Category: Senior Health

As people age, they may be more likely to develop chronic illnesses and pain. While many medical conditions can be managed by prescription medications, they are not without side effects. It is therefore important to try and implement complementary or alternative therapies such as yoga into an older person’s therapeutic care plan. Here are four ways yoga makes seniors healthier.

1. Facilitates Effective Breathing Patterns

Chronic respiratory disease, issues with posture, and degenerative spine disorders can lead to poor lung function and difficulty breathing. Participating in a regular yoga program can enhance breathing function by increasing oxygen flow in the respiratory system. Since yoga is a low-impact exercise, it is better tolerated by people affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or fluid in the lungs.

The deep breathing involved with yoga can help seniors keep several health conditions at bay. 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.

2. Enhances Flexibility

Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and certain autoimmune disorders can lead to stiff, painful joints and muscles, which can make it difficult to complete activities of daily living. Yoga, like other low-impact exercises, promotes flexibility while lowering the risk for injury. Seniors who regularly practice yoga feel stronger and less likely to experience instability and an unsteady gait when ambulating. Those participating in yoga programs may notice they need less pain medication to manage their chronic conditions, and in some cases, they can stop taking their medications altogether.

Seniors are more likely to exercise if they have a trusted caregiver to motivate them. An Oshkosh caregiver can help your elderly loved one manage his or her health in a variety of ways. If your loved one needs encouragement to exercise more often, eat healthier foods, or socialize on a regular basis, an in-home caregiver can address these and many other health-related concerns.

3. Curtails Anxiety

Seniors can greatly benefit from the anti-anxiety effects of yoga. In certain people, yoga may be even more effective than anti-anxiety medications. Seniors are more likely to experience adverse reactions and side effects from psychotropic medications. Certain side effects can have serious health consequences such as an irregular heartbeat, diminished renal function, dizziness, and electrolyte imbalances. In addition to anxiety, many seniors experience depression. Advancing age, chronic illnesses, constant pain, and loneliness can trigger feelings of despair and sadness. Mild forms of exercise such as yoga promote the release of certain “feel-good” chemicals in the brain, known as endorphins. When endorphins are released into the bloodstream, anxious or depressed seniors enjoy feelings of calmness and wellbeing. Yoga can also dampen adrenaline surges, which raise the risk for panic and anxiety attacks and contribute to systemic inflammation. 

4. Lowers Blood Pressure 

Yoga can also help seniors maintain healthy blood pressure. Hypertension becomes more common as people get older, and it is one of the primary causes of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and chronic renal disease. Yoga reduces the effects of oxidative stress and free radicals, and it is also a potent stress-reliever. Chronic stress has been shown to be a contributing factor in the development of high blood pressure. In combination with prescribed medications, nutritional interventions, and weight loss, yoga can be an important component of your loved one’s plan to stave off hypertension.

If your loved one needs help and supervision to perform yoga but you are not available to assist him or her, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Oshkosh elderly 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. Call Senior Stride Home Care at 920-717-1767, speak with one of our professional Care Managers, and create a high-quality care plan for your elderly loved one.

The beginning of the new year is a great time for seniors to start making positive changes that can enhance their quality of life. Family caregivers can help their senior loved ones come up with New Year’s resolutions that benefit their physical, emotional, and mental health. Here are a few ideas to get family caregivers started. 

1. Stay Active Every Day

Getting some type of physical activity every day helps seniors stay in shape physically, and it can also boost their emotional health. Exercise reduces the risk of several health complications and releases endorphins that can help seniors feel happier and calmer. Caregivers can help by going for walks with their loved one or assisting with workout routines as needed.

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

2. Do Brain Activities

Giving the brain a workout on a regular basis can boost mental and emotional health. Doing crossword puzzles and other activities that challenge the mind enhances cognitive function. Seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s can benefit the most from doing brain activities. 

3. Practice Better Sleep Hygiene

Being able to get restful sleep becomes more difficult as seniors age, but it’s an important part of staying healthy. Seniors can take steps to enhance sleep quality in the new year, such as getting a more comfortable mattress and staying awake during the day instead of taking a nap.

4. Look into Volunteer Opportunities

Doing volunteer work can help seniors stay socially active. This kind of work can boost emotional and mental health. Caregivers can help their loved ones find local volunteer opportunities that are suitable for their age. 

5. Choose Healthier Desserts

Limiting sugar intake in the new year can help seniors manage chronic health conditions better and maintain good health. Less sugar in the diet can also enhance their mood. Seniors can opt for healthier choices for desserts, such as fresh fruit or dark chocolate. 

6. Take Up a Hobby

Having a hobby to focus on gives seniors a way to put their creativity to use or learn something new, which can enhance their mental and emotional health. Seniors can try an older hobby they haven’t done in years or take up a new one such as photography or painting. 

7. Schedule Regular Checkups and Screenings

Going for a routine wellness visit and having all recommended screenings done can help seniors maintain their health in the new year. Caregivers can help their loved ones schedule these appointments and ensure they attend them throughout the year. 

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

8. Call an Old Friend

Seniors who have lost touch with friends over the years can benefit from contacting them again. Spending time with others is an important part of maintaining good mental and emotional health as seniors get older. Interacting with others prevents loneliness and lowers the risk of depression.

Achieving New Year’s resolutions can be challenging for seniors, especially if they can’t manage day-to-day activities on their own. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Oshkosh Senior Stride Home Care can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks. To hire a professional caregiver, call us at 920-717-1767 today.

As people get older, changes in metabolism can make it challenging to maintain the correct body temperature. Fortunately, there are many things that can be done to ward off the chill whether your senior loved one is at home or enjoying a day out in the community. Use these tips to help your loved one stay warm throughout the winter months.

Schedule a Heater Inspection

Your loved one’s home heating system is the first defense against the cold. Make sure the system is working properly by arranging for a seasonal inspection before the cold weather comes, then check it periodically to make sure it continues to function during the times when it is needed the most.

Hiring a professional caregiver is another way to ensure your senior loved one stays warm and receives help with everyday tasks during the winter season. 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.

Encourage Regular Physical Activity

Seniors must make it a priority to stay active even when the cold weather limits their time outside of the house. Regular physical activity can get your loved one’s heart rate up, and the blood pumping through the body can help him or her stay warm. Try to plan outdoor walks during the day when it is warmer, and remember that even moving indoors throughout the day can help your loved one stay warm.

Seniors who need help exercising and managing other daily activities can benefit from professional in-home care. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Oshkosh Senior Stride Home Care can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks.

Provide Layers of Warm Clothing

A senior’s body can experience rapid changes in temperature, and encouraging your loved one to dress in layers can modify his or her body temperature as needed. For instance, your loved one could wear a short sleeve shirt underneath a warmer sweater or cardigan, and a coat can be added if he or she ventures outside. If your loved one has difficulty getting dressed, make the process easier by providing dressing aids such as button hooks so he or she can stay independent.

Offer Warm Drinks

During the summer, your loved one may have enjoyed frozen treats and smoothies. Now, switch it up by offering warm drinks such as hot cocoa and decaffeinated tea. You can even turn this into a social activity by setting your loved one up with a tea party with his or her favorite caregiver and friends.

Seal Drafts Around the House

A home heating system is more efficient if cold air is not seeping into the house. Spend some time checking around each window and door to feel for cold air. If you feel a draft, seal the area with caulking or weather-stripping. This is especially important in rooms where your loved one spends the most time since a cold draft could quickly give him or her a chill.

Create an Emergency Plan

During winter weather warnings, you must take extra precautions to ensure your loved one is never stuck in the cold. If a visit is not possible, call your loved one each day or arrange for a caregiver to check in on him or her. Make sure to have an emergency plan in place in case your loved one’s utilities or heating system go out. For instance, you can provide transportation to a community center or family member’s house where he or she can continue to stay warm until the crisis is over.

The winter season makes seniors susceptible to several health concerns that can make it difficult for them to manage everyday activities. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Oshkosh seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers. To hire an in-home care expert for your aging loved one, call one of our friendly Care Managers at 920-717-1767 today.

If you are a live-in Oshkosh, WI, caregiver for a senior, then you might want to make a holistic first aid kit for him or her. It is important when creating the kit that you include directions that explain what the products are for and when to use them.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is great at easing the pain of burns and helping them to heal. Seniors can also use it to remove makeup in a pinch. Additionally, it can be used to freshen breath.

Arnica

Arnica comes as a cream or a gel. It is great for easing the pain from sore muscles. It can also be used to help bruises heal faster.

Chamomile

When made into a tea, it can help seniors relax and ease insomnia. Chamomile is also great for easing indigestion. Additionally, it can also be used to soothe tooth pain.

Activated Charcoal

The tiny pores of activated charcoal are great for capturing toxins in them. It can also be used to whiten teeth or consumed during an episode of food poisoning.

Cayenne Powder

Taken internally, cayenne powder can be used to increase the speed of blood flow. When used externally, it stops the flow of blood from minor cuts and scrapes.

Comfrey

Make a poultice of comfrey and hold it on a wound to speed up the healing process. Made into a salve, it is great at easing the irritation from a bug bite.

Eucalyptus

When steamed with some water, eucalyptus oil makes a great steam to help open sinuses and clear stuffy heads.

Ginger

Seniors can take a little ginger to help with an upset stomach. It is also great for motion sickness and may help stop travel lag.

Peppermint

Have the senior rub some peppermint oil behind the ears to stop a headache. Drink a drop or two of it combined with some oil to stop stomach problems.

These are just some of the holistic items you can place in your loved one’s first aid kit. Consider other precautions you can take for your loved one when you call Senior Stride Home Care at 920-717-1767. We provide flexible live-in and hourly senior care Oshkosh, WI, seniors need to age in place with confidence. Learn more when you meet with a friendly Care Manager.

It is the time of year when it seems that everyone has a cold. There are some important steps that your senior can take to stop from getting a cold this year. Here’s how Oshkosh live-in care professionals can help seniors stave off the bug this winter.

1. Wash Your Hands

The most important thing that a senior can do is to wash his or her hands regularly. About 80 percent of cold germs are picked up from the things that are touched. Therefore, make sure that everyone is washing his or her hands for at least 30 seconds on a regular basis, especially after coming in contact with random surfaces. If you cannot get to water, then use a hand sanitizer that is over 50 percent alcohol.

2. Cough into Your Elbow

Most seniors were taught to cover their mouths with their hands when they coughed. This was bad advice because it moves the germs from the mouth onto the hands. Instead, convince the senior to cover his or her mouth with an elbow when he or she coughs.

3. Sanitize

Sanitizing on a regular basis can help stop cold germs from spreading through the house. While disposable wipes can be very helpful, they are also very expensive. Bleach and water makes a wonderful and more economical cleaner.

4. Go Disposable

Using paper plates, plastic utensils and disposable cups can help cut down on the spread of the cold virus. Therefore, consider using them for just a few days if someone has a cold. They can especially be useful if the person who normally does the dishes does not feel good.

5. Eat and Sleep Right

Getting enough rest and eating a well-balanced diet can help the cold systems stay away. Try to make sure your loved one eats enough vitamin C each day as the body cannot store it and the body’s immune system needs it to fight the cold germs effectively. Try to get at least eight hours of restful sleep each night.

Encouraging your senior to follow these five simple steps can help stop them from getting a cold this year. You can also help prevent the cold by calling Senior Stride Home Care at 920-717-1767 today. We provide flexible live-in and hourly home care Oshkosh seniors need to maintain physical and emotional wellbeing. Talk to a friendly Care Manager today to have a care plan customized for your loved one.

Say the word gynecologist to most women and they will want to run away. Yet, those who look after women over the age of 65 should encourage them to get an annual exam. The great news is that the woman may not need a pap smear, which is the part that most women hate about their annual visit the most. But there are still plenty of reasons why Oshkosh home caregivers should prompt elderly women to see their gynecologists.

One reason that a woman needs to see a gynecologist is to discuss changes in bladder and bowel habits. Commonly known as waterworks, many women choose to stay home from fun activities because they fear that they may not be able to get to the restroom in time. Changes in this area of life may be as simple as a urinary tract infection that can be easily treated. These changes, however, can be signs of larger problems that a woman needs to address.

During the exam, the doctor may look for signs of cervical cancer. Over 2,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in women over the age of 65 each year. If cancer is found, then the woman may work with her doctor to determine the right course of action. Occasionally, the woman may just need to have a hysterectomy.

Another important part of the exam might include checking for signs of breast cancer. While the doctor may do a manual breast exam, he or she may recommend that the woman go for a mammogram. Generally, a woman should have a mammogram at least every two years until she reaches the age of 70. Again, only the doctor can recommend what is right in individual circumstances.

Oshkosh elderly care providers understand that many women put off these exams over the fear of money. If the woman is covered by private insurance, she may find that the cost of these exams is nearly free depending on the insurance policy. If the woman is on Medicare, then Part B coverage ensures that these exams are almost free. If the woman has no coverage, do not let this stand in her way, as there are many free or affordable solutions available in most cities.

Even if a senior woman has experienced menopause, it’s still important for her to see a gynecologist. Senior Stride Home Care professionals understand that not all seniors are able to go to the doctor’s office alone, which is why our compassionate caregivers are available 24/7 to offer transportation to and from medical appointments. Additionally, we provide specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia and stroke care Oshkosh, WI, families rely on to help seniors age in place. Call 920-710-CARE (2273) today to schedule a free consultation

Along with obstructing arterial and venous blood vessels, blood clots commonly break free, travel through the bloodstream and cause heart attacks, pulmonary embolisms or strokes. Seniors and their Oshkosh home caregivers can reduce the likelihood of developing vascular problems by minimizing other risk factors.

Take Prescribed Medication

Atrial fibrillation, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are examples of medical conditions often diagnosed in older adults. If seniors do not seek medical treatment, the ailments can cause plaque and blood clots to form. Seniors must take medications as directed and make follow-up appointments as recommended in order to maintain optimal health and prevent further complications.

Stop Smoking

Smoking constricts blood vessels, which impedes circulation and causes clot formation from pooling blood. Quitting is often more difficult for older loved ones as they may have been smoking for decades. Ultimately, giving up the habit must be their decision. However, there are many options available to ease the cravings and stress.

Keep Hydrated

Breathing, sweating and eliminating bodily waste cause fluid loss that must be replaced. The increased temperatures during certain times of the year cause greater fluid deficits, which in turn causes blood to slow and clot in the bloodstream. Oshkosh, WI, elderly care providers recommend that adults consume at least two liters of fluid everyday to stay hydrated and prevent blood from clotting.

Avoid Prolonged Sitting

Seniors should stand and walk around every one or two hours. Sitting for extensive lengths of time slows blood circulation in the legs to the point that a clot may form. Having someone simply move around and stretch the lower extremities keeps blood from clotting, especially among seniors confined to a wheelchair.

Stay Active

Getting a sufficient amount of exercise helps keep the cardiovascular system working properly and prevents blood clot formation. Going for a 30-minute walk at least three times a week is a vast improvement for anyone who has been predominately sedentary. Over time, seniors may then increase the level and intensity of activity.

By encouraging your loved one to engage in the above activities, he or she can reduce the risk of blood clots and related medical issues. You can further reduce your loved one’s risk of blood clots by hiring Senior Stride Home Care of Oshkosh. We provide specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, and stroke home care in Oshkosh that encourages seniors to eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, and adopt other healthy habits that promote longevity and wellbeing. Set up a free in-home consultation today by calling 920-717-1767 to speak with a trusted Care Manager.

Even if seniors still have generally good health, it may be difficult for them to properly manage and maintain their finger and toenails alone. Limited vision, an inability to bend over and touch the feet, and the health problems that come with old age can result in poor nail hygiene which may have serious consequences. Here’s what Oshkosh, WI in-home care providers can do to help their loved ones.

The Dangers of Improper Nail Care

Ingrown nails, nail fungus, corns, calluses, and ulcers are all common nail issues that affect the elderly. Since the aging immune system is so weak, these nail issues can lead to infections that may travel through the bloodstream and cause severe problems if left untreated. Many seniors also live with poor blood circulation due to diabetes or other health conditions, so they may not feel or notice issues with their feet and hands right away. To prevent infections that could lead to amputation or even death, it is important to always keep the nails of your elderly loved one trimmed, clean, and healthy.

How to Maintain Proper Nail Hygiene

Many seniors need assistance with nail hygiene because they cannot reach their feet themselves, or the joint immobility of arthritis may make it hard to use clippers. In general, feet should be kept clean, warm, and dried, and any shoes should fit properly without putting pressure on the nails. Keeping your loved one’s feet warm and dry will prevent fungus that could grow under the nails or along the feet. Fingernails should also be warm and dry as much as possible, and any hangnails should be clipped neatly instead of being torn off. Toenails should be cut in a straight even line in order to prevent ingrown toenails from developing. It is important to regularly examine the nails of your elderly loved one so that you can take them to the doctor as soon as any fungal infection or ingrown nails develop.

If you have trouble maintaining your loved one’s nails or need help tending to his or her personal care needs, turn to Senior Stride Home Care. In addition to helping seniors with everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming, we also provide specialized stroke, dementia, and Alzheimer’s care Oshkosh seniors need to age in place with confidence. Contact us at 920-717-1767 today to speak to a dedicated Care Manager about our services. Don’t forget to schedule a free in-home consultation when you call.

Many seniors currently live with cardiovascular diseases with help from Oshkosh at-home caregivers and require transplant surgeries. With cardiac muscle tissue already being harvested from pluripotent stem cells, researchers are looking forward to the day when they will be able to grow an actual beating heart suitable for transplantation purposes. According to a study published in the March 2016 issue of Circulation Research, that day may be coming soon.

Years ago, a medical research team combined 3D printing technology with biological material to manufacture an organ that resembled the basic heart anatomy minus the cardiac tissue. This project motivated stem cell scientists to bioengineer embryonic cells so that they can be stimulated to develop into cardiac tissue. Embryonic heart tissue harvested in the lab has already been used for pharmaceutical testing purposes. In recent months, however, these lab-grown cardiac cells were injected into the aforementioned heart structure produced in a 3D printer.

Using chemical nutrients and mature skin cells, researchers were able to stimulate the embryonic cells to grow into an organ that resembles a heart in the process of development. The most exciting moment of the project involved sending an electrical shock to the lab-grown organ, which started beating like a functioning human heart. Although it is still too early to think about lab-grown hearts being used for transplantation procedures, researchers and Oshkosh home care agencies are optimistic about the potential use of stem cell therapy for cardiac patients.

This research into embryonic heart muscle creation by means of stem cells inspired a medical team at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, where Caleb Sizemore, a teenager suffering from congenital heart scarring, received an infusion of stem cells directly into his heart. Doctors are hopeful that the scarring of Caleb’s heart tissue can be reversed to a healing extent with stem cell therapy, a procedure that could potentially be applied to many other patients.

Living with and recovering from heart disease can pose a serious challenge for seniors who live alone. To combat these challenges, Senior Stride Home Care of Oshkosh provides flexible live-in and hourly home care for seniors. In addition to helping our clients manage cardiovascular disease, we also provide comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, and post-stroke home care in Oshkosh. Contact us at 920-717-1767 to learn more about our services and schedule a free in-home consultation today.

Avocados have been gaining popularity in the U.S. in recent years. Not only are they creamy and flavorful treats, but also they are nutrient-dense and contain more than a dozen vitamins and minerals. According to a study in the Journal of the American Heart Association, avocados can also fight cholesterol and protect cardiovascular health when eaten as part of a heart-healthy, moderate-fat diet. Here’s why part-time caregivers in Oshkosh should add more avocado into their loved one’s diets.

Understanding the Study

According to the JAHA study, researchers placed participants on three different cholesterol-lowering diets. These volunteers were placed on each of the diets for exactly five weeks and revealed a significant reduction in LDL, also known as bad cholesterol, while eating the moderate-fat diet with avocado. This was a beneficial outcome that strongly contrasted with results from the other diets. Those who participated in the avocado diet also exhibited favorable changes in their total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

How Avocados Affect Heart Health

The fat content in avocados comes from mono- and polyunsaturated fats in addition to omega-3 fatty acids, which naturally lower cholesterol levels. Avocados provide approximately 25 milligrams per ounce of beta-sitosterol. Regular consumption of natural plant sterols have been linked to lower cholesterol levels. Avocados are also rich in vitamin B6 and folic acid, which can help lower homocysteine levels associated with an increased risk of heart disease. A 2013 study published in Nutrition Journal also found that avocados reduced the risk of metabolic syndrome, which is a cluster of conditions associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease and diabetes.

Incorporating Avocados into Your Loved One’s Diet

Most people associate avocado with guacamole and corn chips. While delicious, this combo is high in calories, sodium, and other fats that are not heart healthy. Instead, try fresh avocado sliced on top of a salad, sandwich, or a piece of lean protein. Oshkosh in-home care providers can also add avocado to smoothies in place of fattening yogurt or other dairy products to maintain a smooth consistency.

There are other foods and beverages you can incorporate into your loved one’s diet to promote heart health. To learn more about them, turn to Senior Stride Home Care of Oshkosh. We provide flexible Alzheimer’s, dementia, and stroke care in Oshkosh in addition to helping seniors with daily activities. Not only do we help seniors around the house, but we also promote healthy lifestyle choices including nutritious diet and physical exercise. Contact us at 920-717-1767 today to learn more about our services and schedule a complimentary consultation.