Stress or a disorder causing repetitive behavior may lead to nail biting with results ranging from an unkempt appearance to wounding of the nail bed and cuticles and increased risk of infection

Try: #a number of products made to discourage nail biting are sold over-the-counter in drug stores after they are applied they leave a bitter taste in the mouth when the Care recipient (cr) starts to bite a nail #men and women may relax and be less likely to bite nails after a manicure do one […]

Care recipient (cr) cannot climb steps or staircase but wants to stay in a home where steps or stairway lead to essential parts of the house

Try: #discuss home modification needs with physicians and physical therapists a doctor’s prescription for some adaptive equipment may allow insurance to cover part or all of its cost #before being discharged from a care facility with a new level of physical impairment ask for an evaluation of your home by a physical therapist to assess […]

Stroke cardiovascular incident or brain injury leaves Care recipient (cr) with limited sight or sensation on one side of the body causing cr to pay less attention to that side

Try: #keeping things convenient for the cr by placing items where they can be seen or picked up without the cr using the body’s weaker side is unhelpful in the long run #when visiting sit to the cr’s weaker side to encourage the cr to turn to that side #place some items on the weaker […]

Care recipient (cr) takes pride and pleasure in cooking even after changes in mental or physical ability lead to family members to worry about accuracy and safety in the kitchen

Try: #tell the cr that the family would like to take turns working with the cr on sunday afternoons to prepare dinner for the family let the cr know that family members are genuinely interested in spending time together cooking and sharing meals #make a schedule a family member takes a sunday to come early […]

Caregiver who coordinates care for Care recipient (cr) with dementia from outside the home finds aides are skipping or not completing some of tasks cr is unable to supervise aides or report on their work in detail to main caregiver

Try: #make a list of tasks that you want the aides to complete on a daily weekly or monthly schedule be specific for example monday- wash fold and put away laundry wash dishes tuesday- dust furniture vacuum floors wash dishes #review the task list with every aide in person or over the phone explain to […]

Care recipient (cr) repeatedly burns fingers removing toast from toaster the caregiver has seen cr use metal utensils to pull toast from the toaster and fears for cr’s safety

Try: Purchase toast tongs at a kitchen specialty department in a store or online they are wooden or bamboo tongs designed to lift toast from toaster alternatively buy wooden skewer sticks used for cooking shish kabobs and keep one near the toaster they are sold many-to-the-package in kitchen supply departments use the pointed end of […]