caregiver (cg) is worried that Care recipient (cr) will wander either outside or go into certain areas of the home that are not as safe but cannot be closed off by a door

Try: Try placing several parallel lines of reflective tape on the floor in the doorway either going outside or into an unsafe area this will resemble a grate to the cr and they will be reluctant to cross over try hanging rows of beads or fringe across the doorway place a dark throw rug in […]

What are some of the warning signs that would indicate care is needed

Try: Forgetting appointments unopened mail – unpaid bills abnormal weight gain or loss spoiled food or no food in the refrigerator burn marks on countertops regular neat housekeeping turns into mounds of clutter and trash withdrawal from regular social activities wanders away and gets lost forgetting they have just called someone and calling them again […]

What plan should be in effect if the full-time caregiver (cg) has an emergency medical situation and has to leave the Care recipient (cr) immediately

Try: Compile a list of emergency contact numbers and leave the list in several prominent places around the home one being on the nightstand of the cg first on the list should be names of someone to call who can come immediately and take over the temporary responsibility of care family members who are close […]

What are some clues to look for to know when someone should stop driving and how to get them to stop clues to look for getting lost and not being able to find the way home dents and dings in the car or the garage problem using turn signals or using the wrong turn signal problems reading and interpreting traffic signs driving at inappropriate speeds – too fast in town and too slow otherwise confusing the brake and accelerator pedals turning too sharply and hitting the curb locking the keys in the car loosing the car in the parking lot

Try: It may help to have a figure of authority to speak on your behalf with the Care recipient (cr) ; a physician or a friend have a mechanic disable the vehicle so it can’t be driven hide the keys sometimes even after the cr stops driving it may give them comfort to still have […]