Category: Senior Health

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.

Spring is in the air, and unfortunately, so are seasonal allergies. Pollen, mold, and smog can bring on runny noses, sneezing fits, and itchy eyes, and sometimes those symptoms can be exacerbated among seniors. Here are a few tips for Oshkosh hourly caregivers looking to help seniors conquer the season of the sneeze.

Keep Allergens Outside

Allergens often come into the house on your shoes and clothes. Keep the pollen count at a minimum by removing and leaving shoes at the door. Vacuum your loved one’s home frequently and use machine-washable area rugs on the floor. Keep filters on any air conditioners clean and when pollen counts are high, use the air conditioner rather than opening a window. These steps will keep allergens outside where they belong.

See an Allergist

For severe allergies, make an appointment with your loved one’s allergist. They can prescribe different medications and work with seniors to develop plans to avoid pollen, mold, and the situations that can bring on serious allergy attacks. It helps to stay a step ahead and develop a strategy before allergy season hits.

Change Clothes Regularly

Synthetic fabrics attract pollen when they rub together because these materials create an electrical charge, and pollen is also charged. Look for more natural fabrics for your loved one to wear. Seniors who’ve been around allergens should shower and wash their hair and clothes afterward. Be sure to use a dryer for the clothes. Hanging them on a clothesline allows them to collect more allergens.

Choose the Best Times to Be Active

Pollen counts are lowest before dawn, in late afternoon, and during the early evening. Use those times to take walks or exercise outside with your loved one to keep allergies at a minimum. Be sure to monitor daily pollen counts and smog alerts online or on the news as an added measure.

Get Out of Town

If your senior loved one can’t seem to escape the pollen at home, it may be best to get away for a while. Provided that your loved one is well enough, consider taking a vacation to a beach during the worst allergy periods. Pollen and other allergen counts are lower near the ocean as the breeze blows the pollen away.

Allergies can dampen the excitement springtime usually generates for seniors. If your loved one has trouble managing seasonal allergy symptoms, turn to Senior Stride Home Care of Oshkosh. Our reliable Oshkosh elder care promotes senior health and wellbeing and allows seniors to age in place while maintaining their independence. Learn more today by calling 920-717-1767 and scheduling a no-obligation consultation with a friendly Care Manager.

Dealing with a cancer diagnosis is difficult for everyone involved. For seniors, it can be even more difficult because they may not have easy access to groups that could help them accept and adapt to their diagnosis. This is where online cancer outreach can make a huge difference. There are a number of great sites that seniors and their loved ones can turn to to learn more about cancer and reach out to others in the cancer community. Oshkosh 24 hour care providers recommend the following cancer resources.

Cancercare.org

This site is one of the most popular cancer resources online. It offers information for seniors with cancer and survivors, as well as for caregivers who want to learn more about how to help their loved ones. There are forums where any member can ask questions and get answers from professionals in the medical field. There are also tips regarding coping with and accepting a diagnosis, which is why seniors will benefit from making this site their first resource.

American Cancer Society

This national society for patients and survivors of difference cancers offers information on treatment options and research. There is also a chat forum that allows people from all over the country to ask questions and share insights. This site is a useful tool for seniors and family caregivers who want to stay updated on all of the latest cancer research information.

Association of Cancer Online Resources

The Association of Cancer site offers a plethora of options for numerous types of cancer. You can select the topics you are interested in and find all manner of resources whether you’re looking for medical trials or in-home care in Oshkosh. They also provide information regarding side effects of chemo and radiation, making it one of the most thorough cancer online resource directories available.

Livestrong Foundation

This site provides guidance to help seniors from the moment of diagnosis right through the recovery process. There are tips on living healthy while undergoing treatment as well as how to continue to enjoy life when there are no more treatment options available.

When you and your elderly parent or family member need help finding the right support, turn to Senior Stride Home Care. We are a leading provider of in-home services that specializes in dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke, and Alzheimer’s home care for seniors in Oshkosh. Additionally, we help seniors age in place while tending to their individual needs such as personal care, housekeeping, and medication reminders. To learn more about how we can help your loved one at home, call a dedicated Care Manager at 920-717-1767 today.