Try: #make the house key stand out among other keys on a ring #buy a rubber ring to cover the top of the key rubber rings to cover keys are sold at many hardware stores buy just one to make the key you put it on stand out from all the others or depending on the cr cr’s eyesight buy several in different colors to make several keys stand out from the others #increase the nighttime visibility of the house key by painting it it’s head the part you grasp with a glow-in-the dark paint

Materials: Rubber key cover glow-in-the-dark paint that works on metal

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Maintenance, Mobility, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Independence, No Supervision, Some Supervision, Vision, Poor Vision

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: #the images and ideas suggested by intrusive thoughts can distract disturb or disgust the person having them a natural reaction to intrusive thoughts is to try to suppress or deny them; ironically this often makes them more persistent #when intrusive thoughts occur try simply accepting them stop trying to focus on anything else and take a quiet moment give yourself permission to accept that the intrusive thought is there remind yourself that nothing needs to be done about it it doesn’t require action and it doesn’t deserve a response sit quietly for a few moments in acceptance of the thought and often the thought will disappear #obsessive compulsive disorder can be managed through a variety of avenues including medication counseling and self-care address signs of obsessive compulsive behavior if they cause distress have a negative impact on relationships or impose obstacles to carrying out activities of daily living working bathing shopping leaving the house for examples

Materials: Quiet moment additional treatment if desired

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: #find out what physical activities the cr enjoyed anytime before needing physical therapy golf tennis baseball or softball if so ask the therapist if movements or equipment related to those activities can be incorporated into the physical therapy #discuss the cr’s lack of enthusiasm for therapy with the physical therapist particularly if you believe that it’s due to the cr being discouraged or depressed #if the cr’s attitude or behavior create the risk of long-term negative consequences to health or level of disability talk to the cr and the cr’s doctor about geriatric psychiatry or medication that may help if available the risks of doing poorly in physical therapy should be explained to the cr in terms that he or she is able to understand for example you may want to explain that a person will not be able to return home from a rehabilitation unit unless a certain level of strength has been regained it is important the cr shouldn’t be punished or threatened with the withdrawal of housing or any other basic necessity because he or she doesn’t participate fully or do well #reward the cr when he or she is ready for does well or is positive toward physical therapy positive reinforcement might include words of praise the promise of an enjoyable activity afterward or a note card later that lets the cr know you noticed his or her hard work

Materials: Physical therapist items of interest putter tennis racquet etc

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: #invite neighbors with well-behaved pets to visit regularly or arrange visits to the neighbors’ houses #consider volunteering at a local animal shelter they often need volunteers to do everything from walking dogs to petting cats from washing blankets to working on fundraisers #ask local agencies about therapy dogs or horses and see whether a visit with a therapy animal is possible if you can’t find therapy animals easily ask a reference librarian to help you search for them online #consider whether a low-maintenance animal such as a goldfish or tiny turtle is within the ability of the cr to care for a goldfish bowl or turtle home can be kept on a countertop with supplies close at hand visit a pet store to find out about the care involved and the cost of animal equipment food and care #try plants indoor plants including herbs or outdoor pots full of flowers ad regular or miniature vegetables can be satisfying to care for and take up little room small gardening projects may be fun to plan and carry out with a friend or relative

Materials: Neighbors with friendly animals therapy dog or horse reference librarian if necessary tiny countertop pet if possible pet store plants gardening supplies

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

Try: #ask the cr if he of she could do some small tasks services or volunteer projects for family members or service organizations from home for example stuffing envelopes making phone calls baking making small repairs #visit craft hobby or hardware stores with the cr to locate activities the cr finds interesting and can do alone safely encourage the cr to try arts skills games etc that match his or her ability to learn or find enjoyment #stock up on books and other media from the library #encourage the cr to reach out for more social contact if he or she wants it look into neighborhood association activities and area programs for seniors including adult daycare centers where the cr could participate as a member or as a volunteer consider the possibility of classes through community colleges park districts special interest groups worship centers and private tutors

Materials: Knowledge of cr’s interest skills and abilities craft hobby or hardware store consultations with senior service agencies

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Social, 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

Try: #encourage the cr to join neighbors friends and family in light activities such as walking around the neighborhood strolling in public gardens or dancing #make physical activity an informal part of the cr’s week if the cr resists the idea of exercise shopping trips that involve walking games that involve physical gestures hobbies that require movement using a potter’s wheel spinning wool carrying a metal detector these are informal ways to get exercise casual swimming easy gardening or taking short walking tours of historic sites will also provide exercise and mental stimulation #schedule formal physical activity as part of the cr daily and weekly routine if possible and help the cr plan for it look for fitness classes for seniors home therapy services or park district activities that match the cr’s interest and ability #make sure the cr wears proper walking shoes for exercise and other activities requiring balance or endurance if the cr uses a can walker or other assistive device make sure it is fitted properly for the cr and that it is being used safely and comfortably #make sure that water or another non-caffeinated non-alcoholic drink is available to the cr during or after physical activity

Materials: Walking shoes cane or other assistive device if necessary activity partners water

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical, Mobility, Mobile, 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: #the cr may be writing checks to the caregiver so the caregiver can do errands or pay bills in cash on the cr’s behalf however for both their sakes it is important that they keep proof of what is being done with the checks each month set an envelope aside and keep every receipt for every purchase made on the cr’s behalf when the cr writes a check he or she should note on the ‘memo’ line what the check is being used for #a concerned family member who fears a cr may be exploited can speak to the cr and the caregiver and strongly recommend they implement the accountability system outlined above #if the cr seems unable to handle finances alone or if the family member still suspects financial exploitation response options include reporting suspected financial abuse to an elder abuse hotline firing the worker if the family member is the employer or contacting the employer to make a complaint reporting suspected abuse of an elder to an elder abuse hotline is always an option and should trigger an inquiry #the family member may also talk to the cr about going to the bank and setting up the cr’s account so that all his or her checks require two signatures to be valid this may help protect the cr from theft and fraud the family member can visit the cr on a scheduled basis to co-sign monthly bill payments and on an as-needed basis throughout the month #signs that a cr may be financially exploited include numerous checks written to a caregiver without explanation multiple subscriptions to the same magazines lack of funds to pay basic household bills and expenses because of loans being made to other people late notices or late fees on bills normally paid on time disconnection of utilities automatic withdrawals from the cr’s bank account that the cr doesn’t understand overdrafts and reports from the cr that he or she is letting others borrow his or her credit card to make a purchase that the borrower will pay back often an exploited cr is left with hundreds or thousands of dollars of debt that are never paid back

Materials: Communication with cr and caregiver twelve envelopes doctor checks requiring two signatures

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Financial, Mobility, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Independence, No Supervision, Some Supervision, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware, Long-Term Memory, Good L T Memory, So-So L T Memory, Poor L T Memory, Short-Term Memory, Good S T Memory, So-So S T Memory, Poor 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: #buy a recording of nature sounds or soft music to play softly in the background while you work with the cr on relaxation exercises if the cr wants you to record your voice giving instructions you may want to leave the music off while you are recording #invite the cr to sit or recline comfortably in a chair or on the bed or on the floor use pillows to increase the cr’s comfort or safety as needed #use the following script speaking clearly and slowly ##close your eyes take a deep breath in hold it for a second now exhale slowly and completely take another deep breath in let it out slowly breathe in and breathe out ##now stiffen your feet so your toes are pointing up try to point your toes toward your nose feel the tension in your toes your ankles and the bottom of your feet now let your ankles relax and your arches relax and your toes relax ##keep breathing in and out pay attention to your legs make then stiff like logs feel the tension in your feet your calves your knees your thighs and your behind and now relax your legs let your thighs relax let your knees become loose let your ankles become flexible feel the tension leave your feet ##breath deeply and fully and as you do pay attention to your hands clench your fists as tightly as you can hold that tension now unfold your fists feeling your fingers unfold and your palms unfold and feeling your hands completely relax again clench your fists tightly hold the tension and now release it feel all the tension leaving your hands your palms your fingertips feel the difference between tension and relaxation ##breathe deeply and fully and pay attention to your arms make your arms as stiff as you can feel the stiffness in your fists your forearms your upper arms hold the tension and now relax let the tension drain away let your fists your wrists your elbows and your muscles relax now tighten your arms again and hold them as tight as you can keep breathing in and out and now relax your arms ##now raise your shoulders toward your ears tighten your shoulders and hold the tension for a second now drop your shoulders and all the tension they were carrying let your shoulders relax let the tension flow out of your shoulders down your arms through your hands and out your fingertips ##breathe in and out pay attention to your neck and face tighten all the muscles in your face squeeze your mouth and eyes and forehead tight now relax your face let your cheeks relax and your eye muscles relax and your mouth relax relax your jaw feel the tension leave your face and your neck ##breathe and check your body for any spot where you feel tension relax that spot

Materials: Music player nature sounds or soft music recording voice recorder if desired pillows

Categories: 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

Try: #drinking or eating caffeinated products may make feelings of anxiety worse regular use of caffeine for example several cups of coffee in the morning or a large soda in the afternoon can contribute to dramatic highs and lows in energy levels mood insomnia and discomfort #reduce caffeine intake and see if anxiety lessens #if quitting caffeinated drinks all at once is too uncomfortable take a week to gradually replace caffeinated with non-caffeinated drinks begin with a half and half mixture of caffeinated-decaffeinated and slowly switch to a full dose of decaffeinated #keep in mind that caffeine is also present in coffee tea milk chocolate sport drinks and many over-the-counter medications #look for caffeine-free colas teas dark chocolate and medications

Materials: Caffeine-free alternatives to caffeinated drinks and foods

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: #breathe in through the nose for two counts #purse the lips and exhale through the mouth in a steady stream for four counts as if slowly blowing out birthday candles #repeat these two steps several times #if you feel dizzy or tired at any time return to your regular breathing pattern

Materials: Ability to regulate breathing for a few minutes at a time

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Mobility, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Independence, No Supervision, Some Supervision, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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