7 Tips to Maintain Comfort in the Hot, Hot Heat This Summer

The Oklahoma summer heat is dreaded by all, each and every year. How do you plan to stay cool, hydrated and beat the heat this season? We’ve got some helpful hints to keep you and your loved one’s in high spirits, while maintaining lower internal temperatures this summer!

1)    Hydration

Try infusing your water with fresh fruit to give it a sweet, yet subtle, kick. Some excellent flavorful additions include strawberries, cucumbers, or pineapples. Always keep a bottle of water at hand. Avoid over indulging in alcohol and caffeinated beverages as they will lead to dehydration.

2)    Snack Refreshingly

Avoid salty, processed foods as snacks. Instead, choose fruits dipped in yogurt, natural popsicles (or make your own frozen fruit-sicles), veggies dipped in hummus or ranch, or a caprese salad!

3)    Skin Protection

Lather sunscreen on, religiously. Don’t forget to protect your hands, feet, and pay special attention to your nose. If you’re planning on being in the sun for an extended period of time, bring a hat!

4)    Proper Attire

Light colors, light weight, loose fitting clothing made from all natural fabrics, such as cotton, are the most comfortable and breathable in the summer. Ensure your loved one has comfortable, light weight tennis shoes for the summer!

5)    Smart Transportation

Do not wait for the bus or walk to your destination in the hot hot heat! Grab a taxi, call a family member or friend, or call a local transportation service.

6)    Temperature Control

If your loved one is still living alone, don’t forget to check the thermostat when you go to visit! They’re home should not be set over 75°.

7)    Knowledge of Overheating

Signs Include: intense sweating, dizziness, nausea, paleness, a fast but weak pulse and fast, shallow breathing. Move your loved one into the shade, a cooler space and give them some water.

Don’t let the heat ruin your fun this summer! Stay hydrated and protected with the tips we’ve provided for you here!

7 Steps to Having the 'Tough Talk' With Your Parents

Planning care for your aging parent is a time consuming, emotionally draining task. While there are many options for elder care, making the best choice is crucial. How much help do they need? Can they still drive? Is it safe for them to continue cooking, cleaning and grooming themselves? These are all questions that Oxford can help you to answer before having ‘the talk.’  In order to sustain a positive conversation leading to the best choice of assistance, starting the conversation early will lead to more beneficial outcomes.

It is pertinent to have in-depth conversations with your loved ones to fully understand their preferences, ensuring a smoother transition. Maintaining open communication and truly listening to their desires allows your loved one to continue to feel their independence. You achieve a positive dialogue with patience, kindness, understanding and problem-solving teamwork. We have outlined a step-by-step approach to analyzing your parents’ behavior and finding the perfect, personalized care routine for their comfort.

1)    Assess their behaviors (grooming, house cleaning, cooking, driving, etc.)

2)    Lightly brush the subject of their independence by referring to someone else you may know who now receives help

3)    Review their reactions to help guide your approach to the talk

4)    Research the available options in their community so that you can steer the conversation with facts, granting them the possibility to make the most educated decision, leading to a higher likelihood of happiness

5)    Have the conversation: start with light, fun topics to open their warmth and receptiveness to the difficult discussion. Always approach the options with a teamwork mindset, problem-solving together for the best solution.

6)    Allow time for your loved one to assess their options and needs

7)    Softly approach the conversation until a decision is made. If necessary, you may need to get the family doctor involved to decide on a solution.

Although the conversation is difficult for everyone involved, it is best to start early and hash out a plan for your loved one’s optimal future. At Oxford HealthCare, our knowledgeable staff can help guide you and your family each step of the way to ensure a comfortable future for your loved one with a personalized care plan. What are you waiting for? Spring forward with Oxford; let’s get the conversation started today.

9 Tips For Preventing Elderly Falls

“About one third of the elder population over the age of 65 falls each year, and the risk of falls increases proportionately with age. At 80 years, over half of seniors fall annually.”

Have you thought seriously about your loved one’s potential to fall? As they age, the threat becomes increasingly severe. Falls can often lead to furthered complications and health risks. 3Two-thirds of those who fall will do so again in within the next six months.”2 Do you know how to prevent falls as best as you can? Read our tips below to keep your mom or dad safe and happy in their own homes.

1. Minimize clutter

2. Put a night light in the hallway and the bathroom

3. Install a hand rail in the shower, or get a shower chair

4. Make sure all cords are tightly secured

5. Purchase an Emergency Alert system

6. Encourage weekly exercise and strength training (especially in the legs)

7. Practice getting up from possible fall scenarios

8. Get rid of loose rugs

9. Wear grip socks or slippers

“Falls contribute to over 40% of nursing home admissions and are the 7th leading cause of death in people aged 65 or older.”3 Keep your parents safe. Keep your parents out of a nursing home. Keep your parents comfortable in their own home. Call Oxford Healthcare today and receive a free home consultation to ensure their safety. (918)258-1111

1. http://www.learnnottofall.com/content/fall-facts/how-often.jsp

2. http://shellpoint.org/blog/2012/08/13/10-shocking-statistics-about-elderly-falls/

3. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/geriatrics/falls-in-the-elderly/falls-in-the-elderly

Pooling Family Resources Payment Plan

“63% (of baby boomers) do not plan to move” (Demand Institute, 2013). Have you considered how your parents want to age? Oxford HealthCare has a longstanding reputation for over 20 years compassionately caring for the elderly in the comforts of their own home. We offer outstanding services at comparable prices while providing peace of mind for the whole family. For instance, in a nursing home your loved one can have a private room with 2-3 hours of care per day; however, at the same price, he or she can stay in their own home with 12 hours of one-on-one care per day. You may be asking yourself, ‘how can we pay for Long Term Care Services?  We are here to walk you through the multitude of options.

We call our favorite method the ‘Pooling Family Resources’ payment plan. First, designate an organizer. This person often lives nearby and is available to help when needed. Second, a family meeting needs to take place where you will discuss a Plan of Care. Identify the gaps where help is needed and count on Oxford to close those gaps. Third, designate individual contributions, whether they be monetary or donation of time. Finally, you will have a comprehensive plan to keep your loved one safe in the comforts of their own home.

Long Term Care Insurance payment method is also an option if you have a “Home Care” rider.  Most plans do.  Typically you need prior approval with a physicians letter of medical necessity.  This letter will explain the limitations in performing Activities of Daily Living.  Oxford can help!  We can navigate through the challenges of dealing with insurance companies and bill the services on your behalf.

At Oxford HealthCare, we provide quality, one-on-one care in the comfort of your own home. We are the helping hand that ensures your independence when the going gets tough. Choose your meals. Choose your privacy. Choose your memories. Choose Oxford HealthCare.

Watch our informational Family Pooling Resources Video and other educational material:

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About Oxford HealthCareOxford HealthCare is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma and serves the surrounding areas with highest quality home care, caregiver respite, and assisted living services. Services include home care evaluation, medication management, errands, light housekeeping, personal care, assistance, respite care, care coordination, companionship and much more. 

Defeating Depression

Many people are confused with how depression functions, when it started or why it affects them. They often blame themselves and feel helpless in attempts at personally ridding the sadness from their bones. There are many ways you can help yourself to get back on to the road of recovery when depression strikes and begins to take over. Follow the advice in this article concerning tips you can undertake daily to help you or a family member battle and beat depression.

If you are feeling depressed, find someone trustworthy to speak with. If you do not feel comfortable communicating your deep feelings with a friend or family member, seek out a renowned therapist. A therapist gives a solid listening ear and a completely unbiased opinion of your situation; they have nothing to lose or gain from your stability.

Begin writing in a journal to log your thoughts and to trace your emotional well being as far into the past as possible. This can aide you in discovering the root cause of your pain. Once this discovery has been made, you are capable of working on it and through it.

Do not allow yourself to maintain a negative perception of yourself and your world. When you have personal negative thoughts, take a moment to ask yourself ‘would I think this way of my friend?’ If not, you are likely judging yourself too harshly. If you get in a negative rut, go for a walk, enjoy the sunshine, and think of all that you have to be grateful for. Remain optimistic and positive that ‘this too shall pass.’

While clinical depression differs greatly from sadness, many similar techniques are useful each malady. It is useful to steer clear of depression triggers. If there is something or someone that makes your depression come into bloom, do all you can to stay away from the trigger until you have fixed the pain.

One frequently overlooked variable in depression is diet and nutrition. Unhealthy junk food can alter your thought process, and lead you into more sadness. Stay away from fatty meals and sugar in lieu of a balanced and healthy diet. Fast-burning sugars produce a quick jolt of energy, followed by an energy crash, leading to fatigue. This cycle tends to exacerbate the symptoms of depression.

Those with true clinical depression should not expect immediate improvements. It may take some time for you to overcome all of the symptoms. You need to begin preparing for those trials with the proper information.

Seek out a new hobby. New activities and interests can alleviate your troubles with daily life, plus help you have some fun. If you join a club of your interest, you can meet new friends and step outside of your minds ramblings for some time each week. Building birdhouses, refinishing old furniture and journal writing are all hobbies that can help you to feel motivated again.

Do not avoid eating. It is fairly common for those battling depression to shun food because they have lost their appetite. Your body needs nutrients to survive and meals often come with company if you seek out your friends and loved ones. Even when you do not feel like eating, reach for an apple or a banana with peanut butter.

Depression can be quiet serious and all-consuming. It is possible to make changes and alleviate the condition when you are determined to see better days, remain optimistic, view yourself positively, and fight the good fight. Don’t give up, you’re about to see a new day with all new opportunities.

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About Oxford HealthCare
Oxford HealthCare is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma and serves the surrounding areas with highest quality home care, caregiver respite, and assisted living services. Services include home care evaluation, medication management, errands, light housekeeping, personal care, assistance, respite care, care coordination, companionship and much more.