Try: Put silverware container into top rack of dishwasher use smaller dishes that will fit on the top rack without hitting the inside top of the dishwasher remove dishwasher detergent from under the sink and adjust cabinet shelves so that it can be kept neatly on an easy-to-reach shelf make sure the changes you are […]
admin
Care recipient (cr) misses activities that once brought a sense of purpose
Try: #identify a small garden spot where the cr may plant several tomato plants #get permission from the landlord or facility to plant if appropriate #shop with the cr for seeds and supplies let the cr pick out the kind of tomato to be planted #plant the tomato seeds as directed assist the cr only […]
Care recipient (cr) is depressed because of diminished sexual contact with spouse
Try: #give the cr permission to talk about importance of sexuality by asking questions or listening in a matter-of-fact non-jugmental way think about how loss of sexual contact may affect the cr #the more comfortable you can be with the subject the more comfortable the cr will feel talking with you #remember that sexual contact […]
Care recipient (cr) with early dementia fears losing memories and feels as though the connection to self is being lost
Try: Begin a project of making a scrapbook of the cr cr’s life using the cr cr’s mementos and photos help the cr attach photos to the pages and emphasize the stories behind the photos encourage the cr to write the stories down or make a small note here and there as the cr cr’s […]
Reusable incontinence pads shift out of place on a bed allowing sheets to become soiled
Try: #fold and press iron fold lengthwise in sheet #cut along fold with pinking shears #fold crosswise and then cut along the fold line the sheet is now 4 pieces #sew two quarters to opposite edges of 1 incontinence pad and repeat for the other pad forming two wings on the edge of each pad […]
Care recipient (cr) is unable to fasten buttons
Try: #buy velcro circles at a hardware fabric or office supply store #cut buttons off garment and remove dangling threads #sew a button over the buttonhole this way pull a knotted thread from the underside of the button hole through the holes of the button and back repeating about 6 times up and back through […]
Care recipient (cr) with advanced memory loss has trouble using eating utensils choosing between a spoon and a fork manipulating a steak knife using a knife and a fork at the same time these are all overwhelming for the cr
Try: #the caregiver (cg) can simplify things for the cr by pre-cutting food so it is served in bite-sized pieces whether in a serving dish or on the cr cr’s plate #simplify things further by serving cooked food soft enough not to require more cutting than could be done with the side of a fork […]
Female Care recipient (cr) feels neglected and unimportant
Try: #put the name of the cr on the make-up bag with the permanent marker let her know that the bag and its contents are hers and hers alone giving her a special bag as well as special manicure time may help her feel special #have her sit in a chair and relax #put lotion […]
Care recipient (cr) has trouble driving a car into a garage without hitting the back wall
Try: #park car at the right distance inside the garage #cut a hole through the ball and thread the rope through the hole #hang the ball on the rope from the ceiling of the garage so that it just touches the windshield of the car #now when the cr pulls into garage he or she […]
Care recipient (cr) has few interests tends to spend days alone and is depressed and lonely
Try: #locate a certified therapy dog and handler through a local animal hospital or pet store #establish a regular schedule at least once a week for the dog and handler to visit and the cr to walk with the dog the time spent outside in natural sunlight the exercise and the dog will all help […]