The Care recipient (cr) likes to communicate with friends and family on facebook the cr feels a little unsafe and wants to know how to protect personal information when socializing on the internet

Try: Avoid posting phone numbers and address

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Communication, Social

Information: Avoid posting information about where the cr is or travel plans less content is safer than a lot of content ask permission to post information and photos of other people and ask friends and family to ask the cr before they post pictures or information of or about the cr don’t post information that the cr would not want a bank insurance company or anyone else the cr does business with to see more companies are checking social sites like facebook to get information about potential customers and employees information

References: socializing safely on the internet from gettysburg college gettysburg edu

Keywords: n/a

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

The Care recipient (cr) is hearing impaired and the caregiver (cg) needs to know how to communicate with the cr

Try: Be sure their hearing aid is turned on fitted and adjusted properly and the batteries are charged make sure the cr sees the cg approaching so the cr isn’t startled stand or sit directly in front of the cr check the lighting to be sure the cg are not back lit and the cr isn’t just looking at a dark silhouette against a bright background reduce or eliminate background noise as much as possible such as music tv’s fans or other conversations when at a restaurant or event with the cr choose a seat that will improve the cr’s ability to hear speak slowly and clearly in a normal tone of voice do not shout do not over exaggerate lip movements if the cr doesn’t understand what the cgis saying try rephrasing it in different words to get the message across try not to jump from subject to subject write down what is being said for the cr to read make up a notebook with pictures or phrases often used in conversation with the cr that can be used on a regular basis provide visual cues through facial expressions and natural gestures do not chew gum or eat while talking keep hands away from the face while talking to the cr so he or she can see the cg’s facial expressions

Materials: Notebook pen paper

Categories: Communication, So-So Hearing, Poor Hearing

Information: n/a

References: Adapted from tender loving eldercare tlec consulting services

Keywords: n/a

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

The Care recipient (cr) is not able to talk

Try: # explore a variety of ways to talk to the cr # create a communication board with pictures of faces showing a variety of emotions # create some index cards with pictures of faces showing a variety of emotions # create note cards with a variety of pictures of places to go # so the cr can point to the place s they would want to go when planning activities # use the internet to look up pictures of activities the cr can do and the cr can point to the activities they have interest in

Materials: # note cards # pictures to cut out from catalogues or brochures # internet access

Categories: Communication

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) needs more frequent assistance than the caregiver (cg) can provide due to time and distance

Try: Schedule times with the cr about when you will call and remind him or her on upcoming appointments consider providing the cr with a a cell phone develop a daily schedule check off list and mail it to the cr develop a schedule for the cr to mail the completed check off list to you give the cr stamped self addressed envelopes for mailing completed lists gather contact

Materials: n/a

Categories: Communication, Medical Physical

Information: About the cr’s physician filling prescriptions transportation needs shopping needs etc tell the cr that the cg will make arrangements for appointments transportation etc tell the cr that the cg is going to arrange prescription delivery to the cr tell the cr that the cg is going to contact the grocery store and pre-arrange groceries to be bagged boxed and ready for the cr to pick up at service counter ask the cr if he or she would like the cg to arrange for the cg to pay the cr’s bills and manage other financial matters ask the cr if there is a friend or family member that he or she can get help from in making sure bills and other financial matters are handled information

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Care recipient (cr) has a lost the ability to speak coherently Care recipient (cr) can understand what the caregiver (cg) is saying but the cg can’t understand what the cr is saying

Try: Create a book with words phrases pictures and photos and ask cr to point to what he or she is trying to say or tell you ask the cr to sing the request many time a cr who has lost the ability to speak coherently cannot communicate by speaking sentences but can by singing them for example pick a simple song or tune such as mary had a little lamb and ask the cr to sing his or her request to that tune

Materials: n/a

Categories: Communication, Poor Verbal Comm, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware

Information: The loss of ability to speak coherently is sometimes referred to as aphasia

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

The Care recipient (cr) is not able to talk

Try: # explore a variety of ways to talk to the cr # create a communication board with pictures of faces showing a variety of emotions # create some index cards with pictures of faces showing a variety of emotions # create note cards with a variety of pictures of places to go so the cr can point to the place s they would want to go when planning activities # use the internet to look up pictures of activities the cr can do and the cr can point to the activities they have interest in

Materials: # note cards # pictures to cut out from catalogues or brochures # internet access

Categories: Communication

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Care recipient (cr) is depressed and is talking much less than usual

Try: #the cr may no longer feel wanted or useful encourage the cr help with everyday tasks by asking for help and giving sincere thanks when it is given #try to provide tasks the cr enjoys doing and does well engagement in fun and meaningful activities may help lift the depression and result in more communication #the cr may feel more comfortable talking while busy join the cr in a task or bring some handwork of your own to a shared space for example if the cr enjoys baking ask him or her to bake a special dish and then take a break to share a cup of coffee or tea if you are cooking ask the cr to clean or chop vegetables for you or read a recipe aloud to you #let the cr know you respect his or her right to private thoughts but that you are concerned by the changes you see and are available to listen if the cr wants to talk listen without giving false assurances that everything will be alright you don’t know that everything will be alright but you can promise to be with the cr through the good times and the bad to the best of your ability

Materials: n/a

Categories: Communication, Emotional Psychological, Mobility, Mobile, Independence, No Supervision

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Care recipient (cr) seems locked in a grieving process and finds it difficult to express grief

Try: #invite the cr to take time daily to write in the journal about the grief experience writing can be free style where the cr simply writes about events of the day or whatever is on his or her mind with no rules #as an alternative you can guide the cr through a writing program aimed at addressing his or loss assign writing topics such as ## make a list of grief feeling words such as fear anger worry and relief; ## finish the sentence today i missed you when ##the happiest memory i have of my loved one is #after some time has passed ask the cr to discuss the journal and grieving experience with you #be prepared to validate the cr’s feelings as you listen #over time the cr may find it easier to express thoughts feelings about the loss of the loved one

Materials: Journal and pen

Categories: Communication, Emotional Psychological, Spiritual, Mobility, Mobile, Independence, No Supervision

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

caregiver (cg) is having difficulty carrying on a conversation with a hearing impaired Care recipient (cr)

Try: Alert the cr to your presence don’t approach the cr from behind or the side don’t cover your mouth with your hand when talking always maintain eye contact don’t turn your head because this makes it more difficult for the cr to see your lips try to visit in a quiet environment without other distracting noises speak up but do not shout because this tends to garble your words speak at a normal speed – not too fast or too slow don’t chew gum while speaking don’t use long or difficult words when the cr is trying to read your lips take a notepad in case the cr doesn’t understand a word or phrase

Materials: n/a

Categories: Communication, So-So Hearing, Poor Hearing

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

caregiver (cg) is looking for ways to communicate more effectively with Care recipient (cr)

Try: Listen carefully while at the same time give plenty of encouragement don’t hurry or rush to fill in the blanks as the cr is talking unless not being able to think of a specific word or phrase is making the cr frustrated in that case gently suggest a word that can be used don’t try speaking until you are sure you have the full attention of the cr at all times show respect for the cr with your tone and your words don’t give negative body language such as sighs or raised eyebrows while cr is speaking pay attention to the body language of the cr if they project sadness a gentle touch will convey concern and empathy speak clearly and slowly give the cr ample time to process your words before you go on

Materials: n/a

Categories: Communication

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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