Try: #hallucinations occur when the cr sees hears smells tastes or feels something that is not there delusions are false beliefs that the cr cannot be talked out of #sometimes hallucinations and delusions are signs of physical illness even infection although they are often thought of in relation to mental illness and dementia contact the […]
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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 […]
Care recipient (cr) with frequent anxiety may relax with a caregiver’s assistance in a deep breathing exercise
Try: #help the cr to make use of a slow breathing technique invite the cr to sit or lie in a comfortable position and close his or her eyes tell the cr to let you know if he or she becomes dizzy or tired in the next few minutes #prompt the cr to take slow […]
Physical conditions make it unsafe or painful for a cr to bend or stoop to pick up even light items
Try: #reachers are metals sticks with handles at one end and pick-up pinchers at the other they are often about thirty inches long some pinchers have suction-cup tips while others have finer plastic grippers some come with small magnets near the tips that allow for pick up of items such as pins tacks coins etc […]
Care recipient (cr) with dementia has begun forgetting to turn off the stove
Try: #if the cr lives alone and will continue to do so for some time disconnect the stove and oven and flip off the circuit to the outlet that powers them provide meals that can be reheated in the microwave using one or two basic steps if necessary write the steps down on sticky notes […]
Care recipient (cr) has trouble getting up from a favorite chair whose cushion is soft squashy and enfolding
Try: #try placing a seat-sized or sofa-sized piece of plywood under a squashy cushion to keep it from sinking into the seat of the chair or sofa #buy a piece of four-inch thick upholstery foam from a sewing store foam is sold by the yard and can be custom cut cove it simply with fabric […]
Care recipient (cr) who paces sometimes doesn’t want to sit to eat
Try: #when a cr is on the go and won’t stop to sit and eat throw the components of a nutritional meal into a blender and make a shake the cr can carry and sip #tailor the shake to the cr’s taste as well as to his or her medical and nutritional needs some things […]
Help a Care recipient (cr) who paces or wanders by providing safe indoor spaces for pacing and distracting options to wandering
Try: #don’t try to physically restrain a cr who wanders as this often leads to injury and behavioral problems if a cr has begun a new behavior of pacing or wandering discuss these with the cr’s doctor medication or a dosage adjustment may be helpful #provide a safe route through which the cr can wander […]