imbalance in the digestion of various nutrients besides just fat. 

Insulin Resistance 

One of the main functions of the liver is to regulate the amount of glucose and other complex substances in the bloodstream. People who have compromised livers might develop insulin resistance, which can in turn disrupt the absorption and use of glucose. In fact, there’s a significant correlation between liver disease and type 2 diabetes. Seniors with insulin resistance may feel fatigued and develop spontaneous cravings for sugary foods or drinks. 

Living with serious health conditions 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.

Swelling

Edema is a medical term that describes another common symptom of liver disease. This word refers to the buildup of bodily fluids underneath the skin. More specifically, individuals who have liver disease may develop extreme swelling in their feet and legs. However, edema in the limbs may also be caused by kidney failure and other severe conditions. 

Skin Changes

Changes in the skin can be caused by a number of diseases. Liver problems can often cause seniors to develop a purple rash on the lower legs that doesn’t respond to topical treatments. If you’re worried about liver disease in your loved one, check his or her nail color, as changes often appear there first. Bile buildup in the body can also cause itchy skin. Doctors aren’t sure why, but many people with liver disease find their hands and feet itch at night. 

If you suspect your parent has liver disease, make sure he or she sees the doctor right away. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of elder care Oshkosh, WI, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. To hire a compassionate, dedicated caregiver, call us at 920-717-1767 today.

Insomnia is a common problem among the aging population. An occasional fitful night doesn’t generally cause problems, but chronic sleeplessness can lead to fatigue, increased irritability, anxiety, and difficulty focusing. While a number of prescription sleep aids are available, there are also more natural ways to treat sleeplessness. Below are a few changes you can make for your senior loved one to help him or her address or prevent this condition. 

Have a “Wind Down” Period

Insomnia can be worse if someone is stressed or keyed up before going to bed. To prevent this, talk with your loved one about having a “wind down” time of at least an hour before turning out the lights. A quiet activity like reading or listening to music can help your loved one start to relax and prepare for sleep. Try to start this “wind down” around the same time each day so your parent will get into the habit of relaxing before bedtime.

Caring for older adults with insomnia can be a difficult task. Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of at-home care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.

Restrict Fluids during the Evening

If your loved one wakes up several times during the night to urinate, falling back to sleep again might be difficult. Nighttime trips to the bathroom when someone is tired or disoriented can also lead to a fall. Restricting fluid intake, especially after dinner, can help your loved one wake up less often because of a full bladder. You might also try restricting drinks with caffeine or alcohol that can cause wakefulness and increase urination.

Chronic insomnia can dull the senses, making everyday activities difficult to perform. 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 homecare services. Oshkosh families trust Senior Stride Home Care to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.

Consider Natural Supplements

Melatonin, a hormone the body naturally produces, is a common and effective sleep aid. When taken orally, melatonin promotes relaxation and a natural sleep cycle. Popular herbs to promote restfulness include valerian root, kava kava, lavender, and hops. These can be taken alone, but some supplements will contain a combination of herbs to induce healthful sleep. As always, consult with a physician before your parent starts taking any new supplements to make sure they won’t interact with his or her current medications. 

Sometimes seniors have a difficult time falling asleep because of stress, which can result from growing challenges with everyday activities. Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a trusted provider of respite care Oshkosh seniors can depend on. To hire a professionally trained caregiver for your loved one, call us at 920-717-1767 today.

The inability to move around freely impacts the ability to live independently. Although some loss of mobility is normal with age, your senior loved one can still prevent many of the most common causes for needing assistance getting around. Watch out for these six causes of impaired mobility in older adults that can be addressed before they’re severe enough to limit your loved one’s enjoyment in life.

1. Arthritis

This health condition is marked by stiff and painful joints that make it difficult to get around comfortably. Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, but it tends to impact the ones seniors use the most throughout life. For instance, seniors frequently experience the symptoms of arthritis in their knees, ankles, and hands. There are several types of arthritis, and they all have potential treatments your loved one can explore to find relief from the symptoms.

There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional elderly home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.

2. Osteoporosis

Bone loss is another health issue that accompanies getting older. Seniors who lose too much bone are at risk for issues such as hip fractures that can render them dependent on others. Your loved one can do things to prevent osteoporosis. Bone density scans can let your loved one know his or her current level of risk. Your parent can also take health supplements and engage in weight-bearing exercise that maintains bone mass.

3. Parkinson’s Disease

This degenerative neurological disease slowly robs older adults of their mobility. You can’t stop Parkinson’s once it starts, but there are options that may prevent issues such as muscle rigidity from affecting your loved one’s life. Your loved one should follow his or her treatment plan and take medicine as prescribed. He or she also needs to take steps to prevent symptoms from leading to injuries that further reduce mobility.

If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of senior care Oshkosh, WI, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

4. Stroke

Strokes can sometimes damage parts of the brain that affect how seniors walk and move different parts of their bodies. After a stroke, your loved one may need assistance with going to therapy appointments that help him or her regain the ability to walk and grasp objects. Some seniors may also need to wear orthotic devices or use walkers to further increase their mobility.

5. Back Injuries

Old injuries tend to come back to haunt people in their senior years. Back pain is a common issue that changes how people move. Seniors may adjust their posture to accommodate for back pain, which could cause them to do things such as shuffle while walking. Your loved one may benefit from having help with tasks that further strain his or her back, such as cleaning or carrying heavy groceries.

6. Degenerative Disc Disease

Over time, the cartilage between the discs of the spine begins to break down, which can cause pain and limited movement in the arms, neck, and back. Degenerative disc disease tends to worsen over time, but talking about assistance now can help you meet your loved one’s needs as his or her mobility changes over the years.

Mobility limitations can make it challenging for aging adults to continue living at home without assistance. For many seniors in Oshkosh, WI, live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Senior Stride Home Care, we extensively screen all of our live-in and 24-hour caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness. Call one of our trusted Care Managers today at 920-717-1767 to schedule a free in-home consultation.

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the breakdown of the macula, which is the region of the eye with the greatest visual acuity. This breakdown causes central vision to blur, making reading, driving, and sewing difficult. Because ARMD is a common disease in the elderly, there are several things you should know to help your aging loved one prevent or delay the onset of the disease.

ARMD Can Develop Slowly or Rapidly

In some seniors, the disease develops so slowly that symptoms aren’t noticed for a long time. In others, the disease can progress rapidly, causing loss of vision in one or both eyes.

Seniors with severe vision impairment may need assistance to be able to continue living at home. For some families, caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they can rely on professional respite care. Oshkosh, WI, Senior Stride Home Care is a trusted name in respite and hourly care. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist seniors with bathing, transportation, medication reminders, exercise, and much more, allowing families the time they need to focus on other important responsibilities or just take a break.

Early Detection Is Critical

Because early symptoms sometimes go unnoticed, it’s important for your loved one to have regular eye examinations. Schedule an appointment for your parent as soon as possible if he or she is experiencing any of the following issues with his or her vision:

• Blurriness 
• Dark areas 
• Blank spots 
• Distorted images

Though there’s no cure for early ARMD, lifestyle changes can be made that may prevent the disease from advancing. Additionally, your loved one’s doctor may recommend more frequent eye exams to check on the progression of the disease.

As ARMD progresses, your loved one’s doctor may recommend supplements to slow the progression. The disease can also be treated with injections, photodynamic therapy, and laser surgery.

If your loved one is living with vision problems and needs assistance with daily tasks, help is available. 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 senior home care. Trust Senior Stride Home Care to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.

Lifestyle Changes Can Prevent or Delay AMD

Genetics have been found to play a role in developing ARMD. People over the age of 50 are also at higher risk if they:

• Smoke
• Get little or no exercise
• Eat an unhealthy diet 

A recent study conducted by the National Eye Institute found those with family histories of the disease were less likely to develop it when they made healthy lifestyle changes.

There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional elderly home care. Oshkosh families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. 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.