Try: Place a drinking straw in a glass making sure it reaches from the bottom of the glass to the cr’s lips or look for a water bottle with a built-in straw that reaches all the way to the bottom of the bottle these will allow a cr with limited strength or movement to drink […]
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Some care recipients crs have a hard time scooting to the edge of the chair or leaning forward before getting up
Try: #the caregiver spread the sheet over the chair fully covering the chair back and seat bottom on a sofa the sheet is spread over the back and cushion closest to one of the arms #the cr sits directly on the sheet #when the cr is ready to get up from the chair the caregiver […]
Feelings of depression may be affected by lifestyle habits prevent or limit depression as much as possible through lifestyle and environmental choices
Try: #when a cr is depressed you can make a difference by offering emotional support listening with patience and compassion and presenting the cr with choices when the cr feels there are n/a #schedule social activities the Care recipient (cr) can handle and modify these as the cr’s condition and needs change #plan and prepare […]
Manage the blues instead of letting them manage you
Try: #as much as possible stick to a routine of self-care related to sleep medicine eating bathing and exercising if you can’t keep up all your routines do the ones that are most important to health and safety such as taking medications on schedule #go outside for fresh air being outside can lift a heavy […]
Combat isolation and safety fears with a cell phone
Try: Cell phones with voice activated dialing may be helpful for care recipients crs who have trouble remembering numbers or using a landline phone for other reasons cell phones are small and can be carried in a pocket around the house or outside some phones are relatively inexpensive although their monthly operating fees rates and […]
Preventing foot sores is a critical part of diabetes management
Try: #check feet daily looking for blisters cuts and sores that do not heal within a couple of days check the top bottom and sides of feet use a handheld mirror to check the bottom of feet and toes #wash feet daily use warm not hot water with mild soap #dry feet well making sure […]
Applying elastic bandages incorrectly can lead to serious problems with circulation
Try: #buy bandaging and fasteners at pharmacies or medical supply stores #elastic bandages are rolled and packed with tape metal clips or velcro if you need to re-roll a bandage roll it up with as few wrinkles as possible #expose the part of the body that needs to be wrapped and make sure the area […]
Care recipient (cr) is hoarding small non-food items such as trinkets purchased impulsively and things that others might consider trash
Try: #designate a specific closet or storage bin in which the cr is allowed to store or pile items if he hoarded items are small a shoebox may be more appropriate #limit the cr’s hoarding space to the designated closet storage bin or shoe box discourage hoarding elsewhere by looking for other sites in the […]
A Care recipient (cr) with dementia may appear to forget how to eat or swallow and may require assistance with these at meals
Try: #after the caregiver places food in the cr’s mouth the caregiver can gently touch the cr’s jaw area with a free hand #the caregiver can also place food in her or his own mouth and begin to chew guiding with a free hand the cr’s hand to the caregiver’s jaw area to feel chewing […]
A former mechanic or tinkerer is unable to work on cars due to dementia and low vision
Try: #if a Care recipient (cr) wants to do mechanical things but can no longer safely work with most machines cars or tools try designing a workstation that includes some of the tools and functions the cr previously enjoyed design the station with an eye for safe and interesting features #ask the cr to repair […]