Category: Senior Health

From an increased risk of developing arthritis to reflexes that are a bit slower, there are many not-so-pleasant ways aging impacts the body. Digestion, which is the process of converting food into usable energy, can be similarly affected. The silver lining here is that there are some things seniors can do to counteract the ways aging affects the digestive system, including those discussed below.

Slower Digestion Processes

The digestive process is largely controlled by the involuntary movement of muscles within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Aging naturally slows down these muscle movements, which means it takes longer for food to be fully digested. Seniors may be able to keep things moving within the GI tract with efforts that include:

• Drinking more water
• Doing light to moderate exercise 3–4 days per week
• Eating “digestive-friendly” foods with more fiber (e.g., almonds, lentils, berries, bananas, and green leafy veggies)

Medication Side Effects

Many older adults take medication to manage chronic conditions, and some of these drugs could affect the digestive system. For instance, some blood pressure medications may cause heartburn. Also, over-the-counter or prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may contribute to stomach irritation, ulcers, and other digestive tract problems. Seniors may be able to minimize these issues by exploring physical therapy and other non-drug pain management methods.

Digestive issues can be even more problematic if your loved one is unable to prepare nutritious meals on his or her own. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted at-home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Senior Stride Home Care is here to help.

Artery Blockages

Blood flow blockages that can affect the digestive system are common in older adults. As a result, some seniors may develop intestinal ischemia, a condition where blood flow through major arteries slows or stops within the intestines. Lowering cholesterol levels, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying hydrated are some of the ways issues of this nature may be prevented.

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.

Difficulty Swallowin

This problem can occur at any age, but, according to the Mayo Clinic, dysphagia is more common in older adults. Swallowing issues can make it difficult for seniors to get sufficient nutrients from what they eat. Possible solutions include:

• Switching to a softer diet that still includes nutrient-rich foods
• Seeing if there are issues with ill-fitting dentures
• Sitting up straight while eating
• Discussing medication with the doctor

Age-Related Weight Gain

Because of how metabolism slows with age, seniors often have difficulty losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight later in life. Excess weight can contribute to an assortment of digestive system issues. Some of these include the backup of acidic digestive juices (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD), related damage to the esophagus (Barrett’s esophagus), and an increased risk of digestive system cancers. Age-related weight gain may be offset by adjustments to diet and exercise habits

Constipation

This type of digestive difficulty is common in older adults for many reasons. In some cases, constipation develops as the digestive system slows down. At other times, seniors have issues with bowel movements following surgery or because of medication issues, poor diet habits, stress, or a lack of sufficient exercise and hydration. Oftentimes, constipation in seniors can be managed with lifestyle modifications.

If your loved one is experiencing digestive issues, a home caregiver can help with planning and preparing meals that meet your parent’s specific dietary needs. Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing a serious illness 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. 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.

Telehealth services are an option your senior loved one can use to avoid having to spend too much time in public healthcare environments. Being able to get a health issue diagnosed over the phone or computer also gives your loved one an easier way to boost his or her wellbeing when he or she doesn’t feel well enough to leave the house. Getting your loved one on board with using telehealth services is easier when you take the following steps.

1. Make Sure Your Loved One Has the Proper Technology

The majority of doctors use technology that works with most people’s devices. However, it’s worth taking the time to make sure your loved one has everything he or she needs to conduct an online healthcare visit. For example, your parent may need to download a virtual chat app or upgrade to a phone or computer with a camera. You’ll also want to make sure the Wi-Fi signal in your loved one’s home is reliable enough to support a potentially lengthy doctor’s appointment.

If your loved one has chronic health conditions, it can be challenging for him or her to live at home independently. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs 24-hour care, Oshkosh, WI, 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.

2. Find a Quiet & Well-Lit Place to Talk

A telehealth visit should be viewed in the same way as a regular healthcare visit. Help your loved one create a quiet environment where he or she can hear the physician without being distracted. Your loved one should turn off the television and any other noisy appliances and conduct the video visit in a bright room. Doctors sometimes use their time on video calls to observe symptoms that are visible. Being able to show the doctor a rash or pale skin can aid the doctor in making a diagnosis.

3. Go Over What Your Parent Wants to Talk About

Your loved one should be prepared to cover his or her health concerns without forgetting important information. Talk to your loved one about why he or she is having the visit. If necessary, you may also want to encourage your loved one to write down a list of symptoms and questions. Your parent can refer to this information to make sure nothing is left out. Prior to the visit, your loved one may also want to take his or her temperature or other vital signs to share with the doctor.

For family caregivers who find it challenging to balance their loved ones’ care needs with their own personal obligations, home care can be the ideal solution. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional senior care, Senior Stride Home Care should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults address their health issues and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years.

4. Try a Practice Run

If your loved one isn’t used to using this type of technology, a practice run can help him or her adjust. Consider making a FaceTime call to your loved one’s phone, or you could set up a Zoom meeting with a family member. This allows your loved one to see how he or she will look on a screen while also learning how to navigate video chat software.

5. Make Sure You or Another Caregiver Stays Nearby

Even with preparation, your loved one could run into a snag during the appointment. Make sure you or another person is available to provide guidance with technical issues, such as the meeting being temporarily cut off. This way, your loved one can quickly log back into the appointment and resume getting the healthcare he or she needs.

Using the Internet for various activities is just one of the issues aging adults must navigate in today’s modern world. 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. Trust Senior Stride Home Care to provide high-quality compassionate, professional home care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at 920-717-1767. 

Mobility issues encompass a wide range of changes in how well a senior can move around. Some seniors have mild challenges with mobility that might include being unable to step over objects in their paths, while others may not be able to walk at all. Helping seniors overcome these issues is important for maintaining their motivation to continue on with their daily activities.

1. Keep Them Active

When seniors first begin having mobility issues, their initial instinct may be to stop being physically active. This is often due to a fear of getting hurt. Start by talking to your aging loved one’s doctor about what types of exercise are still safe for your loved one to do. Then create a plan to help your loved one feel comfortable exercising. Your loved one may need to try low-impact forms of exercise such as stretching or swimming, but keeping the body moving can help your parent maintain his or her sense of balance.

A professional caregiver can help your loved one exercise at home in safety and comfort. 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 in-home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.

2. Practice Using Mobility Devices

Using a walker or cane comes with a learning curve. Your loved one may need help figuring out how to move his or her body with the device. Certain devices, such as wheelchairs, may also require building upper body strength. Provide assistance during the first few weeks with a new mobility device to reduce frustration.

3. Identify Safe Routes in Public Areas

The majority of seniors with mobility issues don’t have to become homebound. Going out for a walk or to the new restaurant in town might require some planning, but it’s worth it to get your loved one out of the house for the day. Try scouting out new locations before you take your parent out. You can check for ramps, elevators, and other features that offer more accessibility so your loved one’s day out is easier to navigate.

4. Simplify Basic Daily Tasks

A senior who has difficulty walking or standing for a long time might not be able to handle as much as he or she used to at home. For instance, cooking dinner might be difficult if your loved one cannot maneuver through a small kitchen with a mobility aid. Talk to your loved one about which tasks are the most difficult to accomplish. Home care is an option that can help older adults manage the things that need to be done while they learn to address their mobility challenges.

A trained caregiver with experience in caring for seniors with mobility limitations can be a fantastic resource for aging adults and their families. Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated home care, Oshkosh, WI, families can turn to Senior Stride Home Care. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise. 

5. Watch for Changes in Their Abilities

Many mobility issues worsen over time. For example, arthritis symptoms might progress with age or after experiencing a new injury. Parkinson’s and other progressive diseases can also require a change in your loved one’s treatment and home care plan. Observe your loved one regularly for signs he or she may need to try a new medication or mobility device. Any changes in the symptoms may also mean your loved one needs more assistance during the day to remain safe.

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. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at 920-717-1767 to learn more about our high-quality home care services.

Researchers, health officials, and scientists are working to get a handle on coronavirus and bring it under control. In the meantime, it’s more important than ever to keep vulnerable family members as safe as possible, especially older ones. Seniors are considered a high-risk group because of immune system weaknesses associated with age and underlying health issues, which are more common in adults 65 and older. Below, you’ll find six ways you can help your senior loved one avoid coronavirus.

1. Stress the Importance of Good Hygiene Habits

Germs can hide on commonly touched surfaces and be spread through contact. It’s believed this is how coronavirus spreads so quickly. Encourage your loved one to adopt healthy habits that include:

• Regular handwashing—the CDC recommends doing this for at least 20 seconds
• Wiping off commonly used household surfaces
• Using the “elbow method” when sneezing/coughing

2. Offer Immune System Health Tips

As mentioned above, older immune systems often have difficulty with new invaders like coronavirus. But there are things you can remind your loved one to do to boost his or her immune system as much as possible, such as:

• Eating green leafy veggies, bright-colored fruits, unsalted nuts, low-fat dairy products, and other foods loaded with beneficial nutrients
• Managing stress
• Getting plenty of high-quality sleep
• Exercising regularly
• Not smoking and drinking alcohol excessively

If your loved one needs help following healthy habits that boost his or her immune system, a home caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of at-home care. Oshkosh families can rely on Senior Stride Home Care to provide individualized care plans 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.

3. Limit In-Person Interactions

Because there’s still so many unknowns about coronavirus, older adults are advised to limit in-person interactions whenever possible to stay safe. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) suggests doing this by:

• Avoiding crowded locations
• Postponing unnecessary travel
• Staying away from family members and friends who are sick
• Stocking up on essential supplies

4. Encourage Online Interaction

Avoiding coronavirus doesn’t mean your loved one has to be cut off from people he or she knows and loves. With social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, video chat tools, text messaging, and senior-friendly websites like LoveToKnow Seniors and Boomer Grandparents, there are many ways seniors can stay connected remotely.

Bonus tip: If your loved one has difficulty using certain devices, change the settings to increase text or button sizes.

5. Have Things Delivered

Another way to help your loved one avoid coronavirus is to have things delivered whenever possible. Fortunately, there are many items that can be safely sent directly to your loved one’s home, even essentials like prescription medications. In some areas, groceries and freshly prepared meals can also be delivered or picked up after an order is placed online.

To keep your loved one from having to go out, a home caregiver can run errands for him or her, including shopping for groceries and picking up prescriptions. 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 homecare. Senior Stride Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.

6. Explore Options with In-Home Care

If your loved one needs assistance or is living with a serious health issue, you might be considering sending him or her to a nursing home or assisted living facility. However, since your loved one could come into contact with several people each day in these types of environments, the risk of contracting a virus may be higher. Designating care duties to one specific family member is a way to limit unnecessary in-person contact. Should this be difficult to do right now, in-home care is another option to consider. This type of professional assistance is offered in your loved one’s home by a responsible, well-trained caregiver familiar with ways to safely provide elder care.

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 one of our dedicated Care Managers today at 920-717-1767 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.

With information surrounding coronavirus/COVID-19 changing by the hour, it’s challenging to stay updated on the most recent best practices for keeping seniors safe at home. At Senior Stride Home Care, we understand how critical it is for seniors and their caregivers to protect against coronavirus as much as possible. All our team members have received detailed communication on infection control protocols, including effective cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and hands. Our caregivers can pick up medications, groceries, and anything else a senior needs, minimizing their interaction with large groups of people. For more information on how Senior Stride Home Care helps protect clients, click here: https://seniorstridehomecare.com/covid-19-home-care/.

Hospital administrators make every effort to reduce hospital readmissions. While policies and procedures are in place to lower the rates of readmissions, they cannot prevent everyone from being readmitted. Here are some ways discharge education can lower your senior loved one’s risk of hospital readmission.

1. Mechanical Diet Education

If your loved one was initially hospitalized for a stroke or Parkinson’s disease, he or she may have chewing or swallowing problems related to neurological damage. The nurse educator will discuss the importance of a mechanical soft diet, such as one consisting of pureed foods, so your loved one doesn’t choke. The hospital dietician may also stop by your loved one’s room before discharge to talk about which foods should be consumed and at what consistencies.

A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of information and support for a senior who is recovering after being hospitalized. When searching for reliable elderly home care agencies, families want to know their senior loved one 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.

2. Cast Care Education

When aging adults are discharged with casts, they may be at risk for accidents, falls, infections, and slow healing. Casts on arms and legs can impair balance, and if your loved one isn’t taught the essentials of proper body mechanics and balance, he or she may fall. Similarly, if your loved one gets the cast wet while bathing or doesn’t recognize the signs of circulation problems or infection, he or she may be back in the hospital soon after discharge.

3. Drug Interaction Education

Taking certain prescription drugs with dietary supplements can cause dangerous interactions that may result in hospital readmission. The discharge nurse will talk to your loved one about the dangers of taking prescription anticoagulants with dietary supplements such as garlic and fish oil. Taking anticoagulant medications with these and certain other supplements may result in life-threatening abnormal bleeding. Many aging adults aren’t aware of drug and dietary supplement interactions and frequently take them together.

4. Family Caregiver Education

If your loved one is unable to care for him or herself because of cognitive problems, mobility deficits, decreased vision, or serious illness, you’ll need to attend the discharge planning session. Caregiver education prior to hospital discharge is essential. You may need to change your loved one’s surgical dressings or assist with insulin injections, and if these are done improperly, he or she may develop serious complications requiring readmission to the hospital.

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.

5. Blood Sugar Education

Hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic reactions are common causes for hospital readmissions. Discharge education regarding unstable blood sugar levels and diabetes can help your loved one become familiar with the signs of both high and low blood sugar levels so he or she can take quick action. The discharge planner will teach your loved one how to treat abnormal blood sugar levels at home. Your loved one will also be advised to call the physician at the first sign of a blood sugar reaction.

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. Senior Stride Home Care can be your trusted partner when your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging. Call us today at 920-717-1767 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.

Statistics suggest that up to one third of elderly people reenter the hospital after an initial stay. Many are readmitted within 30 days of discharge. There are many risk factors that contribute to the problem. However, family members have the ability to greatly reduce the chance of readmission by learning the underlying reasons and intervening on their senior loved ones’ behalf. Here are some of the most common risk factors for readmission to the hospital.

Early Discharge

Up to 20 percent of seniors are discharged from the hospital too early. Make sure the physician provides a thorough evaluation before allowing your loved one to leave the facility. Pay particular attention to your loved one’s vital signs. An elevated temperature often indicates an infection. Blood pressure and pulse readings that are too high make your loved one susceptible to a heart attack or stroke. An increased respiratory rate may also indicate an infection. Any abnormal vital sign increases the likelihood your loved one will soon return to the hospital for further treatment.

A professional caregiver can closely monitor your loved one for post-hospitalization complications. When searching for reliable senior home care agencies, families want to know their senior loved one 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.

Lack of Education Comprehension

Seniors must understand their medical conditions along with the medication, treatments, and other recommendations necessary for their recovery. Oftentimes, older adults don’t absorb all the information provided by members of their healthcare teams. As such, it’s important for you to be present and kept aware at all times. This way, you can provide reminders if needed and guide your loved one to better health.

Medication Mishaps

Discharge instructions often include prescriptions for new medications. Seniors must have the prescriptions filled and take the medications as recommended. However, pharmacists must ensure your loved one’s medications don’t interact. You must also be aware of potential side effects to watch for in your loved one.

Failure to Receive Follow-Up Care

Seniors are often reluctant to make and attend follow-up appointments. However, visiting the physician is the only way to ensure recovery is progressing as planned. You may need to make appointments for your loved one yourself. Attending doctor visits together also ensures two pairs of ears receive vital information and instructions.

A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support for a senior who’s recovering after being hospitalized. Oshkosh senior 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.

Ignored Symptoms

Older adults who have undergone surgery may develop infections at their surgical sites. If not properly treated, the infections can become systemic and have the potential to be life-threatening. Seniors might also overlook medication side effects under the mistaken belief they’ll naturally subside. Perhaps your parent is in pain but doesn’t want to admit the problem. However, if you continually monitor your parent during recovery, you’re more likely to detect possible complications that may then be brought to the attention of a physician.

Malnutrition

Once seniors return home from the hospital, they’re weakened and fatigued, so they’re less likely to have the strength to prepare healthy meals. Unless they get proper nutrition, seniors won’t adequately recover and be able to maintain optimal health.

Many aging adults need assistance when they return home after being hospitalized. 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. If your loved one needs professional in-home care, Senior Stride Home Care is here to help. To hire a compassionate, dedicated caregiver, call us at 920-717-1767 today.

Seniors with high blood pressure often take medication to boost their health. While your aging loved one should always follow the doctor’s recommended treatment plan, there are also other things that can be done to reduce blood pressure. These six tips are all natural ways for seniors to lower their blood pressure.

1. Go for a Walk

Exercise is a known way to lower blood pressure. However, seniors sometimes get frustrated by the thought of having to spend hours on a treadmill. The truth is it only takes small changes to start seeing positive results in a senior’s health. Encourage your loved one to take one or two short walks each day that add up to about half an hour. 

Even seniors with mobility issues or health challenges can still exercise, especially with the help of trained professional caregivers. Oshkosh in-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.

2. Put Down the Salt Shaker

Salt has been linked to high blood pressure as well as related ailments such as strokes. Seniors sometimes add more salt to their food to compensate for a decreased sense of taste. Replace salt with flavorful herbs that don’t raise blood pressure.

If you’re a family caregiver who finds it challenging to have the time to shop for the healthiest foods, consider hiring a professional caregiver for an hour or two a day or a few days a month. 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.

3. Limit Alcohol

In recent years, older adults have been told to drink red wine and other types of alcohol to lower their blood pressure. While red grapes do have tannins that provide heart-healthy benefits, seniors need to limit their alcohol intake. In general, women should have no more than one drink a day, and men should stick to two or fewer. Limiting the intake of alcohol prevents it from turning into a contributor to high blood pressure.

4. Practice Stress Management Techniques

Stress dramatically increases blood pressure. During the senior years, some stress is unavoidable. Your loved one may worry about his or her health or be facing other issues such as the loss of a spouse. While you can’t change the things that happen in your loved one’s life, you can help him or her learn to manage stress better. For instance, enjoying a laugh with a friend or caregiver is a great way to shake off the stressful events of the day. Seniors can also listen to music, enjoy a warm bath, or engage in a favorite hobby.

5. Eat Berries

Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries all contain polyphenols, which are known for boosting heart health. Encourage your loved one to eat berries each day. Add them to a bowl of whole grains for breakfast, or experiment with making berry smoothies for a midday snack. Berries are also great to use for desserts, since they have a sweet flavor without a bunch of artificial sugar.

6. Cut Back on Caffeine

Coffee and other caffeinated beverages give seniors a pick-me-up. However, they also cause a short-term spike in blood pressure that can be harmful if it’s already high. Encourage switching to decaf or at least scaling back on the consumption of caffeinated beverages to give your loved one a healthier start to the day.

Many seniors who find it challenging to manage their blood pressure on their own find that a professional caregiver can provide the reinforcement and direction they need to make lasting lifestyle changes. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of senior care. Oshkosh families can rely on Senior Stride Home Care to provide individualized care plans 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. If your loved one needs professional home care, Senior Stride Home Care is here to help. Call one of our Care Managers today at 920-717-1767.

After years of having good oral health, seniors are sometimes surprised when a new round of dental issues accompanies the aging process. Treating dental health issues is always important, but it becomes a greater priority when you realize how much seniors need good oral health to be able to eat properly. Watch out for these common dental health issues that tend to occur in the elderly so you can help your senior loved one get them under control.

Dry Mouth

Your loved one may develop dry mouth if he or she takes certain medications or has a health condition that lists it as a symptom. While dry mouth is uncomfortable, it also wreaks havoc on oral health. For instance, a lack of saliva in the mouth means food residue is no longer rinsed away. Instead, it can sit on the teeth and lead to cavities. Talk to the dentist about medications your loved one takes and any symptoms of dry mouth he or she has regularly. Special rinses are available to restore moisture to the oral tissues, and your loved one may benefit from more frequent cleanings.

Advanced Gum Disease

Many younger adults have gum disease that’s still in the early stages. However, gum disease that isn’t controlled early in life often rears its head during the senior years. Make sure to help your loved one get to the dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. If your loved one needs a procedure such as a deep cleaning or gum grafting, provide support to help him or her recover properly afterward. For instance, your loved one may need someone to prepare a soft food diet until soreness goes away.

New Tooth Decay

Cavities can happen at any point in life. However, seniors with great teeth who suddenly develop many cavities could be facing challenges with their oral hygiene routines. For instance, having difficulty flossing due to arthritis in the hands could cause your loved one to get cavities between the teeth. Have the dentist assess how well your loved one can perform the steps of his or her oral hygiene routine. If necessary, try arranging for a caregiver to help out, and experiment with different strategies to reduce the risk of further tooth decay. 

A professional caregiver can be a great asset for seniors who need help with everyday tasks like brushing and flossing their teeth. Families who need help caring for a senior loved one 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.

Oral Cancer

The oral cavity can also develop cancer, and the risk of this goes up with age. Your loved one needs to request an oral cancer screening during dental checkups. These screenings only take a few minutes, but they save lives through early detection and treatment.

If your loved one is diagnosed with oral cancer or any other serious disease, compassionate help is just a phone call away. 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.

Missing or Damaged Teeth

A single missing tooth can throw off your loved one’s bite. When your loved one is unable to chew food properly, he or she may develop secondary symptoms such as gastrointestinal discomfort or malnutrition. Help your loved one choose a tooth replacement option, and make sure to get his or her dentures checked and relined as needed so they don’t cause discomfort. 

Oral health plays a significant role in an aging adult’s overall wellbeing. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional at-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. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at 920-717-1767 today.

Seniors may be susceptible to high cholesterol as a result of a slower metabolic rate, chronic illnesses, and certain medications. Because high cholesterol can raise the risk for strokes and heart attacks, it’s important to maintain healthy cholesterol levels in the senior years. Here are some things you can do to help your aging loved one maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Limit Tobacco and Alcohol Intake

Encouraging your loved one to quit smoking and limit the intake of alcoholic beverages can help him or her maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Cigarette smoking and consuming alcohol can lower levels of high-density lipoproteins. These substances are thought to protect against cardiovascular disease, so it’s crucial their levels don’t decrease. Also, drinking alcohol can raise other blood lipids known as triglycerides, which may heighten the risk for strokes and heart attacks. If your loved one is unable to quit smoking or drinking alcohol independently, make an appointment with a physician who can recommend effective treatment options for smoking cessation and alcohol avoidance.

Your loved one may require constant professional supervision at home to break unhealthy addictions and focus on healthier lifestyle choices. The type of home care Oshkosh, Wisconsin, 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.

Consume Garlic

Garlic has potent antilipemic properties that play an important role in lowering cholesterol levels. Garlic contains allicin, which raises “good cholesterol” levels while lowering bad cholesterol. Although increasing the intake of garlic may have positive effects on serum cholesterol, talk to the doctor to make sure it’s safe for your loved one to consume. Because of its ability to decrease platelet aggregation, garlic may not be recommended for people who take aspirin or prescription blood thinners daily.

Eat Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C and potassium. Both nutrients have heart-healthy properties such as the ability to lower blood pressure, regulate the heart rate, and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. If your loved one is unable to eat enough citrus fruits to meet the recommended daily allowances for vitamin C and potassium, talk to his or her healthcare provider about taking an over-the-counter supplement.

Older adults, particularly those with multiple health conditions, may have nutritional deficiencies that affect their quality of life. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them obtain this goal. Families can trust Oshkosh elderly home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living a longer and healthier life.

Walk Often

Walking and other forms of exercise can lower cholesterol levels while keeping high blood pressure at bay. Mild exercise may also relieve feelings of anxiety and stress, which are risk factors in the development of high cholesterol. Walking also keeps excess weight off, which lowers the risk of developing elevated serum cholesterol. While walking is usually recommended for most people, check with a physician to make sure your loved one is able to start a new exercise plan. Walking lowers cholesterol levels, keeps the cardiovascular system healthy, and promotes restorative sleep so seniors feel more energized and hopeful about the future.

Healthy lifestyle changes can help older adults maintain ideal cholesterol levels. 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. Please call us at 920-717-1767 today to learn more about how our premier care plans can benefit your loved one.

Just because people get older doesn’t mean they’ll succumb to the health effects of aging. Simple lifestyle habits can keep seniors active and healthy, even those who have preexisting medical conditions. Here are five ways your senior loved one can stave off the effects of aging.

1. Stay Active

Engaging in mild forms of exercise such as walking and low-impact aerobics can promote cardiovascular health by increasing circulation, lowering cholesterol levels, enhancing pulmonary function, and keeping anxiety and depression at bay. While daily exercise is important to the wellbeing of seniors, talk to a physician before encouraging your loved one to engage in a new exercise program.

Older adults sometimes need assistance to perform exercises and other everyday tasks safely. Oshkosh 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.

2. Avoid Smoking

Smoking may raise the risk for premature aging. The toxins in a cigarette can lead to capillary damage, which may be a risk factor in cardiovascular disease and stroke. If your loved one smokes and is unable to quit independently, make an appointment with his or her physician. The doctor can suggest effective smoking cessation treatment options that may include nicotine replacement products, prescription medications, hospital-based support groups, and cognitive therapy.

3. Eat Healthy

As people age, they become more susceptible to nutritional deficiencies, which speeds up the aging process. Eating a nutritionally-dense diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids may boost cardiovascular function, maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and protect the skin from age-related conditions. If your loved one is unable to consume the recommended daily requirements for essential vitamins and minerals, ask the doctor if an over-the-counter supplement would be appropriate.

Some seniors can’t plan or cook meals alone, and their families may not always be available to assist them. In these instances, it’s important to designate a trusted companion to provide the necessary care. 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.

4. Get a Pet

Spending time with pets, especially dogs and cats, may stave off the effects of aging. Physical contact with an animal may lower blood pressure, regulate the heart rate, and boost immune function. In addition, many seniors face social isolation, depression, and anxiety. It is thought that pet companionship greatly reduces these conditions, allowing seniors to look forward to the future with more happiness, enthusiasm, and hope.

5. Limit Alcohol Intake

An occasional alcoholic beverage may provide some health benefits for aging adults. However, drinking in excess can lead to significant problems. For example, chronic alcohol intake may lead to liver disease, high blood pressure, kidney disorders, and certain malignancies. In addition, many seniors take anticoagulant medications to reduce the risk for heart attack and stroke. When combined with alcohol, taking these medications may lead to dangerous bleeding. If your loved one drinks alcohol on a regular basis, encourage him or her to cut down. Doing so may stave off some of the effects of aging. However, if your loved one is unable to quit drinking independently, make an appointment with his or her healthcare provider to discuss treatment options.

If your loved one needs motivation to adopt healthy lifestyle changes, consider seeking the assistance of a professional in-home caregiver. Families shouldn’t have to worry about finding reliable in-home care. Oshkosh Senior Stride Home Care is a leading provider of elderly home care. We offer a proprietary program called the Balanced Care Method, which uses holistic methods to promote senior health, our caregivers and Care Managers are available 24/7, and all of our in-home care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Give us a call at 920-717-1767 to learn more about our premier senior care programs.