Try: #sit on the edge of the bed with the leg lifter in hand #place the rigid loop of the strap around your foot or cast #place your hand through the non-rigid loop at the other end of the strap #scoot back on the bed as far as you can #pull gently up on the strap as you lift the leg onto the bed #use the strap to move the leg as far onto the bed as possible so you can bring your other leg up without tipping out of bed #to get a leg with a cast on it out of bed place the rigid open end of the strap over the foot or cast and scoot your legs to the edge of the bed using the strap to help lift the leg off the edge of the bed #slowly lower the leg to the floor using the strap to control the movement

Materials: Leg lifter strap available at medical supply store catalog or online

Categories: Medical Physical, Personal, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, 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: #if the cr is unwilling to avoid or eat smaller portions of the foods that cause distress find healthier ways to prepare food #encourage the cr to avoid tobacco and alcohol #encourage the cr to avoid or consume smaller amounts of coffee with or without caffeine spicy foods raw fruits raw vegetables concentrated fruit juice high-fat foods and sugar-free sweeteners #serve cooked fruits and vegetables rather than raw #add whole grain foods and fiber gradually to the diet fiber will help reduce gas and bloating #make sure the cr drinks plenty of water #encourage the cr to reduce stress through regular exercise and relaxing hobbies #when episodes of diarrhea occur try over-the-counter medications to reduce symptoms #give a changed diet 8-12 weeks to show signs of working changes don’t happen overnight

Materials: Fresh fruits & vegetables cooked whole grain foods fiber supplements containing psyllium or buy psyllium husks from natural food stores over-the-counter diarrhea medication if necessary caregiver thoughtfulness

Categories: Medical Physical, Personal

Information: n/a

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

Try: #apply moisturizing lotion daily #apply lotion to skin after bathing to help trap moisture if you see the Care recipient (cr) scratching throughout the day offer or apply more lotion #limit the use of soap use it mainly on the face genitals armpits hand and feet many crs do not need to bathe daily unless incontinence warrants it #scratches can occur from a cr trying to relieve itchy skin or from delicate skin being easily torn by casual contact with a doorframe rough fingernail or shrub wearing long pants and sleeves will help cover areas prone to getting scratched #keep the cr’s nails trimmed and buffed and keep the hands and fingernails clean #monitor broken skin redness swelling and drainage or increased heat to scratched areas as these can be signs of infection and should be reported to the doctor

Materials: Moisturizing lotion mild soap not antibacterial or deodorant long pants and long-sleeved shirts if appropriate

Categories: Medical Physical, Needs Much Assistance, 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: #smoking dulls the senses of smell and taste both of which encourage appetite #keep a smoking log for a few days recording the times and activities taking place when the cr smokes for example 7 00 a m get up have cigarette and coffee 7 30 a m cigarette after breakfast the log is something the cr or the caregiver can keep can keep depending on the cr cr’s level of awareness #make a meal plan that includes a schedule of when and what meals will be eaten write the plan down #next make a plan to reduce smoking the cigarettes that are normally smoked before during or after meals if possible cut out a smoke break altogether but at least space the break as far before or after meals as possible this will help break the connection between meals and smoking #add the smoke break plan to the written meal plan #stimulate the senses of taste and smell with spicy fragrant and attractive food use garnishes to make prepared meals even more attractive

Materials: Knowledge of cr’s smoking routines plan to reduce harm caused by smoking rituals meal plan list of cr’s favorite foods and seasonings recipes for low-salt or heart-healthy diet plan garnishes orange and lemon slices parsley fresh pepper strawberries etc storage containers with easy-open lids shopping list based on meal plan

Categories: Medical Physical, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Independence, Some Supervision, Maximum 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

Try: #increase circulation of blood and oxygen to arms and upper body by doing five of each of the following exercises 1 to 3 times a day increase the number from five to fifteen as your stamina improves ##stretch your hands alternating with your right and your left reaching each as high as you can above your head ##stretch your right arm across your chest toward your left side and then stretch your left arm across your chest toward your left side ##with a hand at each end hold the tube sock out straight in front of you bend forward slightly at the waist and then stretch to the right and then left with the sock still in both hands ##holding the sock in both hands put your arms out parallel to the floor and then bring them up in a 45 degree angle hold them up and then bring them back down

Materials: #wheelchair #long tube socks

Categories: Medical Physical

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

Try: #limit afternoon or evening naps so the cr is appropriately tired and ready for bed #turn off the television at least a half hour before the cr’s bedtime sleep studies show television viewing right before bed disturbs sleeps rather than helping it #take an afternoon or evening walk or car ride if the cr is interested #avoid conflicts before bedtime #make sure the cr is comfortable at bedtime is not too hot or cold has been to the bathroom is not in pain etc #try to spend some special moments with the cr at bedtime sharing thoughts or touches if you are the spouse of the cr offer affection while the cr is in bed even if you don’t share the cr’s bed #look for ways to keep the cr safe at night should the cr get up alone consider whether deadlocks to outside doors better lighting in the cr’s room and bathroom or putting away certain foods medications or important papers would make the environment safer doing so may help you sleep better #if getting up at night is posing significant ongoing risks you may want to discuss the situation with the cr cr’s doctor depending on the cause of wakefulness medication may be useful an over-the-counter or prescription sleep aid for example or an anti-anxiety medication changing the cr cr’s current medication schedule if any may also be helpful

Materials: Deadlock bolts favorite book car doctor review of medications

Categories: Medical Physical, Personal, Mobility, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Independence, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, 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

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

Try: #snoring at night and unusual sleepiness during the day may be signs of sleep apnea a significant sleep disorder that can be life-threatening if untreated #see a doctor and ask if a referral for a sleep study or evaluation for sleep apnea is recommended #eliminate or cut back on caffeinated drinks and foods they contribute to wakefulness and heartburn at night #stop stimulating activity including watching television a half hour before bedtime #go to bed to sleep instead of dozing off on a chair or sofa in front of the tv if necessary get a wedge-shaped pillow to prop yourself up in bed and promote better breathing or sleep in a chair in the bedroom the key is to make a ritual of deliberately going to a place where seeking sleep takes place #if sleep apnea is diagnosed and a doctor prescribes use of a machine to aid sleep use it for daytime naps as well as nighttime sleep

Materials: Physical exam sleep study at a sleep clinic no or limited caffeinated drinks armchair or wedge-shaped pillow

Categories: Medical Physical, Personal, Mobility, Mobile, Independence, No Supervision

Information: n/a

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

Try: #check with the pharmacist to make sure the eye drops are not affected by cool temperatures #store eye drops in the refrigerator instill put in eye drops soon after removing them from the refrigerator #the cr will feel the coolness of the eye drops in the eyes indicating the drops have gone in properly

Materials: Eye drops refrigerator

Categories: 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: #establish a toileting schedule for the Care recipient (cr) that coincides as much as possible with the previously continent bathroom schedule #use a timer or watch to prompt the cr to go to the bathroom and sit on the toilet regularly every two or three hours may be reasonable to prevent accidents #if an accident occurs put on disposable latex or non-latex gloves and dip a washcloth in warm soapy water gently clean the cr’s skin making sure to clean among skin folds rinse the area with warm clean water pat the skin dry with a towel this should be done every time there is a urinary accident to prevent skin breakdown #after cleaning and drying the skin you may choose to apply a barrier cream such as the ones used to prevent diaper rash these products prevent urine from sitting directly on the skin but the product will need to be cleaned and replaced if there is another accident #consider the use of adult disposable underwear or pads there are products made specifically for men or women and for people of all sizes there are many more products available than are offered in most drug stores to find out more call the customer service number listed on one of the product packages sold in a drug store or visit the websites of several of the companies to compare products many offer home delivery #after cleaning up remove the latex gloves by pulling them off from the wrist so they are inside out when they come off throw them away immediately #fragile skin may be at risk if it’s wet for more than a brief period of time so do not leave a cr in a pad or disposable underwear overnight unless you are very certain of that it is designed for safety and high absorbency for cr cr’s with difficulty moving or turning themselves extra precautions should be taken to prevent prolonged wetness #large absorbent square pads are sold to protect beds and chairs and car seats they can be found in drug stores and medical supply stores and catalogues

Materials: Timer or watch disposable gloves washcloth and towel mild soap and water adult disposable underwear or pad barrier cream

Categories: Medical Physical, Personal, Male, Female, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: #urinary incontinence can be caused by bladder and kidney conditions diabetes and urinary tract infections among men or women and prostate trouble in men because of this a medical exam to explore the cause of the problem is important #nighttime incontinence may be caused by medications taken before bed that make it difficult to rise and get to the toilet medications and their schedules should also be talked about with the doctor #make sure there is a clear uncluttered path from every room in the home to the bathrooms #reduce nighttime incontinence by limiting fluid intake a couple of hours before bed if it is reasonable given the cr’s health #limit or stop intake of caffeine as this increases urination #try an exercise to strengthen the muscles that affect bladder control while peeing try to stop peeing it may only be possible for a few seconds at first but with practice a cr can hold those muscles tight for longer periods it is also possible to do this without urinating but it is sometimes hard for cr’s to locate the right muscles so starting out this way helps set goals of clenching and unclenching the muscles more and more times per day #if incontinence is due to temporary disorientation cue the cr to urinate properly again by taking the cr to sit on the toilet once an hour if accidents decrease take the cr to the toilet every hour and a half then every two hours and so on until the cr is back on schedule #if incontinence is ongoing try adult disposable underwear or pads they cut down on laundry and public embarrassment avoid calling these products adult diapers as this language discourages people from using them many specialized kinds are sold directly from companies that sell some of their products in drug stores take the website address or telephone number from a store product or ask a pharmacist how to contact the company for

Materials: Physician exam and consultation toileting and drinking schedules if needed special exercises if useful protective undergarments if helpful absorbent pads for beds chairs some are washable and reusable

Categories: Medical Physical, Personal, Male, Female, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance

Information: #clean and dry skin and clothes after every urinary accident and change pads underwear when they are wet as urine causes skin irritation and breakdown #washable absorbent pads can protect beds or chairs and are easily laundered cut them to fit the cr’s favorite chair and cover them with a with a towel on the chair if the cr would prefer the pad not be seen on the chair disposable pads for beds and chairs are also sold in many drug stores #with a doctor’s prescription some insurance plans may cover incontinence products #if payment for incontinence products is out of pocket contact the makers or distributors directly to see if they offer contracts with better prices or service than you can find at your local pharmacy it may be worth it to order through a service depending on your needs information

References: n/a

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