Care recipient (cr) is annoyed by caregiver (cg)

Try: Make a note of what actions or conversations are annoying to the cr avoid those conversations or actions in the future if those actions or conversations are unavoidable prepare the cr in advance and let him or her know what to expect for example if the cr is always annoyed when you help him or her walk to the dinner table let the cr know the time it will occur and how many minutes he or she has before this happens

Materials: Pen pencil notebook

Categories: Communication, Emotional Psychological, Social

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Annoy annoying agitate irritate distress disturb trouble worry

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Spam email is common to experienced internet users but may be unfamiliar to beginners it is important to explain some of the hazards with email to the care recipient

Try: Explain spam filters with cr and help them change their settings if needed discuss email accounts with the cr explain the hazards of spam email and the need for caution for example inform the cr that it is common for computer hackers to send viruses or to break into computers through email accounts caution the cr about opening emails from strangers even with emails from family and friends be careful with forwarded emails as the email could have been forwarded by multiple individuals also encourage the cr to never email attachments if they do not know who sent them it may be better to email the sender and confirm that the attachment is ok for downloading

Materials: Computer internet connection

Categories: Communication, Social

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Communication internet fraud

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Care recipient (cr) has difficulty listening understanding and processing communication

Try: The cr could be having problem with receptive language receptive language is the comprehension of language – listening and understanding what is communicated another way to view it is the receiving aspect of language it involves being attentive to what is said the ability to comprehend the message the speed of processing the message and concentrating on the message receptive language includes being able to follow a series of commands most communication is a two way process that involves both sending and receiving the message there are several things the caregiver (cg) can do to improve communication with the cr and minimize the difficulties the communication difficulties could be caused by the cr getting overwhelmed with the length of the sentences or instructions the cg should try to shorten the sentences and simplify the instructions this may allow the cr to process the

Materials: n/a

Categories: Communication, Social

Information: And respond better the cg should be patient and wait while the cr is trying to understand the message if the cr feels hurried this will lead to frustration and hinder comprehension if the cr is struggling the message could be calmly and gently rephrased and repeated rephrasing instead of repeating the message word-for-word suggests that the cg possibly didn’t make the message clear enough and does not imply that the cr can’t understand try to make a little time each week to practice receptive language skills with the cr this can be done by simply using a few word exercises to promote communication skills lists can be created with all types of themes and can be turned into fun activities that also promote good communication use a simple list of opposites to create flash cards that can be used in a game for example what is the opposite of up a list could also be made up of yes and no questions for example does a glass break another idea is to ask the cr to match specific food items with broad categories of food for example milk goes with dairy apples go with fruit and squash goes with vegetables information

References: Adapted from the websites www speechtherapyonvideo com and www answers com

Keywords: Communication language message

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Skype software allows users to make voice calls and video message over the internet

Try: If the Care recipient (cr) feels comfortable with computers and the internet skype can be a useful tool for communication skype allows the cr to converse with distant friends or family it can reduce isolation and increase independence explain the concept of online communication and see if the cr is interested if the cr expresses interest download skype and demonstrate its use have the cr explore skype and gauge his comfort level and understanding

Materials: Internet computer with webcam download skype

Categories: Communication, Social

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Internet elderly computer

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

The Care recipient (cr) is having difficulty selecting a sufficiently protected password

Try: Try to make the following suggestions to the cr concerning his computer password suggest mixing capitals with lowercase letters as well as symbols and numbers in the middle of the password avoid using extremely simple passwords names of children pets or sports team these can be guessed by people who have minimal

Materials: n/a

Categories: Communication

Information: About the cr if possible suggest using something more complex than a simple word with only a number or character johndoe1 johndoe2 johndoe suggest avoiding the same exact password for every website the banking password should be more detailed that the newspaper account if the cr has difficulty remembering multiple passwords suggest writing them down and storing the passwords with someone trustworthy or someplace safe information adapted from aarp org

References: n/a

Keywords: Computer security internet

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Care recipient (cr) is possibly interested in online banking

Try: More and more banks and financial institutions are transitioning services to their website this can be beneficial for seniors it is typically easier to track finances and online banking requires fewer trips to the bank however some seniors are hesitant to transition towards online banking have an honest conversation with the cr explain the benefits of online banking ask what they want out of a bank have a conversation with bank representatives and the cr discuss any issues the cr may have security internet comfort levels reinforce the fact that online banking can reduce the chances for theft or fraud because the risk of check forgery or paper money theft is reduced if the cr wants to try online banking suggest having a trusted family member to manage accounts online two sets of eyes can help track the finances

Materials: Computer with an internet connection

Categories: Communication, Financial

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

The Care recipient (cr) isn’t intimate with his her partner anymore and wants to become closer again

Try: Ask your partner how his her day went listen and ask questions appreciate your partner let him her know he she is appreciated start a gratitude journal with your partner about the things the cr appreciates about his her partner let your partner become your best friend share dreams goals fears and insecurities plan a romantic date once a month sign up for an activity together hug kiss and hold hands compliment your partner to make him her feel special create a sense of togetherness and intimacy by celebrating a positive event together like a raise promotion award personal goal etc make conflicts constructive for example say i don’t like it when you instead of you’re such a to allow communication and growth in the relationship leave a love note in a strategic place or leave a loving message on the answering machine make valentine’s day an everyday event with little romantic or thoughtful gifts and gestures

Materials: Notebook or journal pen pencil

Categories: Sage, Topic, Communication, Emotional Psychological, Sexuality Intimacy

Information: n/a

References: Adapted from ron forte 2010 ten tips to increase intimacy available at ezinearticles com

Keywords: Intimacy communication reconnecting lack of interest in sex

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

The Care recipient (cr) and his her partner have no sex life

Try: Try changing the time of day when the cr and his her have sex to a time when they have the most energy try the morning when the cr and his her partner are refreshed from a good night night’s sleep rather than at the end of a long day take more time to set the stage for romance such as a romantic dinner or an evening of dancing try a new sexual position find one that that’s more comfortable

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Communication, Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical, Sexuality Intimacy

Information: n/a

References: Adapted from intimacy and aging tips for sexual health and happiness available at mayoclinic com

Keywords: Sex intimacy communication low interest in sex better sex life no sex life

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Care recipient (cr) wants to have sex but doesn’t know how to communicate this with his or her partner

Try: Try using humor gentle teasing and even tickling to lighten the mood

Materials: n/a

Categories: Communication, Sexuality Intimacy, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware

Information: n/a

References: Adapted from jocelyn block melinda smith and jeanne segal 2010 better senior sex tips for enjoying a healthy sex life as you age available at helpguide org

Keywords: Sex communication bringing up sex intimacy

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

The Care recipient (cr) often says that he she is not in the mood to have sex

Try: Watch an erotic movie with the cr and talk about what scenes got your attention talk to the cr about your fantasies verbally or write them down in a letter to the cr

Materials: Erotic movie pen and paper

Categories: Sage, Topic, Communication, Emotional Psychological, Sexuality Intimacy

Information: n/a

References: Adapted from sex and intimacy tips from the relationship tips section of lifetips com

Keywords: Sex communication talking about sex intimacy no interest in sex

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed