Try: #the cr may be writing checks to the caregiver so the caregiver can do errands or pay bills in cash on the cr’s behalf however for both their sakes it is important that they keep proof of what is being done with the checks each month set an envelope aside and keep every receipt […]
admin
Care recipient (cr) who previously appeared to have no trouble paying bills gradually seems to be having trouble some bill payments are late some bills unexpected charges are showing up on statements and the cr has difficulty understanding some charges
Try: #explain to the cr that there are predators and shady business people who target seniors widows and people with limited income and because of this people need to be careful when agreeing to purchases and looking at bills even when a cr is clear-headed and competent he or she may need to be more […]
Help a Care recipient (cr) to unwind through an exercise of tensing and relaxing muscles throughout the body
Try: #buy a recording of nature sounds or soft music to play softly in the background while you work with the cr on relaxation exercises if the cr wants you to record your voice giving instructions you may want to leave the music off while you are recording #invite the cr to sit or recline […]
Care recipient (cr) with parkinson’s disease who uses a walker has trouble starting or continuing to walk forward from a position of standing still
Try: #attach a brightly-colored length of rope or tape securely between the two front legs of the walker when the cr has trouble starting or continuing to walk forward prompt him or her to walk toward the rope or tape the goal of simply moving toward something refocuses the cr’s attention away from the overwhelming […]
Caregivers sometimes need to know how to safely transfer care recipients crs from one position to another from bed to chair wheelchair to sofa etc without use of lifts or transfer boards
Try: #explain what you are doing and what you want the cr to do as you assist in the transfer listen to anything the cr says during the process and to the cr’s tone #if the transfer is to or from a wheelchair always make sure the wheelchair is locked before doing anything #when using […]
Care recipient (cr) with vision impairment misses the toilet bowl sometimes because of difficulty distinguishing the bowl from the surrounding environment
Try: Bring the inside edge of the toilet bowl into greater contrast with the environment by outlining it with brightly colored duct tape depending on the cr’s residual eyesight it may be helpful to apply dabs of glow-in-the-dark paint at intervals around the bowl or a thin strip of glow-in-the-dark tape on top of the […]
Care recipient (cr) with balance problems or occasional dizziness may need to put some care and thought into standing up from a sofa or chair to avoid a fall
Try: n/a Materials: #make sure the chair or couch is high enough and firm enough to provide a good surface for rising there may be some seating in the home that requires raising or firming for safer use #to prepare to stand safely the cr scoots forward so his or her buttocks are at the […]
Care recipient (cr) with anxiety drinks several caffeinated drinks every day coffee in the morning soda coffee or hot chocolate later in the day etc
Try: #drinking or eating caffeinated products may make feelings of anxiety worse regular use of caffeine for example several cups of coffee in the morning or a large soda in the afternoon can contribute to dramatic highs and lows in energy levels mood insomnia and discomfort #reduce caffeine intake and see if anxiety lessens #if […]
While you care for someone else don’t overlook taking care of yourself
Try: Caregivers suggest that some or all of the following things may help keep you from getting overwhelmed while caring for a Care recipient (cr) #join a support group #eat well get rest and take time to exercise #set aside a quiet time of day for yourself some caregivers get up before their crs to […]
Care recipient (cr) who is anxious may find it possible to relax through a pursed-lip breathing exercise
Try: #breathe in through the nose for two counts #purse the lips and exhale through the mouth in a steady stream for four counts as if slowly blowing out birthday candles #repeat these two steps several times #if you feel dizzy or tired at any time return to your regular breathing pattern Materials: Ability to […]