Try: #put the chain lock on the door #instruct the cr to place a four inch piece of tape a few inches above the chain lock extending across the door and onto the door frame this should be done every night before going to bed #tell the cr that if the tape is not broken in the morning no one has entered the house this should assure the cr that no one is breaking in

Materials: Scotch tape chain lock for door

Categories: Emotional Psychological

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: #always give the cr support and acknowledge the fears that he or she has #help the cr write down where items are stored for example ##wallet- upper drawer on right hand side ##aftershave- top of dresser left hand side near the back #once you have written down where the possessions are stored you can tape the list to the wall #you can always add items to the list as well #encourage the cr to develop a routine of always putting the items back in their proper place the list can be used as a reference #reassure the cr that the possessions will be safe

Materials: Paper pen tape

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Independence, Some Supervision, Long-Term Memory, So-So L 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: #make a home video of each family and friend with a message for the cr #ask the family members and friends to say encouraging happy and uplifting things they should also say how much they love and care about the cr #when the cr gets lonely ask him or her to sit in front of the television in a comfortable chair or couch # put the tape in the vcr and play the video of family member or friends this will reassure the cr that he or she is loved and cared about

Materials: Family and friends to make a home recording recording device and player comfortable chair or couch television

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Social

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: #talk with the cr and explain that there are also many great wonderful and positive things going on in the world not just the negative #ask the cr to write in the journal on a daily basis to document three things to be thankful for #ask the cr to watch the news on tv and write down something positive for every negative comment that is made #read one short inspirational story with the cr daily #look through family photo albums with the cr and reminisce about happy times #ask the cr to look into the mirror smile and laugh several times a day #say how enjoyable it is to be around the cr when the focus is positive instead of negative

Materials: Journal pen inspirational books that suit the cr’s values family pictures mirror

Categories: Emotional Psychological

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: #a cr’s unwillingness to bathe may be related to dementia mental illness depression or anxiety about falling fear of falling may be addressed by adding no-skid strips and grab bars but changes in cognition or mental health may require different kinds of problem-solving #can bath time be made more comfortable the cr may feel better about bathing midday than in the morning for example make sure the bathroom’s temperature and lighting are appropriate for the cr’s tastes and needs #also consider whether the cr can live safely and well with fewer baths perhaps just one or two a week if the cr’s skin is in good condition and he or she has good circulation and if the caregiver and cr are able to manage continence and personal cleaning well then sponge baths and personal care wipes may be enough to keep the cr fresh between baths #purchase bathing or continence wipes at pharmacies wipes are available for general skin cleaning or for use cleaning sensitive skin when bowel or bladder accidents occur washcloths and mild soap are fine for sponge baths #make sure soap residue is removed with clear water after sponge baths #do not let fecal matter or infected tissue get spread to the vaginal or penile opening or to an open wound or mucous membrane while assisting the cr to bathe #wash your hands with soap and warm water before and after helping the cr to bathe

Materials: Large attractive towel personal wipes washcloths no-skid strips and grab bars if necessary

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Personal, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: Talk to the cr about his or her fear of night time intruders listen to the cr’s concerns give the cr something positive to do to address the fear of intruders for example suggest that the cr make it a habit to make sure all the doors and windows in the house are locked every evening around the same time consider placing motion sensor lights throughout the inside of the house and around the outside of the home arrange for a handyperson to install the lights let the cr know that if anything crosses the path of the motion sensors the lights will go on the lights may be triggered by the cr walking around inside the home or by cats or feral animals passing outside the home explain to the cr how the lights work as a security tool the lights may give the cr a better picture of what is happening in the environment leading to a greater sense of security

Materials: Inside motion sensor lights outside motion sensor lights handyperson

Categories: Emotional Psychological

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: #read from the newspaper or watch or listen to a newscast each day with the cr discuss some of the stories #look for upcoming shows concerts senior gatherings fairs or other events listed in the newspaper that will be affordable and physically comfortable for you and the cr to attend #include the cr in family or social group activities if the cr has trouble leaving home bring the family or group to the cr visitors games crafts volunteer projects small study groups etc #keep a large calendar at hand and use it to note scheduled activities encourage the cr mark of the days as they pass when the cr marks off a day sit with him or her and review the major events of the day the cr or the caregiver can jot a few words down on the calendar about the day that is ending as well and look ahead at upcoming events #review the calendar with the cr even if briefly at the beginning and end of the day if you are a live-in care provider and at the start and end of your shift if you are an hourly caregiver

Materials: Newspapers newscasts large calendar social group

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Social, 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: #your usual clothing stores may be places to find alternatives to clothing that button or zip look for pants or skirts that pull up sweaters and tops that pull over lounger-style dresses and shoes that stick shut or pull on rather than lacing #for addition options look for clothing designed for people with disabilities some catalogs carry cloths designed specifically for people who sit in wheelchairs for most of their waking hours these clothes which can include suits and jeans are specially tailored to meet the shape of a person’s seated body and they often have easy-to-use fastening features these catalogs may also carry shirts that look as if they button down but don’t look for catalogs online and in medical supply stores

Materials: Clothing stores independent living supply catalogs or websites

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Personal, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Independence, Some Supervision, Touch, So-So Touch, Cognitive Awareness, Somewhat Aware, 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: When the cr is confused frustrated or upset do not ignore respond as quickly as you can please check out the following before doing anything else glasses hearing aids any other devices that help the cr relate to the environment spend some quality time the cr let the cr know that he or she is important and is being heard give the cr a hug or pat on the back provide ongoing reassurance that you are there and you can help try distraction by using food music or some other activity that the cr would really enjoy help the cr work through the confusion find out what the specific issue is and talk about it for example if the cr is confused by an unfamiliar environment provide orientation by walking around and pointing out landmarks provide structure and routine do not give the cr too many choices keep it simple do not change the cr’s living quarters room apartment or house unless necessary make sure that the cr is going to the bathroom on a regular basis the cr may get upset if he or she needs to go and cannot communicate it manage the cr’s fatigue by making sure there is enough sleep and rest on a regular basis make sure that the cr is getting enough exercise exercise releases pent up energy increases appetite and can improve the cr’s mood and attitude for example go for a walk in the park or at a shopping mall

Materials: n/a

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Socialization

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: #a trusted friend or advocate can help a senior ease into new situations by going with the cr into new situations or appointments #a cr who won’t open the front door to a stranger might miss getting needed social services by not responding to social workers or case managers who knock on the door arrange for a trusted friend to be present with the cr for any home appointment #make sure in advance that all visiting careworkers know in advance they will be asked to show identification at the door before entring the home #a friend of advocate may also go with the cr the first couple of times a cr begins attending a new group or activity such as coffee with other seniors at a local restaurant adult day care or a study group be clear that the role of the advocate or friend is to make the experience more comfrtable for the cr

Materials: Friend or advocate

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Social, Mobility, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Independence, No Supervision, Some Supervision

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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