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Getting older does not mean losing the zest for life or the ability to be productive and creative. In addition to being physically healthy, many seniors retain healthy cognitive function. However, some older adults need help to maintain their cognitive health. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional non-medical in-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.

These renowned older illustrators continue demonstrating their creativity and talents and serve as an inspiration.

1. Brian Froud – 70

This English illustrator specializes in the realm of fantasy art. However, he claims the stunning landscapes in his creations are commonly inspired by the picturesque views of Dartmoor. Froud is responsible for the conceptual designs of many famous films, including Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal. His illustrations are also found in many books, including The Goblin Companion: A Field Guide to Goblins, Faeries, Good Faeries/Bad Faeries, and The Runes of Elfland.

2. Gary Panter – 66

Panter has an accomplished career as a cartoonist, a designer, a painter, and an illustrator in addition to being a part-time musician. His more recent works are found in the new wave comics movement. Panter’s illustrations have been showcased in many different magazines and newspapers, including Raw, Rolling Stone, and Time. His set designs for the TV series Pee-Wee’s Playhouse won him three Emmy awards. Other recognized works include Facetasm, Jimbo: Adventures in Paradise, and Jimbo’s Inferno.

3. George Pérez – 62

Along with being a writer, Pérez is a noted comic book illustrator. His visual art has been featured in comics such as The Avengers, Teen Titans, and Wonder Woman. Many writers cite Pérez as one of their favorite collaborative artists.

4. Paul Coker – 87

Coker’s long illustration career includes works found in Mad magazine and the character designs for Rankin-Bass animated films. He has also worked on various advertising campaigns, illustrated more than 375 articles for Mad, and helped create the characters and visuals for such beloved holiday shorts as Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph’s Shiny New Year, and Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town. His illustrations also introduced the long-running Horace and Buggy and Lancelot comic strips to the public.

5. Rotraut Susanne Berner – 68

Berner is a popular German graphic designer and illustrator. She is most known for her series of children’s books titled Wimmelbuch, which have sold more than 500,000 copies worldwide. Her works have also included more than 80 books for children and young adults, along with more than 800 book covers. Her contributions to art and children’s literature won her the coveted Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2016.

6. Sir Quentin Saxby Blake – 84

This cartoonist and illustrator hails from England. His best known artistic endeavors are easily recognized in the children’s books written by Roald Dahl. Blake won the Hans Christian Andersen award in 2002. From 1999 through 2001, he was the inaugural British Children’s Laureate, and he has also long been a patron of the Association of Illustrators.

Staying creative in the senior years can stave off dementia. If your loved one has already been diagnosed with dementia, engaging in mentally stimulating activities with a professional caregiver can be beneficial. For trusted and reliable dementia care, Oshkosh families can turn to Senior Stride Home Care. We are experts in caring for seniors with memory-related conditions, our caregivers are available 24/7, and all of our dementia care programs are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

The same applies for seniors who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. If your elderly loved one is living with Alzheimer’s and needs help managing the symptoms, turn to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of Alzheimer’s care. Oshkosh seniors can rely on our revolutionary Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program that helps slow cognitive decline and delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. CTM also encourages seniors to engage with others in an enjoyable way and helps them build new routines to look forward to. To learn more about CTM and our premier Alzheimer’s care, please give us a call at 920-717-1767.

Seniors who recognize the early warning signs of diabetes are often able to reverse the condition with certain lifestyle changes. However, many seniors fail to treat their diabetes because they attribute the symptoms to other age-related medical conditions. If your loved one has been diagnosed with diabetes, consider hiring a professional caregiver to help him or her manage the condition. When considering in-home senior care, Oshkosh, WI, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits.

Here are 7 early warning signs of diabetes that should not be ignored as well as tips on preventing this pervasive disease.

1. Increased Thirst

When a senior’s blood sugar level rises, he or she begins to pass sugar through the kidneys and into the urine. Over time, this dehydrates the senior and makes him or her feel constantly thirsty. Seniors who experience dry mouth or constant thirst should drink a few extra cups of water a day to keep their kidneys healthy.

2. Increased Hunger

Seniors with prediabetes may notice changes in their metabolism. However, eating sugar-laden foods to stabilize their blood sugar can worsen the condition. Alternatively, they should eat healthy snacks that give them long-term energy such as unsalted trail mix, oatmeal, and hard boiled eggs.

3. Chronic Fatigue

The glucose levels of a diabetic senior can fluctuate quite a bit throughout the day, and the body may respond by making him or her feel tired. While chronic fatigue can be caused by many different things, seniors who experience it should have their blood sugar tested. They must also seek medical assistance if the chronic fatigue is accompanied by unusual personality changes such as irritability and mood swings.

4. Vision Problems

Diabetes is often diagnosed during eye doctor visits. Ongoing glucose fluctuations can result in a variety of eyesight problems, including blurry vision and difficulty seeing at night. Seniors should schedule eye doctor appointments at least once a year to be tested for vision changes.

5. Slow Healing Wounds

In a healthy body, the arteries immediately send blood cells to a wound to begin the healing process. In diabetics, the arteries become damaged and lose their ability to effectively transport blood cells. A wound that won’t heal is one of the most common signs of diabetes, and it often results in secondary complications such as infections.

6. Tingling Hands and Feet

The vast majority of diabetic seniors will experience neuropathy at some point. Much like wounds that heal slowly, seniors experience a tingling sensation because the arteries can no longer send an adequate supply of blood to the extremities. Some seniors are able to reduce their neuropathy by wearing compression garments on their arms and legs.

7. Dry or Velvety Skin

Skin that is dry or itchy is common among seniors who have problems regulating their blood sugar levels. Excessive scratching can lead to lacerations and rashes that can take weeks to heal. Seniors with dry or velvety skin should use very mild soap when showering or washing their hands. They can also apply unscented lotion to their skin throughout the day to help relieve the itching and prevent further damage.

A professional caregiver can help a senior adopt a healthy lifestyle and manage diabetes. 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, WI, 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.

The symptoms of diabetes can be exacerbated if a senior also has an age-related cognitive disorder such as dementia. Many families have no experience in specialized home care for seniors, which can make life a bit more challenging when an elderly loved one is diagnosed with dementia. The Oshkosh, WI, dementia home care experts at Senior Stride Home Care are here to help. We designed a program called the Cognitive Therapeutics Method, which uses mentally engaging activities to slow the progression of dementia, and all of our live-in and respite caregivers are expertly trained in dementia care. For more information on our senior care services, call one of our experienced Care Managers today at 920-717-1767.

As your elderly loved one ages, the risk of becoming lonely increases. Loneliness can lead to a variety of health issues, including slips, falls, obesity, and memory loss. Here are 5 ways your senior loved one can remain socially active and stave off loneliness.

1. Lean on Others for Support

Losing a spouse or loved one could increase the odds of seniors becoming lonely. Seniors are at a higher risk of social isolation during the period after their spouse or significant other has passed away. Provide your loved one with extra support during these times. Take a few days out of the week to spend with your loved one. This could make a huge difference to his or her life. Extra support can help reduce the risk of loneliness.

If you are not always available to provide support to your loved one, consider hiring a professional caregiver. When considering elder home care, Oshkosh, WI, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits.

2. Get a Pet

Taking care of a pet could help seniors stave off loneliness. Pets often turn into great companions. If your elderly loved one is a pet owner, he or she can remain socially engaged, feel more secure, and be less lonely. Caring for a pet can motivate your loved one to use time constructively, boost his or her mood, and possibly lower the number of medications he or she needs to take. Before giving your elderly loved one a pet, check with a doctor to make sure he or she is emotionally and physically able to care for and nurture the animal.

3. Engage in Hobbies and Activities

If your senior loved one stays at home day after day, he or she is at a higher risk of becoming bored and lonely. Encouraging your loved one to take up a hobby and get involved in local activities could prevent loneliness. Volunteering is a positive way for your loved one to find a purpose. Keeping your senior loved one busy not only enhances his or her sense of purpose in life, it can also reduce the risk of isolation and loneliness.

Sometimes seniors need motivation to engage in different activities, and they also want reassurance that the housework will be accomplished. A professional caregiver can help motivate your loved one and also help with household tasks. If your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, Oshkosh, WI, live-in home caregivers at Senior Stride Home Care are here to help. Our proprietary Balanced Care Method was designed to promote longevity by encouraging seniors to focus on healthy eating, regular exercise, mental engagement, and other important lifestyle factors.

 4. Maintain a Positive Body Image

Many seniors avoid others because they are not satisfied with their body image. Being overweight can cause your elderly loved one to feel embarrassed and avoid interacting with others, leading to loneliness. Encourage your loved one to exercise and maintain a healthy weight. In addition to building confidence, exercising could also help your loved one prevent serious health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. Compliment your loved one from time to time. Positive comments about his or her appearance can boost his or her self-esteem.

5. Attend Social Dinners

Dining with others is a great way for your loved one to stave off loneliness. Meals and family gatherings are a time for people to come together and share food, talk about life, and have a great time. Encourage your elderly loved one to attend dinners at the local senior center, dine with a church group, or join friends for a meal at a nearby café or restaurant. In addition to preventing loneliness, these social dinners can also promote better nutrition for your senior loved one.

Using these tips to help your loved one stave off loneliness can also prevent medical conditions associated with cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer’s disease. If your elderly loved one is living with Alzheimer’s and needs help managing the symptoms, turn to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of Alzheimer’s care. Oshkosh seniors can rely on our revolutionary Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program that helps slow cognitive decline and delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. CTM also encourages seniors to engage with others in an enjoyable way and helps them build new routines to look forward to. Call 920-717-1767 to speak with a Care Manager who can create a customized care plan for your loved one.

In 400 BC, people were chewing on willow bark to alleviate inflammation, fever and pain. If dating back to the time of Hippocrates isn’t impressive enough, live-in Oshkosh caregivers only need to consider the fact that this powerful herb is still being used to treat inflammatory conditions and other ailments including tendinitis, gout and lower back pain. Valued for its high content of salicin-A, white willow bark closely imitates the effects of aspirin. Additionally, this amazing bark can also work as an anti-aging remedy.

Smooth Away Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Aesthetics are important to people at every age and the golden years are certainly no exception. Willow bark is widely known as an anti-acne treatment, but it can also do wonders for dry, aging skin that has begun to lose elasticity. Daily applications of willow bark extract can significantly smooth away fine lines and wrinkles. It’s filled with tannins, flavonoids, and antioxidants that can restore a healthy, youthful-looking glow.

Keep Inflammation at Bay

The best way to promote longevity and maintain wellbeing is by reducing inflammation. Willow bark has natural anti-inflammatory properties that are capable of fighting inflammation all throughout the body. It’s also great for alleviating arthritis pain without having to rely on prescription-strength or store-bought pain medications. Best of all, willow bark is not known to induce any negative side effects.

Treat Sensitive Skin Issues

Willow bark is also an impressive antiseptic. Pair that with its ability to limit inflammation and it’s the perfect topical application for a wide variety of skin conditions. If seniors have areas in which their clothing has chafed the skin or red, irritated rashes as the result of incontinence or incontinence products, solutions containing willow bark can supply rapid and lasting relief. When applied to a senior’s face, it is gentle enough to reduce redness and irritation to restore skin to a neutral skin tone.

Reactivate Youthful Genes

There are a number of genes in the skin that have a direct impact on how quickly and severely the skin ages. The expression of these genes changes over time, which is the primary underlying cause of lost skin elasticity, sagging skin, and fine lines and wrinkles. Studies have shown that routine use of willow bark, particularly early on, can decrease the expression of genes that cause aging skin while boosting the expression of genes that keep the skin looking youthful and healthy.

A large part of feeling well is looking our best. Willow bark and other natural products can significantly reduce the appearance of aging and consequently boost senior self-esteem and wellbeing. With Senior Stride Home Care of Oshkosh, WI, we emphasize the importance of senior wellbeing both inside and out. Our experienced caregivers help clients with daily activities including nutritious meal preparation, physical exercise, grooming, and more to boost longevity. Let us help your loved one enjoy the golden years he or she deserves. Call 920-717-1767 to speak with a friendly Care Manager about scheduling a free consultation today.