Try: #gather a few favorite pictures of best-loved pets family members or friends #if necessary use the camera to take pictures of pets in the home or visitors when they come to the home #make copies of the favorite pictures keep the originals in a safe place and use the copies to fill a small flexible album that can fit in a wallet pocket purse or backpack #encourage the cr to look at the pictures before leaving home and to take the album with him or her when going out the cr can take the album out to look at as a way of relaxing in moments of stress over time just knowing the photos are there to be looked at when needed may be comforting

Materials: Camera pictures of pets family members or best friends small photo album

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Independence, No Supervision, Vision, So-So Vision, 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: #often people feel lonely when they are in situations that physically isolate them from others or when they feel they are alone in what they are experiencing #caregivers may feel lonely while providing care to spouses or parents while cr’s may feel lonely moving through stages of loss and changes related to disability #take time to truly connect with other people if you are a caregiver schedule time to take care of yourself and protect that time #make sure that more than a cr’s physical needs are met it can be difficult in the pressure of providing physical care to find the energy to provide emotional support for this reason alone it is often a good idea to get help providing care and to set aside time to simply enjoy the cr’s company cr’s need kindness as well as physical care #make sure the cr spends time with people who can give regular deeply appreciative time regular visits from an understanding friend family member community volunteer or clergy person may add to the cr’s enjoyment of life

Materials: Accepting friends family members or counselor caregiver willing to reach out on behalf of self caregiver willing to ask for help and explore resources available time in caregiver’s and cr’s day when they are listened to with kindness

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Social, Mobility, Needs Much Assistance, Immobile, Independence, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware, Unaware

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: #if you think a cr is lethargic due to dehydration give the cr a drink that will replace both fluids and electrolytes #contact a doctor or emergency service if a cr remains lethargic or confused #always have a way for the cr to drink water conveniently whether the cr is watching tv reading or just sitting looking out the window at very least a water bottle with a built-in straw could be kept at hand #provide liquids with all meals and snacks #offer drinks you know the cr likes including non-alcoholic versions of alcoholic favorites such as beer daiquiris or margaritas #don’t just remind the cr to drink sit with the cr every couple of hours to give the cr company and to confirm that liquids are being taken

Materials: Bottled water juice boxes sports drinks designed to replace electrolytes lost during exercise

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical, Mobility, Needs Much Assistance, Independence, Maximum Supervision, Somewhat Aware, So-So L T 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: #help the cr move to a quiet place if you notice the cr getting upset by activity or sound level #offer the cr ear plugs or if needed buy sound-blocking headphones from a gun shop make sure the headphones fit comfortably over the head and on the ears very high-quality headphones are sold in gun supply stores and hunting sections of general merchandise stores headphones are also sold at electronics stores #do noisy chores at the same time daily or weekly and plan on the cr being in a quiet place while noisy chores i e vacuuming mixing chopping occur if the cr cannot sit unattended offer the headphones and seat the cr in sight of the caregiver while the caregiver works

Materials: Quiet space comfortable ear plugs or headphones attentive caregiver

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Mobility, Needs Much Assistance, Immobile, Independence, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, Hearing, Good Hearing, So-So Hearing, Poor Hearing, Verbal Communication, Good Verbal Comm, So-So Verbal Comm, Poor Verbal Comm, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware, Unaware, 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: #although some crs are more outgoing than others social contact is a basic human need for everyone #gentle invitation and encouragement are more effective than nagging at getting people involved in social activities #sharing interests or meaningful activities can lead to fun and friendship these may lead to a fuller more satisfying life #keep in mind the difference between isolation or withdrawal and the need for solitude or quiet time which can contribute to a healthy lifestyle time alone can be positive while loneliness can be painful #isolation may be caused by a change in income health continence or driving ability if the cr shares

Materials: Caregiver people with mutual interests comfortable environment inclusion invitation

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

Information: About a change related to one of these things keep the info in mind when inviting the cr to an activity ask yourself in advance if accessible surroundings finance stamina bowel or bladder control or transportation may be issues and be ready to problem-solve with the cr so these issues can be addressed #if the cr can’t go out find ways to bring activity in #when helping family or friends plan visits to the cr think about whether it is best for visitors to come when the caregiver is present or away some cr’s enjoy having guests over between the caregiver’s shifts while others prefer the caregiver be present to assist them in hosting company information

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: #dribbling of urine after main urination stream is finished can lead to embarrassing spots and odors on clothes when this occurs repeatedly it may be time to add new things to the routine of urinating #after the urine stream seems complete wait a little bit before zipping up a few drops more may come within a minute #after finishing dry the penis with toilet paper to soak up drops that puddle at the tip of the penis due to weak stream this may also allow a little extra time for any additional drops to show up #wear darker pants when going out as they may be less revealing of spots #if urinary incontinence is significant consider using adult disposable underwear or an insertable pad in a waterproof liner there are many discreet products specifically for men sold directly from companies that sell some of their products in drug stores take the web site address or telephone number from a store product and contact the company for a consultation #if incontinence is linked to a medical condition being treated by a diuretic water pill talk to the doctor about the safety of changing the time you take the pill on days when outings are planned #be very careful about limiting fluid intake as dehydration poses a serious risk to seniors

Materials: Toilet paper waterproof underwear and or pads re-thinking urination process

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical, Male, 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: #instruct the cr to sit up straight take a deep breath in and cough five times do this exercise in sets of five or 25 coughs per session #assist the cr as needed with reminders or physical help to do the exercise four times a day ##before gettng out of bed; ##before lunch; ##before dinner ##and before lying down to go to sleep #have tissues available at the bedside and wherever else the breathing exercise takes place to capture the discharge called mucous plugs that may be produced after deep breathing and cough exercises #encourage the cr to cough into the tissues and make sure the surfaces in the area are cleaned regularly #throw tissues away immediately and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water

Materials: Deep breathing and cough exercises tissues

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Housekeeping Home Maintenance, Leisure, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Independence, No Supervision, 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: #a cr who speaks frequently about a former job house car status special skill or who mourns the loss of youth beauty a marriage or a relationship may have based a sense of worth on external changeable things #feeling more aware of a sense of worthlessness after loss of any of those things a cr may take high risks with health become depressed brag obsess about looks or stay stuck for a while talking and focusing on the loss #a compassionate listener will reflect back to the cr the emotional tone underneath the focus it sounds as if you loved that house and really miss living in it #a compassionate listener will also hear what the cr is not talking about the current life experience asking questions in a non-judgmental way about the cr’s present life allows the cr to think aloud about the new conditions it’s true that being young and beautiful opens a lot of doors and i understand why you feel you are treated unfairly at work because of your age but you probably have some advantages because of your age over your younger co-workers do you find you have wisdom they don’t have #if a cr shows ongoing signs of depression let the cr know you are concerned and begin a conversation with the cr about discussing the depression with a doctor or seeking some kind of counseling or therapy even if on a short-term basis #if you think depression puts the cr at risk of self-harm call a doctor or a crisis line using your best judgment as to whether to inform the cr your decision may be influenced by the cr’s ability to understand or process

Materials: Caregiver compassion loving listening healthcare provider evaluation of depression

Categories: Emotional Psychological

Information: Make decisions or behave rationally at the time of your concern information

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: #when a cr is depressed you can make a difference by offering emotional support listening with patience and compassion and presenting the cr with choices when the cr feels there are n/a #schedule social activities the Care recipient (cr) can handle and modify these as the cr’s condition and needs change #plan and prepare healthy meals poor diet can make depression worse foods high in sugars and fats may raise and lower blood sugars dramatically causing feelings of depression about an hour after meals #know and monitor signs of depression #advocate for the cr if any treatment plans proposed by doctors or social workers appear to be inappropriate based on your knowledge of the cr’s situation and needs if a treatment plan is reasonable encourage the cr to follow through with it encourage by changing the cr’s diet assisting the cr to exercise or attend physical therapy making sure all medications are taken as prescribed looking for social resources and arranging rides for appointments or activities as necessary #attend doctors’ visits with the cr

Materials: No special materials needed

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Personal, Social, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Independence, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: #as much as possible stick to a routine of self-care related to sleep medicine eating bathing and exercising if you can’t keep up all your routines do the ones that are most important to health and safety such as taking medications on schedule #go outside for fresh air being outside can lift a heavy mood #do something physical no matter what your level of physical ability is if you can’t take a walk do some raking from a chair or bat a balloon around with a friend #seek spiritual support ask for a visit from a clergy person or talk to a friend who can share a meaningful conversation #limit social activities to ones that are truly enjoyable feel free to avoid activities or people who are draining #listen to music you really enjoy or take a break from noise and turn off the television and radio for a while #give yourself something you don’t normally take time for such as a concert a meal at a restaurant or a trip to the library to browse books and music look for no-cost or low-cost treats such as free daytime concerts

Materials: Routine for daily or weekly activities fresh air exercise spiritual support social activities music gifts to self

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical, Spiritual

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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