Try: #sometimes people try hard to cover up their real feelings and avoid crying in front of others on the other hand a vulnerable cr may just let his or her true feelings come out and not worry about what other people think or be too overwhelmed to care #try to determine the trigger that causes the crying a particular song may remind the cr of a lost loved one themes of loss death parenthood childhood birth or family in commercials or movies may remind the cr of unresolved events in the past #once a trigger has been determined discuss the issues with the cr to gain insight into what is going on #discuss various ways to deal with the issue with the cr and agree on a specific plan to try in the future #watch the cr’s behavior to see if the plan is working and make adjustments as necessary #keep in mind that there is nothing wrong with tears or with taking care of old business it is time to worry when being overwhelmed by feelings and memories interferes with regular life and functions

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Categories: Communication, Emotional Psychological, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Independence, Some Supervision

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: #sometimes the cr who is faced with a major decision will go into gridlock and be unable to deal with it without the caregiver helping out #assure the cr that you are available to help make an informed decision every step of the way #it is sometimes helpful to take a big decision or task and break it down into smaller decisions or task this is sometimes called the salami approach you start out with a big of salami and slice it up into smaller more manageable pieces you don’t try to tackle the big piece of salami all at once #once you have reduced the major decision down to a list of smaller decisions get all of the pertinent facts work on one decision at a time stay on task and do not get off track failure to do your research and homework can lead to poor decisions in some cases it is just simply a matter of finding the right person who has the expertise and

Materials: n/a

Categories: Communication, Emotional Psychological, Personal, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Independence, Some Supervision

Information: #the next step is to review all of the information and weigh the various alternatives in order to do this you need to determine what the cr’s priorities are in making a major decision about moving to an assisted living community which of the following factors is the most important quality of care cost amenities activities location or proximity to family members #next work with the cr to make a decision about the alternative that best meets the cr’s priorities this may take some time and you will need to insure that the cr stays on track #the cr may become frustrated confused and discouraged along the way be the encourager remain upbeat throughout the whole process and reinforce the decisions made #by following this process on each smaller decision the cr and you will eventually be able to make the major decision and hopefully feel good about it #it is also helpful if you continually remind the cr of the ultimate goal and that it is within sight for example in making the choice of an assisted living facility remind the cr how nice it will be after the choice is made and the move is complete to have three good meals prepared each day laundry and housekeeping services new friends and adventures etc information

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Keywords: n/a

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

Try: #explain the memory loss to the cr using simple words #provide reassurance that you care about the cr whether his or her memory is good or bad and are there to help #try giving the cr a pen and writing pad to write down things to remember for that day encourage the cr to focus on just one day at a time keeping longer lists may be frustrating #use a photo album with clearly labeled photos to help the cr remember people and events #accept and help the cr accept that memory loss may bring changes in thinking and speed of recall words names and ideas may be harder to remember let the cr express frustration but keep an eye out to see that he or she doesn’t get stuck in one perspective on the situation help the cr stay connected to sources of joy that are unaffected by these things friends animals nature simple activities and rituals

Materials: Pen and note pad photos album and photos

Categories: Communication, Emotional Psychological, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Independence, Some Supervision, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware, Long-Term Memory, So-So L T Memory, Short-Term Memory, So-So S T Memory

Information: n/a

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Keywords: n/a

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

Try: #don’t argue with the cr about the memory loss #don’t enter into denial with the cr about the memory loss #be prepared to repeat things that you say to the cr as many times as necessary #initiate a reminder system using a calendar with large spaces to write on also leave notes or encourage the cr to make notes to assist him or her to in remembering #establish routines and stay with them as much as possible

Materials: Calendar pen and note pad

Categories: Communication, Emotional Psychological, Social, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Independence, Some Supervision, Long-Term Memory, So-So L T Memory, Short-Term Memory, So-So S T Memory

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: Create a telephone tree that not only incorporates the parent but others who are still living independently but may just need checked on enlist several close neighbors or friends of the parent – this could also incorporate residents of an apartment complex or independent living facility assign each participant two or three names to check with each day at a specified time if no one answers the first time allow a span of time to elapse possibly 30 minutes or an hour and then make the second call and then a third if there is no answer after the third call notify a friend or neighbor who has been entrusted with a key to check on that person this has a two-fold effect – it not only assures the caller that the senior is ok but also assures the senior that the caller is ok any appointments that would interfere with the calling schedule should be reported to the caller beforehand to eliminate worry the tree will also open up socialization opportunities between the participants

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Categories: Communication, Medical Physical

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Keywords: n/a

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

Try: Establish a communication network with neighbors and friends of the parent they will probably notice any changes in routine or behavior that could mean there is a problem in other words establish a support network before it becomes a crisis of care make sure the parent leaves a key with a neighbor so entry to the home could be made to check on them if necessary make a list of professionals and their phone numbers so that they can be advocates for you in case of a medical emergency be involved and communicate regularly with your parent and take an interest in their activities and friends if they quit attending regular activities this could mean they are depressed get acquainted with the professionals – doctors and lawyers – who take care of your parents physical and legal matters and keep in touch with them make sure all documents are in place as to healthcare directives or legal matters

Materials: n/a

Categories: Communication, Medical Physical

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References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: In a caregiving situation communication can take many forms sometimes the actual words said or heard aren’t as important as engaging in the act of communicating satisfying communication for the cr could just be a cg actively listening by taking the time to direct attention towards the cr even if the words of the cr don’t make sense or even if they are not actual words at all accept and validate the attempt of the cr to still communicate use facial expressions nods and gentle touches even if you don’t understand the words don’t try to hurry the cr’s attempts to communicate along or dismiss it altogether this may result in the cr no longer attempting to use the communication skill always try to include the cr in any communication if visitors are present ask for the input of the cr even though n/a may be forthcoming

Materials: n/a

Categories: Communication

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Keywords: n/a

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

Try: If the socialization is an upcoming family gathering or holiday it would be best to have the visit in the daytime hours rather than evening the cr may be tired in the evening and not thoroughly enjoy socializing or may find it more confusing in the evening keep the celebration simple – don’t overdo either the activities or decorations make family members aware beforehand of any significant changes in the cr if the cr is having trouble communicating and the family member knows in advance they will allow the cr time to organize his her thoughts when trying to have a conversation if the family member is willing and the cr is able a drive in the country would be a wonderful way to visit if family members cannot visit in person a weekly phone call will give the cr something to look forward to and also give the cr something to relate to the cg after the phone call is finished a visit might also include a small gift such as a fruit basket an audio book a cd or just a brightly decorated box of tissues

Materials: n/a

Categories: Communication, Social

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Keywords: n/a

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

Try: Try to find ways to communicate that the cr can understand create a communication book or page that has pictures or words in large print that lists some of the daily wants and needs of the cr examples could be pictures of food a restroom symbol picture of a television or radio special activities or even a pillow to represent a nap also list or illustrate some of the confusing activities that the cr might want stopped or avoided such as loud music or the room is too light or too dark this will save the cr from trying to get his her words and thoughts across to the cg which will often cause confusion or frustration learn to read the cr’s body language if the cr draws his her face up or clenches their fists they could be in pain if they twist their hands constantly that could also mean pain or just frustration and agitation if the cr darts his her eyes constantly around the room there could be too much noise and confusion or just too much clutter in the room above all else be calm – act as if you have all the time in the world to interpret the message use positive words and supportive questions when you communicate with the cr realize and accept that you won’t always get it right

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Categories: Communication

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Keywords: n/a

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

Try: Be aware of what skills the cr still retains and what skills he she may have lost take into consideration the attention span of the cr when asking the cr to engage in an activity or help you with a chore look for signs that the cr is getting frustrated or confused and end the activity before frustration turns to stress or anger don’t get in a hurry and try to hurry or help the cr to finish whatever activity he she is involved in for instance if the cr takes quite a while to dress but is eventually able to complete the process look for a chore that you can accomplish while the cr is dressing the simple act of accomplishment will provide the cr with a positive feeling and may set the mood for the rest of the day praise the cr for any task that is completed whether correctly or incorrectly – sometimes just finishing a task is a huge accomplishment don’t offer to help unless the cr indicates that help would be appreciated taking over a task just to get it done sooner may make the cr feel like they are being treated like a child if the cr offers to help you with a task or a chore try to find some element of that chore that the cr can do even if it means adjusting the task the need to be helpful and the resulting positive feeling that they have been is a positive interaction for the cg and the cr

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