Try: # secure tennis ball in the vice or between two heavy books so it will not move # very carefully cut a small slit into the tennis ball using the box cutter just big enough to fit the handle of the toothbrush # push the handle of the toothbrush into the hole about an […]
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Care recipient (cr) forgets to perform basic hygiene and or is not motivated when reminded by family or staff
Try: Get the cr involved in deciding how often brushing teeth combing hair showering changing clothing etc will be done for each day of the week have a short morning and evening list of things to be done help the cr get in the habit of looking at this calendar first thing in the morning […]
Care recipient (cr) has excessively dry feet and needs assistance with foot care
Try: #make a safe space for the cr to soak feet locate a sturdy comfortable place to sit where the cr cr’s feet will easily reach into the basin remove electrical appliances from close proximity to where the foot bath will occur and make sure the cr isn’t holding anything with an electrical current in […]
Temporary bathroom solution if Care recipient (cr) cannot access bathroom due to injury or other reduced mobility
Try: # arrange oral care items in top drawer bathing supplies in second drawer and other grooming items in the bottom drawer or come up with some other arrangement of items that is easy to remember and access # use cart as a mobile bathroom station provide assistance as needed plastic basin can be used […]
Hearing aid batteries wear out and this results in a reduction of hearing capacity for care recipients crs going out to the store immediately is not always possible for crs or caregivers
Try: # prepare plastic bags by filling several with a package or two of handwipes and a package of batteries # label each bag with the date of expiration of the batteries and their purpose for example hearing aid batteries expire ____ # place in a cool dry location to maximize the battery life # […]
Care recipient (cr) takes medication independently but has difficulty organizing medication and sometimes forgets to obtain prescription refills
Try: # arrange refills on the needed schedule with the pharmacy # assist the cr with placing medications into containers verify that this is done correctly # help the cr set medication timer or clock to ring an alarm whenever meds need to be taken # discuss any side effects or other problems that the […]
A digital photo frame may be a useful memory trigger for a Care recipient (cr) with memory loss
Try: # discuss with the cr and family how to digitize pictures from the cr cr’s background this collection can include family members relatives life events vacations etc # scan these photos and put them onto a digital memory card that can be used in the photo frame which can store hundreds of photos in […]
The kitchen may pose dangers for Care recipient (cr) who is confused because of dementia or other another cognitive impairment
Try: Install secure locks on all outside doors and windows place locks out of direct line of vision but keep the key hidden nearby in case of emergency keep all dangerous products locked up these could include liquor and cigarettes power tools guns cleaning supplies etc cover electrical outlets with childproof plugs remove knobs from […]
Sometimes angry outbursts are the result of anxiety or fear
Try: Knowing what to expect in a day may decrease a cr’s stress a dry-erase board or calendar can serve as a reminder of upcoming daily activities write activities clearly making directions easy to follow and remember make sure the cr understands your directions for tasks activities etc use a laminated paper clock to cue […]
Care recipients crs with decreased sensation in the feet may not notice foot problems before they become severe it may help to give the feet special attention while bathing
Try: #check water temperature with a thermometer or wrist to make sure it is not too hot #do not soak the feet as this can lead to the callouses becoming soggy then cracking #dry the skin between each toe moisture may lead to skin breakdown or sores #do not cut toenails use the nail file […]