Daily routines can be helpful for both the caregiver (cg) and the Care recipient (cr) with alzheimer alzheimer’s disease a planned day allows you to…

Try: Daily routines can be helpful for both the caregiver (cg) and the Care recipient (cr) with alzheimer alzheimer’s disease a planned day allows you to spend less time trying to figure out what to do and more time on activities that provide meaning and enjoyment for the cr a person with alzheimer alzheimer’s disease or other progressive dementia will eventually need a caregiver caregiver’s assistance to organize the day structured and pleasant activities can often reduce agitation and improve mood planning activities for a person with dementia works best when you continually explore experiment and adjust before making a plan consider the person person’s likes dislikes strengths abilities and interests how the person used to structure his or her day what times of day the person functions best ample time for meals bathing and dressing regular times for waking up and going to bed especially helpful if the person with dementia experiences sleep issues or sun downing make sure to allow for flexibility within your daily routine for spontaneous activities as alzheimer alzheimer’s disease progresses the abilities of a person with dementia will change with creativity flexibility and problem solving you’ll be able to adapt your daily routine to support these changes checklist of daily activities to consider household chores mealtimes personal care creative activities music art crafts information references adapted from www alz org "creating a daily plan" by staff writer no date

Materials: n/a

Categories: Maintenance, Medical Physical, Personal, Independence, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, Somewhat Aware, Unaware, So-So L T Memory, Poor L T Memory, So-So S T Memory, Poor S T Memory

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Daily routine organizing the day activities of daily living daily chores personal care bathing grooming

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

Factors to consider when planning the day for a Care recipient (cr) with memory loss what activities work best which don’t why keep in mind…

Try: Factors to consider when planning the day for a Care recipient (cr) with memory loss what activities work best which don’t why keep in mind that the success of an activity can vary from day-to-day are there times when there is too much going on or too little to do are spontaneous activities enjoyable and easily completed don’t be concerned about filling every minute with an activity the cr with memory loss needs a balance of activity and rest and may need more frequent breaks and varied tasks daily plan example for early-to middle-stages of the memory loss morning —- wash brush teeth get dressed prepare and eat breakfast have coffee make conversation discuss the newspaper try a craft project reminisce about old photos take a break have some quiet time do some chores together take a walk play an active game afternoon —- prepare and eat lunch read mail wash dishes listen to music do crossword puzzles watch tv do some gardening take a walk visit a friend take a short break or nap evening —- prepare and eat dinner clean up the kitchen reminisce over coffee and dessert play cards watch a movie give a massage take a bath get ready for bed read a book in general if the cr seems bored distracted or irritable it may be time to introduce another activity or to take time out for rest the type of activity and how well it it’s completed are not as important as the joy and sense of accomplishment the cr gets from doing it information references adapted from www alz org "creating a daily plan" by staff writer no date

Materials: n/a

Categories: Maintenance, Medical Physical, Personal, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, Somewhat Aware, Unaware, So-So L T Memory, Poor L T Memory, So-So S T Memory, Poor S T Memory

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Daily routine organizing the day activities of daily living daily chores personal care bathing grooming

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

As the Care recipient (cr) ages and becomes more fragile falls pose a serious risk to health according to the centers for disease control cdc…

Try: As the Care recipient (cr) ages and becomes more fragile falls pose a serious risk to health according to the centers for disease control cdc falls are the number one cause of death from an injury for individuals age 65 and older in 2008 alone more than 19 700 seniors died from injuries sustained in a fall while the death rates of ailments such as cancer and heart disease have declined over time death rates from falls have increased especially among older crs the most common form of fall among elderly crs is a ground-level fall where a person is standing on the ground before the fall while this may not seem very dangerous when compared to a fall from a second-story window these types of falls are by far more common depending on how a cr lands in the fall he or she could experience everything from a broken hip to a traumatic brain injury trauma to the brain was the cause of death in 46 of fall fatalities among older crs even a less serious injury such as a broken bone could require risky a surgical procedure involving sedation and further trauma these two things can also put the cr’s life in jeopardy preexisting conditions as well the overall physical frailty that plagues many aging adults can also impede recovery from an injury-causing fall even if a cr survives the fall and subsequent medical care a longer recovery time may result in a longer hospital stay this can make a cr more vulnerable to disease and may ultimately render him or her incapable of caring for self these serious issues show the importance of fall prevention for the cr information references adapted from www agingcare com

Materials: n/a

Categories: Maintenance

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Falling falls

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

Wall mounted- most common and permanent seat mounted- fitted especially for the toilet bars may wiggle or need adjustment over time floor mounted- often used…

Try: Wall mounted- most common and permanent seat mounted- fitted especially for the toilet bars may wiggle or need adjustment over time floor mounted- often used near toilets and tubs and showers permanent may require wall and floor reinforcement folding or pivoting- wall mounted and can be moved when not in use; subject to maintenance and movement problems portable- moveable easily stored and can travel with the user attaches with combination of clamps screws or suction cups information references "bathroom aids help" 2008 by sherman oaks medical supplies available at www shermanoaksmedical com

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Maintenance, Medical Physical, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Grab bars bathroom safety fell in bathroom installing grab bars

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

What they do bring hot meals to the care recipient’s cr home or your home the delivery staff do not feed the cr what to…

Try: What they do bring hot meals to the care recipient’s cr home or your home the delivery staff do not feed the cr what to know about costs the cr must qualify for the service based on local guidelines some groups do not charge for their services others may charge a small fee how to find them call the meals on wheels organization at 703-548-5558 or visit their website at www mowaa org the eldercare locator also can help at 1-800-677-1116 or www eldercare gov information references "caring for a person with alzheimer’s disease your easy-to-use guide from the national institute on aging" by national institute on aging 2011 available at www nia nih gov

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Maintenance, Medical Physical, Independence, No Supervision, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, Vision, So-So Vision, Poor Vision, Cognitive Awareness, Somewhat Aware, Unaware, Long-Term Memory, So-So L T Memory, Poor L T Memory, Short-Term Memory, So-So S T Memory, Poor S T Memory

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Meals on wheels meal preparation getting help with meal preparation low income community services

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

What they do provide a safe environment activities and staff who pay attention to the needs of the Care recipient (cr) in an adult day…

Try: What they do provide a safe environment activities and staff who pay attention to the needs of the Care recipient (cr) in an adult day care facility provide a much-needed break for the care giver cg provide transportation, the facility may pick up the cr take him or her to day care and then return the cr home what to know about costs adult day care services charge by the hour most insurance plans don’t cover these costs you must pay all costs not covered by insurance how to find them call the national adult day services association at 1-877-745-1440 or visit their website at www nadsa org you also can call the eldercare locator at 1-800-677-1116 or visit their website at www eldercare gov information references "caring for a person with alzheimer’s disease your easy-to-use guide from the national institute on aging" by national institute on aging 2011 available at www nia nih gov

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Maintenance, Medical Physical, Personal, Social, Independence, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, Cognitive Awareness, Somewhat Aware, Unaware, Long-Term Memory, So-So L T Memory, Poor L T Memory, Short-Term Memory, So-So S T Memory, Poor S T Memory

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Respite care giver needs a break adult day care help during the day

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

Driving is a complex activity that demands quick reactions alert senses and split-second decision making for a person with alzheimer alzheimer’s disease driving becomes increasingly…

Try: Driving is a complex activity that demands quick reactions alert senses and split-second decision making for a person with alzheimer alzheimer’s disease driving becomes increasingly difficult memory loss impaired judgment disorientation impaired visual and spatial perception slow reaction time certain medications diminished attention span and inability to recognize cues such as stop signs and traffic lights can make driving particularly hazardous people with alzheimer alzheimer’s who continue to drive can be a danger to themselves their passengers and the community at large as the disease progresses they lose driving skills and must stop driving unfortunately people with alzheimer alzheimer’s often cannot recognize when they should no longer drive this is a tremendous safety concern it is extremely important to have the impaired person person’s driving abilities carefully evaluated warning signs of unsafe driving often the caregiver or a family member neighbor or friend is the first to become aware of the safety hazards of someone with alzheimer alzheimer’s behind the wheel if a person with alzheimer alzheimer’s disease experiences one of more of the following problems it may be time to limit or stop driving does the person with alzheimer alzheimer’s get lost while driving in a familiar location fail to observe traffic signals drive at an inappropriate speed become angry frustrated or confused while driving make slow or poor decisions preventing unsafe driving explaining to the person with alzheimer alzheimer’s disease that he or she can no longer drive can be extremely difficult loss of driving privileges may represent a tremendous loss of independence freedom and identity it is a significant concern for the person with alzheimer alzheimer’s and the caregiver the issue of not driving may produce anger denial and grief in the person with alzheimer alzheimer’s as well as guilt and anxiety in the caregiver family and concerned professionals need to be both sensitive and firm above all they should be persistent and consistent the doctor of a person with alzheimer alzheimer’s disease can assist the family with the task of restricting driving talk with the doctor about your concerns most people will listen to their doctor ask the doctor to advise the person with alzheimer alzheimer’s to reduce his or her driving go for a driving evaluation or test or stop driving altogether an increasing number of states have laws requiring physicians to report alzheimer alzheimer’s and related disorders to the department of motor vehicles the department of motor vehicles then is responsible for retesting the at-risk driver testing should occur regularly at least yearly information references "home safety for people with alzheimer alzheimer’s disease" by u s department of health and human services 2010 available at

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Maintenance, Medical Physical, Vision, So-So Vision, Poor Vision, Hearing, So-So Hearing, Poor Hearing, Cognitive Awareness, Somewhat Aware, Unaware, Long-Term Memory, So-So L T Memory, Poor L T Memory, Short-Term Memory, So-So S T Memory, Poor S T Memory

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Driving unsafe driving decision making memory loss cognitive impairment

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

You may want to ask the surgeon or physiotherapist these questions before surgery so you can safely recoop after the operation what movements can i…

Try: You may want to ask the surgeon or physiotherapist these questions before surgery so you can safely recoop after the operation what movements can i safely make how can i get in and out of bed safely what assistive devices can i purchase to increase safety and independence what restrictions apply to carrying heavy objects how can i safely transfer into a car what are the signs of hip displacement how can i position myself in bed and in a chair what complications can arise and how do i recognize these what movements should be avoided information references "rehabilitation and broken hip " available at www agedcarer com

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Maintenance, Medical Physical, Personal, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Hip broken hip hip surgery transferring sitting

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

Gout is one of the most painful forms of arthritis it occurs when too much uric acid builds up in the body the buildup of…

Try: Gout is one of the most painful forms of arthritis it occurs when too much uric acid builds up in the body the buildup of uric acid can lead to sharp uric acid crystal deposits in joints often in the big toe deposits of uric acid called tophi that look like lumps under the skin kidney stones from uric acid crystals in the kidneys for many people the first attack of gout occurs in the big toe often the attack wakes a person from sleep the toe is very sore red warm and swollen gout can cause pain swelling redness heat stiffness in joints in addition to the big toe gout can affect the insteps ankles heels knees wrists fingers elbows a gout attack can be brought on by stressful events alcohol or drugs or another illness early attacks usually get better within 3 to 10 days even without treatment the next attack may not occur for months or even years causes gout is caused by the buildup of too much uric acid in the body uric acid comes from the breakdown of substances called purines purines are found in all of your body’s tissues they are also in many foods such as liver dried beans and peas and anchovies normally uric acid dissolves in the blood it passes through the kidneys and out of the body in urine but uric acid can build up in the blood when the body increases the amount of uric acid it makes the kidneys do not get rid of enough uric acid a person eats too many foods high in purines when uric acid levels in the blood are high it is called hyperuricemia most people with hyperuricemia do not develop gout but if excess uric acid crystals form in the body gout can develop risk factors you are more likely to have gout if you have family members with the disease are a man are overweight drink too much alcohol eat too many foods rich in purines have an enzyme defect that makes it hard for the body to break down purines are exposed to lead in the environment have had an organ transplant use some medicines such as diuretics aspirin cyclosporine or levodopa take the vitamin niacin treatments doctors use medicines to treat an acute attack of gout there are several things you can do to stay healthy if you have gout these include take the medicines your doctor prescribes as directed tell your doctor about all the medicines and vitamins you take plan followup visits with your doctor maintain a healthy balanced diet avoid foods that are high in purines and drink plenty of water exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body weight ask your doctor about how to lose weight safely fast or extreme weight loss can increase uric acid levels in the blood information references "what is gout fast facts an easy-to-read series of publications for the public" by u s department of health and human services 2010 available at www niams nih gov

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Maintenance, Medical Physical, Personal, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Gout pain swelling swollen joint

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

Here are some questions you can ask a council member what improvements were made in the quality of life for residents in the last year…

Try: Here are some questions you can ask a council member what improvements were made in the quality of life for residents in the last year what are the plans for future improvements how has the nursing home responded to recommendations for improvement who does the council report to how does membership on the council work who sets the agendas for meetings how are decisions made for example by voting consensus or does one person make them information references "guide to choosing a nursing home" by centers for medicare and medicaid services 2008 available at www medicare gov

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Maintenance, Medical Physical

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Nursing home checklist nursing home council resident council housing moving

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