Care recipient (cr) has poor posture as a result of back strain and has trouble using stairs

Try: Try using backrests cushions and specially designed pillows to relieve strain on back muscles

Materials: Backrests cushions and specially designed pillows

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical

Information: n/a

References: climbing stairs may be difficult for people with arthritis by carol eustice 2007 available at

Keywords: Stairs climbing stairs back back pain back stability

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

Care recipient (cr) has trouble swallowing liquids

Try: Fluids are easier to swallow if the cr cr’s chin is tucked down raising the cr cr’s chin when swallowing allows food to drop into the airway

Materials: n/a

Categories: Medical Physical, Personal, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware

Information: n/a

References: Adapted from the post polio network of washington inc intenet website members upnaway com tips for swallowing no date

Keywords: Swallow swallowing mouth food eating nutrition chewing throat

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

Care recipient (cr) has trouble climbing stairs due to unstable feet

Try: Try using a foot support product in the cr’s shoes for better foot stability try using foot wraps foot wraps help relieve tired aching sore feet and can soothe and warm cold feet with moist heat therapy

Materials: Foot support product

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical

Information: n/a

References: Carol eustice 2007 climbing stairs may be difficult for people with arthritis available at

Keywords: Stairs climbing stairs foot stability ankle problems

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

Care recipient (cr) has trouble climbing stairs due to unstable or weak ankles

Try: Try using ankle supports braces or wraps to give the cr better stability for his or her ankles

Materials: Ankle support products

Categories: Medical Physical, Personal

Information: n/a

References: Adapted from the internet website arthritus about com climbing stairs may be difficult for people with arthritis by carol eustice 2007

Keywords: Stairs climbing stairs ankles ankle stability ankle problems

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

Care recipient (cr) has trouble climbing stairs due to unstable or weak knees

Try: Try using knee supports to stabilize and reinforce the cr’s knee joint s try using a knee wraps to reduce the cr’s knee joint pain they also provide stability for the knee

Materials: Knee support products

Categories: Medical Physical, Personal

Information: n/a

References: Adapted from the intenet website www arthritis about com climbing stairs may be difficult for people with arthritis by carol eustice 2007

Keywords: Stairs climbing stairs knees knee stability knee problems

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

Care recipient (cr) sometimes has problems with his feet

Try: Protect feet at all times the only time to go without shoes is when sleeping or bathing wear socks with a narrower or thin toe seam to relieve pressure on toes wear well-fitting and comfortable shoes if foot problems are constant consider having custom shoes made for specific needs

Materials: Socks with a narrower or thin toe seam well-fitting and comfortable shoes

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical

Information: n/a

References: diabetes foot care and wound prevention 2010 available at www jnjredcross com

Keywords: Foot ulcers foot wounds foot care feet

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

Care recipient (cr) has trouble swallowing foods

Try: Encourage the cr to implement the following recommendations avoid dry and crumbly foods such as cake peas nuts seeds and dry bread also avoid crisp vegetables carrots apples etc tough meat certain cheeses peanut butter and carbonated beverages chew food slowly and well avoid distractions while eating such as talking reading or watching tv eat the most difficult foods first while swallowing muscles are less tired

Materials: n/a

Categories: Medical Physical, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware

Information: n/a

References: Adapted from the post polio network of washington inc internet website www members upnaway com tips for swallowing no date

Keywords: Swallow swallowing mouth food eating nutrition chewing throat

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

Care recipient (cr) has trouble swallowing foods

Try: Take small mouthfuls eat small meals more frequently swallow several times per mouthful and swallow all before next mouthful alternate solids and fluids to help wash food down soften thicken or liquify foods

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical

Information: n/a

References: tips for swallowing by post polio network of washington inc available at

Keywords: Swallow swallowing mouth food eating nutrition chewing

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

Care recipient (cr) opens the door to anyone who knocks

Try: Take cell phone to the door with finger near a speed dial that calls 911 automatically take a picture of the visitor and hiscar with license plate visible put phone or camera if not part of cell phone in pocket or hide it somewhere in the house before opening the door let the visitor know cr has taken pictures of them and their car

Materials: Cell phone with camera small camera cell phone

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical

Information: n/a

References: how to answer the door safely by dave crosby and jack herrick 2011 available at

Keywords: Safety lives alone afraid strangers

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

Care recipient (cr) has swollen ankles and feet

Try: Drink lots of water don’t sit with legs crossed go for a walk to get the blood flowing elevate feet whenever possible sleep on the left side this helps the heart and major blood vessels circulate more blood avoid salt when seated rotate ankles wiggle toes point and flex feet — give the feet a little workout soak feet in cold water for 15 minutes ask for a foot massage

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical

Information: n/a

References: tips for swollen ankles or feet by michele zipp 2009 available at

Keywords: Swollen feet swollen ankles dehydrated exercise

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