Try: The definition of spirituality is a partnership or connection with one’s higher power that gives life meaning stability peace understanding and hope for some it could be a religious belief system for others it could be personal values that can be found within oneself or serenity in nature music art or social community even though spirituality is a less tangible way of reducing stress than the more obvious methods such as exercising eating healthy and maintaining social connections it never- the- less provides a very useful means of alleviating the stress for both the care recipient and the caregiver ask yourself the following questions to gain perspective on your own spirituality what inspires you and gives you hope what are some things that bring you joy what people make you feel connected what do you value most in your life what are some of your proudest moments and accomplishments what activities bring you the most peace the benefits of spirituality spirituality helps you distinguish between what is important and what is less important by providing a sense of meaning this allows the focus to be drawn to the more important aspects of care giving spirituality gives connection and purpose to life and reduces the feelings of loneliness spirituality helps you share the burdens of care with others and not feel responsible for doing it all spirituality shows you how using a support network builds relationships and forms connections spirituality enhances the quality of life both physically and mentally methods of practicing spirituality religious observance using meditation and relaxation techniques journaling as a form of self-expression and also to keeping track of progress and achievements reading uplifting inspirational or humorous stories connecting with others to share how spirituality helped in their specific circumstances nurturing relationships with friends and family sharing your positive experiences with others focusing only on the good in others as well as yourself accepting others as they are without judging having a trusted friend who will listen objectively and share your joys as well as your sorrows information references adapted from mayoclinic com and www pbhcare org

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

Try: The benefits of laughter in a care giving situation can be two-fold laughter can help lighten the mood of the Care recipient (cr) which will make communication and cooperation easier without the added side effects of medications laughter can also help alleviate stressful situations for the caregiver (cg) using humor in any situation can soften the realities dry the tears and strengthen the bond between the cr and the cg happiness and laughter are contagious suggestions for instilling a little more laughter into each day rent some old slapstick comedies such as abbott and costello three stooges even some old charlie chaplin silent movies the silliness and absurdity of these movies may bring some joy and delight to those who watch cut out the mentally stressful television shows that depict fear and anxiety and switch instead to a funny sitcom or possibly some nature documentaries tune into some children’s shows on television nothing brings a smile on quicker than to seeing young children interacting with each other create a library of humorous books sayings jokes riddles and quotations make a routine of interjecting some of these at different times during the day keep a daily joy journal and write down anything during the day that brings happiness or joy whether it is a funny story a hilarious happening or a particular joke that brought a smile to your face share your funny stories with others and let them share theirs with you this can be done in support groups when visiting with family and neighbors or online look for the laughter in everyday situations hit the "pause" button when stress threatens to overwhelm you take a step back and look at the situation from the outside in and try to look at it from a different and possibly humorous perspective laugh for absolutely no reason just hearing laughter will cause others around you to start laughing and the benefits of just laughing out loud are healthful and mood elevating the physical benefits of laughter improves cardiovascular health improves respiration lowers blood pressure reduces pain enhances the immune system decreases stress hormones increases muscle relaxation burns calories the mental benefits of laughter improves brain functions improves dispositions releases pent-up feelings of anger and frustration reduces tension lowers anxiety enhances creativity promotes resilience the social benefits of laughter promotes psychological well-being and raises self-esteem helps with loneliness enhances our connection with others provides a powerful distraction tool helps diffuse conflicts information references adapted from www helpguide org csa senior spirit; association for applied and therapeutic humor; the power of laughter for caregivers right-at-home

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

Try: Experiencing the loss of a loved one can result in an overwhelming emotional crisis you may be confused trying to determine what is normal and what is not knowing what some of the normal responses to grief are may help you realize that what your responses are not unusual and others have responded in the same manner normal responses to grief and the loss of a loved one feeling guilty feeling angry having an empty feeling in the stomach and loss of appetite tightness in the throat or heaviness in the chest crying at unexpected times changing moods over the slightest things having intense anger at the loved one for leaving you assuming mannerisms or traits of the loved one feeling as though you have to protect those around you who seem uncomfortable discussing the loved one who was lost or the death experience this may have a negative impact on the grieving process it may be helpful to talk about the loved one who has passed away and all of the memories of him or her feeling restless and needing activity but finding it difficult to concentrate feeling as though the loss isn’t real – that it didn’t really happen sensing the loved one’s presence even expecting him or her to walk in the door at the usual time; hearing the loved one’s voice or seeing his or her face have difficulty sleeping and having frequent dreams about the loved one not finishing things around the house because of aimless wandering and forgetfulness experiencing an intense preoccupation with the life of the deceased suggestions that may help you through the grieving process surround yourself with supportive people either through a support or discussion groups religious organizations friends family members or counselors whatever form your support system takes make sure it is consistent and positive stay busy find a creative outlet such as arts and crafts home improvement gardening joining a book club or volunteering create a memorial journal or scrapbook to relive and be comforted by memories of the lost loved one start journaling each day as a way to express your grief and your feelings maintain a healthy exercise and diet routine enroll in a class or two at a local community college or take an online course avoid hasty economic decisions information references adapted from community hospices of america inc – b nystrom – coping with grief healthy solutions; northern health – dealing with grief 1994

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

Try: The reduction of saliva production in seniors causes a condition commonly known as "dry mouth" or "cotton mouth" in approximately 20 percent of elderly people problems that are linked to dry mouth difficulty speaking hoarseness persistent sore throat problems with swallowing burning sensations in the mouth dry nasal passages difficulty wearing dentures tooth decay and loss mouth infections and gum disease recommendations to prevent and help dry mouth encourage the care recipient to implement the following recommendations to prevent and help dry mouth; avoid over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants which tend to dry out mucus secretions saline nasal sprays work better; some prescription medications also have the side effect of "dry mouth " ask if there may be a possibility of a lower dose or a different drug being used; schedule regular visits for dental care an elderly individual may not realize that he or she has "dry mouth" and may miss the warning signs of infections dentists may recommend a power toothbrush or mouthwash that has high fluoride content; increase fluid intake always have a glass of water nearby to sip on sugar-free popsicles and ice chips may also be used; eliminate caffeine and alcohol even mouthwashes may contain alcohol these are dehydrating; drinking green chamomile or ginger tea may boost saliva production; sucking on sugar-free candies or chewing sugar-free gum can also improve saliva flow; have a small spray bottle handy to spray water into the mouth when it feels dry this provides a way to add moisture to the mouth; make a habit of trying to breathe through the nose rather than through the mouth; the production of saliva is decreased by smoking tobacco or marijuana; use a humidifier to provide extra moisture in the room; look for mints and or lozenges that are made specifically to relieve "dry mouth "; foods that are high in spices salt or acids contribute to drying out the mouth; foods that have a bitter taste tend to stimulate saliva flow; try to brush the teeth and rinse the mouth after every meal if possible to create a less friendly area for bacterial growth use a tooth paste that has baking soda or other ingredients that will help the mouth’s a healthier ph balance; look for oral moisturizers or salivary substitutes at drugstores or pharmacies these come in gels sprays and rinses information references adapted from www agingcare com and www aboutdentalcare com

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

Try: As caregivers you will be exposed to a totally different vocabulary the following is a short list of some of the more common care giving terms and their definitions glossary activities of daily living adl’s bathing dressing grooming eating bed mobility transferring toileting and walking adult day care center a structured program usually weekdays which may feature activities meals health and rehabilitative services for the elderly in a supervised setting transportation is sometimes included in the fee advanced directives these documents provide a way for an individual to accept or refuse medical care they can protect your rights even if you become mentally or physically unable to choose or communicate your wishes living wills and durable power of attorney for health care are two examples of advanced directives assisted living a facility that provides individual living units which may or may not have a kitchenette facility offers 24 hour on-site response staff additional nursing or homemaker services can be provided at an additional fee caregiver individuals who are not paid and provide practical physical psychological social spiritual emotional hands-on and or financial support this enables a frail or physically challenged person to live at home despite illness or disability primary caregivers are those who make decisions and organize care and services caregiver support group a group led by a professional and or volunteer that allows caregivers to meet in a supportive atmosphere to express their feelings share coping skills and learn about aging issues and resources for help case manager care manager a social worker or health care professional who evaluates plans locates coordinates and monitors services with the care recipient and family chore housekeeping services services include yard and house maintenance home and appliance repair housekeeping or meal preparation shopping and transportation no personal care is provided not covered by medicare companion a companion provides assistance with shopping meal preparation escort companionship and home upkeep no personal care or nursing care is provided conservator person appointed by the court in a legal proceeding to act as the legal representative of a person who is mentally or physically incapable of managing his or her own affairs durable power of attorney a power of attorney that stays in effect even after the maker becomes incompetent emergency response systems allows for 24 hour monitoring and response to medical or other emergencies estate planning steps you can take while living to determine what happens to your property when you die family and medical leave act fmla this law states than an employer must allow their employee 12 weeks of unpaid leave during a 12-month period a to care for an immediate family member spouse child or parent with a serious health condition; b for the birth and care of the employee’s newborn child; c for the placement with the employee of a son or daughter for adoption or foster care; d to take medical leave when the employee is unable to work because of a serious health condition geriatric care manager a professional usually a social worker or nurse with experience in geriatric care who performs an individual assessment establishes a care plan and oversees all aspects of long-term care to assist an elderly person this also indirectly assists the person’s family members the care manager conducts assessments makes arrangements for services and monitors the provision of those services the services can meet a one-time need or provide ongoing assistance guardian an individual appointed by a court of law to manage a person’s financial and or personal affairs because the court has found that the person is not competent to manage his or her own affairs a conservator is similarly appointed but only for financial affairs health care power of attorney allows the holder to decide on the health care of an incompetent person home health agency medical care in the home services can include nursing occupational speech or physical therapy social work or a home health aide medicare usually only covers this care during an acute period of illness home health aide provides personal care including bathing dressing and grooming and some household services hospice medical and social programs for terminally ill patients and families either at home or in a facility incapacity can be mental or physical temporary or permanent a person can be incapacitated without being incompetent incompetence requires a legal declaration of being found incapable of handling assets and exercising certain legal rights instrumental activities of daily living iadls tasks that in addition to activities of daily living adls a person must be able to perform in order to live independently without the assistance or substantial supervision of another person examples include grocery shopping meal preparation using the telephone laundry light housekeeping bill paying and managing medications most long-term care insurance policies will not pay benefits for the loss of ability to perform iadls level of care loc amount of assistance required by consumers which may determine their eligibility for programs and services levels include protective intermediate and skilled living will a document that makes a person’s wishes regarding medical treatments at the end of life known long-term care facilities institutions that provide nursing care to people who are unable to care for themselves and who may have health problems ranging from minimal to serious these facilities are often used for short-term rehabilitation after hospitalization long-term care insurance a privately paid policy which provides money for pre-determined health care costs after policy holder meets certain medical requirements medicaid medical assistance a federal and state government program in which the states provide health care for low-income individuals medicare federal program providing health care coverage insurance for individuals over 65 and some who are disabled part a covers in-patient care skilled nursing facility hospice and short-term health care part b covers doctors’ services outpatient hospital care and durable medical equipment it does not provide for long-term care of the elderly except under limited conditions ombudsman a person who investigates consumer complaints against a nursing home or community resident facility power of attorney a legal document allowing one person to act in a legal matter on another’s behalf respite designed to relieve the caregiver from care giving duties either in the home community setting or care facility respite care may be from a few hours to several weeks support group a gathering of people with a common experience e g a disease disorder care giving etc who meet regularly to share one’s thoughts feelings and concerns and receive information and support from other group members groups may be led by an expert or a volunteer many support groups are now available on-line via the internet support groups may be sponsored by social service agencies senior center religious organizations as well as organizations such as the alzheimer’s association vitals blood pressure temperature and respiratory rate will a legal document that instructs how an individual wants his or her estate to be divided after death the document usually names a person in charge of overseeing the will usually an executor information references

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

Try: Keeping track of medications is a very important aspect of care giving administering storing and monitoring the side effects of medications can be very challenging it helps to have all of the information close at hand to list and organize medications initial prescription information that should be documented name and address and phone of prescribing physician date prescribed what is the name of the medication why is it being prescribed what are the benefits how long before the benefits of the medication will be realized how many refills before re-examination interactions with other medications currently being taken what condition or symptom is the prescription for what side effects could it have what should be done if they occur what is the dosage information how many times per day and at what time should it be taken should it be taken with food should certain foods or alcohol be avoided when taking this medication can it be crushed and mixed with food or dissolved in liquids to make it easier to take what is a physical description of the medication pill capsule liquid and what color is it what if a dose is missed what if a dose is doubled how should the medicine be stored what is the cost will it be covered by insurance can generics be substituted guidelines for safe medication storage check to see where the medication can be stored does it need to be refrigerated if it does keep refrigerated medicines stored away from the food in a separate container all other medicines should be stored in a dry area and kept together try not to store them in a bathroom or kitchen because the heat and moisture may cause them to deteriorate store well out of reach of children who may be in the home or may come to visit if the care recipient has cognitive difficulties make sure the medication is safely and securely stored in a locked area check expiration dates often and discard those that are past the expiration date by following the disposal guidelines on the label or the written instructions that come with the prescription do not share medications with others make sure medications are stored in a well-lit area so labels can be read correctly store medications in their original containers do not mix several medications in the same container use round stickers to place on the top of the medicine bottle to identify what condition each medicine is for for example high blood pressure keep a current list of all medications in the storage area to take with you to medical appointments keep the number of the local poison control center or emergency room close to the medications as well as the phone number for the pharmacies and physicians information references

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

Try: Aging in place can be made much safer and simpler by making sure that the home environment is secure and has been adapted to reflect the changing needs of Care recipient (cr) use the following checklist to make the necessary updates and modifications that will ensure a safer and more senior friendly home for the cr in all areas of the home keep extension cords anchored close to the walls and out of the traffic areas do not anchor with nails or staples that could damage the cords use tape instead increase the wattage of light bulbs if possible and maintain adequate lighting throughout the home keep night lights on at night in hallways and in the bathrooms remove all poisonous houseplants make sure the home has good ventilation throughout place reflector tape or use padded corner bumpers on furniture with sharp edges remove all throw rugs and check carpet edges for loose edges or fraying keep contact and emergency telephone numbers posted by all telephones if the phone has speed dial functions program in the emergency contact numbers monitor and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors replace straight chairs with chairs with sturdy arms that can be used to rise out of the seat safely put child-proof plugs in empty electrical outlets remove magazines small tables and all clutter from traffic areas put reflector tape on the edges of stairways or paint them a contrasting color make sure there is a fire extinguisher in the home and that it is inspected regularly if space heaters are used make sure they are placed away from furniture and out of traffic areas where they can be tipped over keep hallways free of clutter and make sure they are well lit with switches at both ends of the hall in the kitchen keep any extension cords away from the sink areas check shelves and put the most used items on the lower shelves where they can be reached with less effort lighten any shelves that may be overloaded with dishes or pantry items that could fall reduce the hot water temperature to prevent scalding make sure the kitchen floor is not waxed and slippery place all unneeded appliances out of the way and off of the countertops move all small items of furniture close to the walls and remove any unnecessary chairs away from the kitchen table to prevent stumbling and falling if the garbage disposal isn’t used on a regular basis disconnect it in the bathroom reduce the hot water temperature to prevent scalding place a non-skid bathmat in the tub make sure any rugs in the bathroom have a non-skid backing or use double faced tape to secure them to the floor install grab bars in the tub or shower and close to the toilet stool replace spring type shower curtain rods with ones that screw into the wall keep small appliances such as electric razors hair dryers or curling irons away from the tub and sink areas use a nightlight use contrasting and bright towels and washcloths so they will be visible by the sink and tub install a contrasting toilet seat to make the stool more visible paint the walls a color that contrasts with the fixtures check medicine cabinets and discard any unused or poisonous items make sure there is a mirror at a proper height for either sitting or standing in the bedroom make sure the sharp corners of nightstands or dressers are cushioned keep nightstand clear of clutter that can fall off and contribute to falls in the night use a nightlight near doorways keep a small light near the bed or make sure there is a light switch nearby if electric blankets are used make sure there are no coverings on top of them and that the edges are not tucked under the mattresses keep a telephone close to the bed if necessary mark the path from the bedroom to the bathroom with reflector tape raise or lower the bed to make it easier to get into or out of keep a flashlight near the bed in case of power outages information references

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

Try: Finding a way to pay for all of the services that care giving requires should be one of the first plans that you will put into place how do you and the care recipient decide on which financial advisor to employ the following questions may help you make a decision what services are provided retirement planning cash management and budgeting estate planning insurance planning investment monitoring and planning tax advice and preparation how long have they been in business what is the age range of their clients what is their primary expertise what credentials do they have do you feel comfortable in their presence do they simply give advice or do they sell the individual products as well who will handle the account – the advisor only or multiple employees what are the fees for services ask for this in writing an hourly charge a flat fee for services a commission how often do they review any changes in the tax laws how often will they review your investment plans can they provide a cost estimate can they list some sample investment plans that they have put together for clients with similar requests and situations call the national association of securities dealers inc 800-289-9999 or the securities and exchange commission at 202-942-8088 to make sure that the potential candidate is a registered investment advisor information references adapted from www elderissues com and www caregiverslibrary org

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

Try: Sometimes gradual changes in everyday routines and behavior patterns of those in our care are very subtle they may go unnoticed for quite some time until they suddenly seem to escalate and sneak up on us without warning where there was once a "normal " there is now a "new normal" taking over being aware of changes that may occur may give family members or caregivers an early enough warning to take appropriate action before a major problem surfaces changes that may occur with mild alzheimer’s disease loses interest in activities or hobbies doesn’t want to start anything new asks repetitive questions constantly checks or searches for possessions starts saving things of little or no value can’t organize thoughts has trouble concentrating on a game or finishing a puzzle or a book loses the thread of conversation loss in financial judgment difficulty learning anything new forgets words and may substitute or make up words contributes less to conversations because fears making a mistake becomes lost in familiar surroundings forgets to eat or forgets that he or she has just eaten and wants to eat again hides items and then forgets where they are hidden replaces things in inappropriate places such as refrigerated items in the cupboard or laundry in the dishwasher forgets to pay when leaving a store or restaurant loses the concept of how much to pay for an item and may hand the sales clerk the entire wallet loses sensitivity to others’ feelings gets angry and frustrated more easily than in the past unable to order food in restaurant and will just order what someone else is ordering resistant to any type of change in routine gets overly excited and upset if something unexpected happens takes longer to accomplish routine tasks information references adapted in part from a north carolina information & assistance toolkit

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

Try: Decisions on care giving may be some of the most difficult ones you will ever make there are many factors to consider and several family members may need to agree on a decision regarding the best course of action stress and pressure may mount because of the unfamiliarity of the care giving process in general and all of the information that may need to be gathered assessed and acted upon basic guidelines for making care giving decisions involve as many family members as you can including the care recipient if possible in the initial discussions regarding the need for care educate yourself on all of the possibilities of care and compile a list of the pros and cons of each one decide on what avenue of care will be followed – a family member an in-home caregiver a health care agency a geriatric care manager or moving to an assisted or skilled care facility if an assisted or skilled care facility is chosen plan a visit to several of the options to gather information before making a choice assess what types of payment options are available or what agencies can be contacted to assist with the cost review and update all documents that may be necessary during the course of care such as advance directives insurance policies medical history family contact information and financial resources have a "plan b" if the initial care giving decision doesn’t work out have a second plan of care ready to be implemented so that the time consuming process of deciding on a care plan doesn’t have to be repeated have regular family meetings after the care has been started to involve and update everyone on the progress if a family member assumes a large part of the care giving responsibilities make sure that respite care is provided at regular intervals locate and join a support group for caregivers and family members information references

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