Care recipient (cr) has lost ability to speak clearly and has trouble making needs clear outside of usual environment a hospital stay poses a challenge to the cr and to the caregiver who is concerned that the cr’s needs may be overlooked when the caregiver is not present to make them clear to hospital staff

Try: #although the cr’s condition should be noted in the medical chart and although nurses and doctors working with the cr should be familiar with it it is generally also useful for a cr with a special condition or disability to have a single page paper at hand outlining the condition and important related Materials: […]

Care recipient (cr) has dry easily scratched skin

Try: #soak in a bathtub every other day bathing every day may encourage dryness #use a moisturizing soap #after baths put lotion on while skin is still damp #put lotion on the cr’s skin every day #drink plenty of fluids unless restricted by a medical condition #use a humidifier in the home or put a […]

Care recipient (cr) because of age disability marital status is aggressively preyed upon by door-to-door solicitors and telemarketers many of whom are making deceptive offers and trying to defraud the cr of money or identity materials verbal agreement between the cr and caregiver call screening device peephole script

Try: #let the cr know that there are people and businesses who specifically target people in certain age groups with sales ads or schemes knowing what the concerns of the elderly are #make an agreement with the cr that before spending money or sharing personal Materials: Moisturizing soaps lotion without alcohol as an ingredient humidifier […]

Care recipient (cr) has started taking prescribed blood pressure medication but complains of out-of-pocket costs and side effects

Try: #call the doctor’s office schedule an appointment describe the side effects and ask if medication should be continued or stopped don’t stop taking the medication without a medical consultation #ask the doctor for drug samples if any are available if the doctor works in a clinic with a social service department ask for a […]

Care recipient (cr) no longer has the skills or ability to organize clothes in a way that produces outfits whose component pieces match caregiver would like to help cr maintain a put-together look

Try: #on each hanger the caregiver puts one pre-planned outfit depending on how much trouble the cr is having the caregiver can simply put a matching top and bottom on a hanger or an entire outfit complete with attached underwear and socks anything that doesn’t fit easily with an outfit on a hanger can be […]

Care recipient (cr) is overweight generally inactive and borderline diabetic doctor notes high sugar levels and advises cr to follow a healthy eating plan become active and

Try: To lose weight materials spiral-bound notebook cookbook with heart-healthy and low-sugar recipes pitcher or fluid container with liquid measure markings calorie and carbohydrate counter united stated department of agriculture website if desired try #use the notebook as a food journal to record all daily food intake #use the notebook to note the date and […]