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March 20th, 2012
 The revolution for living longer is underway. People are now living longer and working longer than any generation before and everything that was thought to be about growing old has changed. So comprehend this new normal, many experts are determined to redefine growing old and retirement. The thought for many experts is that if we are going to live longer, wouldn’t it be better to slow the pace of our career cycle and enjoy our leisure time more throughout life, such as spending more time with our children as they are growing up.
Since we are living longer, it would be better if we kept involved in our communities and give back using the experiences and knowledge we gained during our time in the working world. Perhaps as we age and retire from our main career, we should use our energy toward volunteer work or change to a part-time position, maybe even go with a completely new new career.
The younger generations, such as the 20-something age group, are the least happy, most stressed and more inclined to suffer depression. Our perspective on life and all that is around us changes as we age, our sense of reality changes. This is proof that happiness is not owned the young, but in fact, quite the contrary. As we age, we realize to cherish our time more and and enjoy the simple things in life. With the exclusion of dementia-related diseases, the elderly experience an improvement in their mental health. As we get older, we have learned to concentrate on the things that really matter in live and not to sweat worry over the small things.
A large part of why we are living longer is because we are living better. While medical science has developed drugs, procedures and technology to keep us alive longer and even to pull us back from the edge of death, we have also learned to live a healthier lifestyle which has been passing down through the genes. Healthier living is a matter of common sense. The use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco as well as being overweight are things we have learned if you do them now, you will pay for it later in life. A study by Harvard University determined for us that our lifestyle won’t override our genetics, but a healthier lifestyle certainly won’t hurt either.
It is inevitable, we are going to grow old. The only option you have other than growing old is death. However, we can decide how we’ll grow old. A longer life span means that you will most likely have approximately three decades of being a senior citizen. Let go of the fantasy to have eternal youth and live for the moment and plan for what comes next. Seven steps to living healthier and longer: Don’t smoke. Drink moderately. Exercise regularly. Watch your weight. Develop stable relationships. Absorb an education. Acquire dependable coping skills so that you can handle what life throws at you.
With all this being said, it only makes sense that our elderly loved ones are staying independent longer and living on their own longer. They aren’t needing the use of nursing homes as soon as previous generations did. However, when they have been in the hospital for an illness or injury, many times they need temporary help when they get home.
That is what Oxford Healthcare is here to provide. Give us a call for a consultation or just to ask questions. Our professional staff is here to help. Oxford Healthcare. Caring for you at home.
Tags: live longer; longer lives; healthier; grow old; slow down;
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March 12th, 2012
 Your mom and dad were married many years, they had children, careers, retirement and grandchildren. Then dad passed away leaving mom alone. We are living longer these days and nobody wants to spend their golden years alone. While they enjoy the weekly visits from their children and grandchildren, including the Sunday dinners, sometimes they need more.
A lot of elderly couples are would like to have that spark they had when they first married. They want the excitement and passion that comes with meeting the opposite sex. For elderly couples to find a mate can make retirement much more pleasant, especially for those living in retirement communities. Sharing activities and events with another person always makes things more interesting for anyone and senior citizens are no different.
It is common to see elderly couples these days, whether they have been together a life time or if they are new couple. With the internet, many activities can be found for elderly couples to enjoy together. However, not all senior citizens are comfortable or knowledgeable about the internet and may need some assistance. Offer to help them, asking what their interests are, what their hobbies are and then have them sit with you as you surf the internet for those activities.
If you are fortunate enough for both parents to be alive and well, they too want to have the early excitement and passion they once had. Now that the kids are gone and a hectic career has passed, they can have time for each other.
While your mom and dad enjoy the visits from the kids and grandchildren, those Sunday evening dinners are wonderful too, they still need that compassion and excitement that only a couple can share. If you have questions on finding activities for an elderly couple in your life, give us a call at Oxford Healthcare. Oxford Healthcare. Caring for you at home.
Tags: retired; couples; elderly couples; retired couples; couple activities; spark; excitement; new relationship
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March 5th, 2012
 For persons over the age of 65, dehydration is one of the most common fluid and electrolyte disturbance, causing hospitalization. Water provides many necessary functions for the body such as carrying antibodies and disease fighting cells throughout the organs as well as hormones and nutrients. Water is essential in getting carbon dioxide and waste to our intestinal tract, kidneys and lungs to be eliminated from our bodies.
As a person ages, their thirst decreases and you will unknowingly not drink as much water as your body needs. For the elderly, the lack of water consumption can be linked to arthritis, circulation problems, constipation, hypertension, indigestion and kidney stones. For instance, kidney stones develop when there is inadequate water for minerals to flush through.
A deficiency of water causes the sodium levels to increase and when there has not been enough water ingested, the body holds water, thus causing fluid buildup and sodium retention. When the body holds sodium, it pulls water out of the tissues and causes dehydration. For the elderly, this can result in many problems including confusion and excitability, especially high blood pressure.
Elderly people have a higher complaint of constipation which is connected with their lack of water intake. Everyone’s digestive system needs water. Nausea, joint and muscle stiffness are commonly related to a lack of water as well. All of these ailments are indicative for a person’s need to get more water. Water is the body’s lubrication.
The lack of water in the body can also cause the blood to thicken making the circulation slow and the heart to work harder. This can be a major issue in the elderly as their body’s circulation is already sluggish as just a natural part of aging. The brain can be affected because of poor circulation doesn’t get the correct oxygen to it. Dizziness, fatigue, headaches and lack of mental alertness are signs of poor oxygen to the brain.
Elderly women are postmenopausal and often are taking estrogen supplements. Estrogen retains salt thereby increasing the need for more water intake in elderly women to rid the body of excess salt. If you notice your elderly loved one experiencing dark urine, dry, sticky mouth, encourage them to drink more water and see their doctor as soon as possible. A minim standard is eight 8 ounce glasses per day, evenly spaced throughout the day. However, some may need more and their doctor can advise accordingly.
If you have questions or concerns regarding your loved one’s water intake, give us a call at Oxford Healthcare. Oxford Healthcare. Caring for you at home.
Tags: water; fluid; hypertension; constipation; elderly; arthritis; circulation; water intake; drink water; elderly water intake; elderly drinking water; water requirements; over 65; thirst; drink
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February 28th, 2012
 As we age, we begin to lose muscle mass and bone density, but we begin to gin body fat. This is mostly because our hormones aren’t as active as they were in our younger years. So with our elderly loved ones, we need to be especially aware of their over all health and well being. By making sure they are getting ample amounts of the right foods and beverages, we care insuring their life to healthy and for them to live longer.
The elderly dehydrate easily but they don’t always feel thirsty and other times they are constantly drinking water. For people over the age of 65, dehydration is one of the top reasons of hospitalization. Just as when we are younger, water is very necessary in spreading nutrients throughout our body and keeping hormones healthy as well as keeping antibodies moving through the body. The safe amount for an elderly person is one ounce for every two pounds they weigh.
For any one of any age, carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body. Carbohydrates can be found in food that are high in fiber such as breads, cereals and pastas. By making sure your loved one’s diet includes a good amount of fiber, they will drink more water and both fiber and water will keep constipation at bay.
Protein is very important in the elderly. Protein keeps the immune system wholesome and helps keep the muscle mass from decreasing as quickly. When protein intake isn’t enough, it can cause a decrease in reserve capacity, increased skin fragility and decreased immune function. It can longer to heal and recover from illness. Dietary intake for older adults can be obtained by making sure your elderly one’s diet consist of eggs, fish, lean meats and poultry, which are high in protein.
Iron is important for the elderly to consume an ample amount each day. This can be done by making sure they have lean meats and low fat dairy. Fat contains iron but you don’t want them to over do the intake of fat either. Simple increase their diet with red meats and breakfast cereals will give them a good source of iron.
While Zinc is important for the elderly, it is one of the most difficult things to make sure a body is getting enough of. Again, making sure the diet contains fish, meat and poultry can help them get the right amount of zinc.
For many elderly, milk can upset their stomach, so they steer away from it and don’t get enough calcium in their diet. To make sure they are getting around .500 mg of calcium per day, encourage them to switch standard milk with powdered milk in recipes. An increase of broccoli, low fat cheese and yogurt are also great for getting enough calcium in the body.
The lack of enough vitamin B12 can cause damage to nervous tissue and have a long term effect for the elderly. Vitamin B12 also prevents the disease pernicious anemia . Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disease which destroys the stomach’s parietal cells that produce and distribute intrinsic factor, an important part of health for the elderly.
In addition to the things mentioned here, the elderly must exercise too. With proper diet and exercise, they can live a full, happy and long life. If you have questions about your elderly loved one’s diet, give us a call at Oxford Home Healthcare. Our trained staff can answer your questions or direct you the proper place for help if we can’t. Oxford Home Healthcare. Caring for you at home.
Tags: healthy eating; elderly eating; elderly health; elderly needs; elderly vitamins; waer; thirsty; hungry; oxford; tulsa; oklahoma; healthcare; home healthcare
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February 26th, 2012
LIQUIDATION EXPO
Mar 2 – Mar 4, 2012
Exhibit Hall A – Tulsa Convention Center
Liquidation of millions of dollars of inventory such as audio, computers, electronics, designer clothing, perfumes, jewelry, watches, shoes, tools and more.
THE PERFECT WEDDING GUIDE BRIDAL SHOW
Mar 4, 2012
Tulsa Ballroom – Tulsa Convention Center
STOMP
Date : March 6 – 11, 2012
Location : Chapman Music Hall
The international percussion sensation uses everything but conventional instruments to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms.
GREATER TULSA HOME & GARDEN SHOW
Date : March 8 – 11, 2012
Location : Expo Square – QuikTrip Center
The Show has been a Tulsa tradition since 1949. THE home improvement event of the year for the Tulsa area and one that you don’t want to miss.
ALWAYS…PATSY CLINE
Mar 9 – Mar 18, 2012
Tulsa Convention Center
The show is based on a true story about Cline’s friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in l961, and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death.
LUCKY SKATE AT THE BOK CENTER
Date : March 17, 2012
Location : BOK Center
The public is invited to enjoy ice skating on the NHL regulation-sized 17,000sf frozen floor. A giant disco ball, festive lighting, and music will add to the nostalgic ambiance on the ice.
TRAMPOLINE & TUMBLING U.S. ELITE CHALLENGE
Mar 30 – Apr 1, 2012
TCC Arena
More than 400 gymnasts are expected to head to Tulsa for trampoline and tumbling’s 2012 U.S. Elite Challenge competition
Trampoline events involve athletes using trampolines that can propel them up to 30 feet in the air, during which they can perform single, double and twisted somersaults.
WANENMACHER’S TULSA ARMS SHOW
Date : March 31 – April 1, 2012
Location : QuikTrip Center
World’s largest Gun Show! Wanenmacher’s Tulsa Arms Show
Tags: tulsa; oxford; tulsa activity; tulsa calendar; tulsa dates; things to do in tulsa; home healthcare; health care; at home health care; bridal show; gun show; stomp; play; garden; home improvement
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February 20th, 2012
 We are coming to the end of February, which is American Heart Month, but it’s not too late to talk about our senior citizens and how we can help make their lives healthier with heart-healthy choices. For people over the age of 50, heart disease is the leading cause of death. So many of you reading this blog from the perspective of taking care of an elderly parent, should take note in living a heart-healthier lifestyle too.
With just a few minor changes in daily activities, our elderly loved ones can live a long, happy life. Keep in mind though, we’re all different and each person may have some other medical issue at hand. As such, Oxford Home Healthcare recommends to check with your doctors first before making any diet changes or taking up any exercise program.
After getting an all clear sign from the doctors, you want to set up an exercise routine that will do some good, but you don’t want it so difficult or strenuous that it can’t be kept up. Aim for an exercise program that will let your elderly loved one be one they can do on their own. Keeping their independence is important, from living alone, driving to even exercising.
Even though they may have been very active up until retirement, they know where to begin in finding an exercise routine. They may even think that because they were healthy and active before retirement, they will be fine now, however, the truth is, they can’t afford to not get exercise now. When the elderly become inactive, they will start to have difficulty doing things on their own. This will lead to an increase in illness, more doctor visits and maybe increase time in the hospital.
Just 2 to 3 hours of exercise a week can do a lot of good for the heart, the mind and the whole being. Exercise in small doses does so much for a senior citizen. Start with simple walks around the neighborhood or going to the local Y for swimming. If your elderly loved one is concerned about falling, find them exercises such as squats that will help their balance as it builds up the strength in their ankles and hip muscles. Remember that the benefits to exercise are improved sleeping, maintain a healthy weight and in turn will boost their confidence. Exercise has also proven to help the memory.
Of course diet is a big play in having a healthy heart! Fiber-rich foods are great for the digestive system and puts more nutrients in the body. Fiber gives you a fuller feeling after eating which will help with unwanted weight gain. Not only that, but cholesterol will drop with a an increase in fiber, which lessens the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, coronary heart disease and even certain types of cancer.
Just as you do with an infant starting on food, add one source of new food a week, allowing the body to adjust. Many times, adding fiber to the diet can cause bloating, cramping or gas. As the fiber intake increases, make sure to increase the fluids as well with low calorie beverages. This will help the body digest the increase of fiber easier.
As we age, our sense of smell and taste weaken and with that, it is common for senior citizens to add more salt to their foods, often times without even tasting it first. For years now, we been told that salt is a major no-no in our diet. Sodium is associated with high blood pressure and can be found in many sources of foods so that you don’t realize your actual intake. Along with the American Medical Association, our home healthcare providers suggest that no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day is needed. By avoiding processed foods and eating more fruits, vegetables and other whole foods, you can stay at or below this number with ease.
There are many opinions whether or not alcohol is good for a person. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that no more than one drink for women and two for men, per day, can be beneficial. Again, each person is different and what is good for each person should be decided by your doctors.
Encourage your loved one to use olive or canola oil for cooking instead of butter or shortening. By increasing their diets with olive or canola oil, nuts and organic peanut butter, the benefits to their cardiovascular system will increase their life span. Eating fresh salmon, sardines, halibut and soybeans are packed with omega-3 fatty acids which is healthier for the heart.
Each stage of life, our bodies change. Keeping active, no matter how small of activity and every small change in our diet can make a positive effect on our health. You’re never too young or too old start living healthier. For the elderly loved ones in our lives, give them the extra motivation and support to become more active and live a longer and happier life.
For more information on where to get exercise and diet help for your loved one, call us at Oxford Healthcare. Oxford HealthCare. Caring for you at home.
Tags: healthy heart; heart health; elderly heart; long lives; eat right; exercise; oxford; home healthcare
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February 14th, 2012
 If you were one that grew up in a family with two parents, a mom and a dad, you had what was once the ‘normal’ life. Perhaps you even stayed in the same neighborhood your whole childhood and attended school, from kindergarten to senior year with the same kids. Then you left college, maybe married and started your own family. Then came the joys for your parents, being a grandparent!
Your life was going along almost picture perfect. Then your mother or dad passed away, leaving the other parent a widow or widower. Maybe after a long term illness or quick and unexpected. Either way, you have one parent left, alone, outside of you and your family, maybe siblings and their family.
The surving parent goes through their mourning period, still embracing the memories of their partner, your other parent. They begin going out with friends, joined a club and maybe even do some traveling. Then they meet someone and bring them to family events, and before you realize it, they have fallen in love. While maybe you aren’t ready, they are ready to embrace this new chapter in their life, maybe even re-marry.
How do you handle another person coming into your surving parent’s life, replacing your beloved mother or dad? If you have been caring for your parent since mom or dad passed away, you may feel that this new person will replace you even. Believe it or not, you may be swaping places with your parent. You are having some of the same reactions as they did when you started dating, fell in love and married.
Mom or dad have the expectations that you, your siblings and the rest of the family will be excited and happy for them now that they have found happiness again. Somebody to spend the rest of their lives with. Rarely though, does it work that easy. Your parent will be somewhat influenced by your feelings, opinions of this new person as well as your interactions with this new person. Their final decision will be and should be their own, but you and your siblings will have some influence.
No matter how you interpert mom or dad’s new partner, things will go smoother if you are more accepting. Your attitude and acceptance will help in the future in the essential blending and re-blending of both sides of the families. Yes, he or she may have children, grandchildren and all that too! You aren’t just getting a step parent, you most likely are getting a whole family.
So how can this whole situation go smoothly? What can you do make your mom or dad know that you are happy for them? Be the one that encourages and initiates assimilating both sides of family. Be flexible and willing to welcome the new members new people into your family gatherings, and even establish new family traditions. You don’t have to leave your’s behind nor become a part of their’s either. By starting new ones, you are blending everyone together and making your parent happy.
When a parent remarries, there are many times financial or inheritance issues that may be a cause for concern. Keep your eyes and mind open, try to see things differently by thinking of your parent’s new family as more family for you to love and even more extended support system. Keep discussions of family inheritance calm and quiet, especially your late parent’s belongings. Definitely avoid conversation of these tings when angry or hurt. Be realistic in understanding where your angry feelings are coming from, then discuss them calmly with your parent and siblings together. Be caring of your parent’s feelings and sensitive to the nature of the subject.
Let the small things go such as Sunday dinner you’ve established since mom or dad have been gone. Your surving parent now has somebody in their live that cares for them and they are going to have their own routine and rituals. Set up weekend visits and offer to hoset holiday meals for your parent, their new love and even extend an invitation to their family. Be flexible in sharing your mom or dad on holidays and other celebrations. Keep a line of communication open at all times for every situation. All new things don’t necessarily require everyone to agree, but it does require everyone to listen.
Keep your parent’s feelings in mind, put yourself in their shoes when you are angry, hurt or confused. Remember some things may be difficult for them. Don’t put them in an emotional tug-of-war. Remember, that they are an adult and have a right to live the rest of thier life happy., and that may include a new mate to spend those years with. You never want your parent to feel they have to choose between you and their new mate. You’re both important to your paren’ts well-being.
Treasure your parent’s new joy and love, just as you expected them to when you brought home your future spouse. Keeping harmony among the famly means accepting and working with change and being open to new perspectives. In time, you will find yourself loving your parent’s new spouse or partner.
If you or your parent, or any one your family are faced with this situation and can’t get thorugh it, give us a call at Oxford Health Care. We are here to help you and your loved one. Oxford Healthcare. Caring for you at home.
Tags: mom; dad; parents; remarry; step parent; adult children; new family; extended family
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February 8th, 2012
 When mom or dad can’t live alone anymore, what do you do? There are the assisted living places, which we have covered in this blog before, and are perfectly fine and highly recommended. However, that may not be the solution for your parent or you as far as that goes. Are you just ‘warehousing’ them so they aren’t under foot in your house? So you may be asking, what other options do we have?
There’s a burgeoning industry that aims to provide a low-cost, aging-in-place alternative. These small homes, in some cases not much larger than a big shed, come in a do-it-yourself construction kit. In most areas, for under $20,000, you get the plans and materials to construct a locked shell for a structure that is just under 700 square feet. It includes walls, windows and roof trusses, A nicely packaged puzzle you could say, ready to assemble.
There are additional costs for plumbing, sheet-rocking and electrical work, appliances, fixtures plus any permits needed. If you aren’t one with a construction-mind, you may want to hire someone, like a General Contractor, that would oversee the job to make sure all is in place as it should be and will pass inspections. With the plumbing, electrical and possible GC, you can expect your cost to be around $60,000.
This alternative is called a transitional home environment and should include improved lighting, remember, people over the age of 60 need three times as much light to see. These kits come wheelchair friendly with casement windows that crank open at wheelchair height, bathrooms for a wheelchair or a caregiver to stand in. They offer stepless doorways, ample storage and things like furnace and air filters located where they can be changed easily, close to ground level.
When mom or dad no longer need this transitional house, it can become a guest house. Or even if needed, a place for adult children that need to move home, another growing trend these days. Some people that have put this transitional house in place have decided when mom or dad no longer need it, they may rent the main house out, move into the transitional themselves, and use it as a home base while they travel. It can even be rented itself for extra income!
This option may seem expensive, but considering the cost of assisted care living, it may end up being the less expensive way to go. Another upside, you will know mom or dad is safe with you close by if they need anything, but they won’t be underfoot asking why you and your husband fight so much or why you let your kids talk to you like that.
Still not sure this is the way to go with you parents? Give us a call at Oxford HealthCare and talk to one of our specialist for suggestions. Oxford HealthCare. Caring for you at home.
Tags: assisted living; mom and dad; nursing home; senior care; housing; senor housing
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January 29th, 2012
 Assertive resuscitation is practiced on those who are in cardiac or respiratory arrest. The resuscitation is executed by someone who has been trained in CPR in attempt to keep the victim alive. It is done by giving the victim chest compressions or endotracheal incubation. A common side effect a victim may experience is bruising and broken ribs and the victim being in large amounts of pain from the compressions to the chest.
Many times, the elderly or those who have a terminal illness will sign a “Do Not Resuscitate” order, otherwise known as a DNR. A victim with a DNR in place has given orders that must be followed by law. They may also have signed a DNI “Do Not Incubate or a DNAR “Do Not Attempt To Resuscitate”. The person who has any of these three documents should let their familly know as well as their doctors and if they move to assisted living or nursing home, these documents need to be on file there as well.
Should a person that wants any of these documents in place and are unable to sign, they may lawfully specify a medical proxy to represent them in advising all medical professionals that may treat them, know that they want certain medical procedures avoided in the case of an emergency. Signing a DNR, DNI or DNAR are a matter of personal choices and everyone has their own reasons for requesting these actions.
If you have elderly loved ones, it is recommended that you discuss this matter with them. Offer to help them make the decisions on how they want things to be handled if they find themselves in a situation where they can’t speak for themselves. if you are your loved one aren’t sure whether they should implement any of these forms, give us a call at Oxford Healthcare. Oxford Healthcare. Caring for you at home.
Tags: heart defibulator; cpr; cardiac defibulator; DNR; DNI; DNAR; resuscitate
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January 28th, 2012
TULSA BOAT SPORT & TRAVEL SHOW
QuikTrip Center
Monday, Jan 30 – Sunday, Feb 05
www.tulsaboatshow.com
FREE STYLE MOTOCROSS
February 4, 2012
BOK Center
bokcenter.com
The world’s most daring FMX riders will run the gauntlet to perform tricks never thought possible on a dirt bike.
WWE SMACKDOWN
February 7, 2012
BOK Center
www.bokcenter.com
RONNIE DUNN
February 9, 2012
The Joint – Tulsa Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
hardrockcasinotulsa.com
Ronnie Dunn is an singer-songwriter, known for being one half of the duo Brooks & Dunn.
THE GET MOTIVATED SEMINAR
February 13, 2012
BOK Center, 3rd Street and Denver, Tulsa
BOKcenter.com
The Get Motivated Seminar featuring America’s Mayor, Rudy Giuliani; World Famous Soldier-Statesman, General Colin Powell; Renowned Notre Dame Head Coach, Lou Holtz and Former First Lady, Laura Bush is coming to the B.O.K. Center. This day-long presentation
JEFF DUNHAM
February 26, 2012
BOK Center, 200 S Denver Ave, Tulsa
The man whose standup concerts rule the comedy world, Jeff Dunham, offers his millions of fans brand new laughs and hilarious additions to his famed troupe of sidekicks.
bokcenter.com
Tags: Tulsa Calendar; Things to do: tulsa events; laura bush; smack down; wwe; motocross; boats; travel; tulsa
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