Try: #eat small meals at regular times throughout the day digesting large amounts of food promotes sleepiness after eating eat a balance of protein whole grains fruits and vegetables # eat small amounts only of foods made with sugar such as candy and ice cream and highly refined flour such as pasta and white bread this will prevent a sudden drop in blood sugar causing fatigue refined sugar products create dramatic highs and lows in sugar and energy levels complex carbohydrates such as pasta and other noodle casseroles cake and cookies can also cause fatique after being eaten eat pasta and rice in reasonable portion sizes of one third to one half of a cup #drink water and caffeine-free drinks look for caffeine-free tea and coffee limit alcohol intake fruit juice and sugared sodas as these and caffeinated drinks give a lift followed by a letdown after consumption #vitamins a b & e are required to help promote health and wellness and lessen fatigue look for foods rich in these #exercise helps oxygen move through the blood and regular even light exercise can be energizing do stretching exercises prior to walking or any other type of exercise to help prevent muscle injury #go to bed at the same time every night at least twenty minutes before planning to sleep turn off the television and read or do a crossword puzzle or game studies show watching television before trying to sleep has a stimulating effect on the brain and disturbs sleep #manage the stress in your life say no to things that are not your highest priorities say yes to taking care of yourself

Materials: Regular meals regular intake of liquids regular exercise regular sleep limited amount of sugar caffeine and alcohol limited stress

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

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

Try: #don’t begin pushing a cr in a wheelchair until you have made sure the cr’s feet are on the chair’s footrests #when pushing a cr in a wheelchair push at a slow speed and stop the chair immediately if you feel a sudden drag against forward motion check to see if the cr’s feet are both still on the footrests #if not remind the cr gently to keep both feet on the footrests while the chair is moving #if the cr does not comply with your request try pulling the wheelchair backwards instead of pushing it to your destination moving the chair backwards prevents the foot from getting caught or twisted under the wheelchair while it is moving even if the foot touches the ground while the chair is moving backwards it will simply be dragged harmlessly along rather than pushed dangerously forward #this idea also works well when entering or exiting a building the caregiver can back up to the door and push against it to open it once the door is being held open by the caregiver the wheelchair can be swung in through the open doorway

Materials: Caregiver who is adequately mobile wheelchair

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

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

Try: #at the top of the paper write the cr’s name and birthdate below that write medications and list all medications the cr is taking include the dosage and the frequency of each medication below the medication list write allergies and list any known allergies to drugs foods plants or materials all of this

Materials: Any paper no larger than 8 x 11 inches clear plastic school supply pouch that seals 2-hole punched sturdy piece of string 24 – 36 in length

Categories: Medical Physical, Needs Much Assistance, Independence, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, Cognitive Awareness, 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: Will make it easier to trace identify or treat the cr if it is necessary you may also wish to write the full name and telephone number of an emergency contact person #fold the paper to fit into the clear plastic pocket pouch write the words emergency info on the outside fold so it can be seen through the pouch and seal the paper in the pouch #thread the string or yarn through the pouch holes so the pouch could be worn like a necklace if necessary and hang the pouch in a conspicuous spot on the wall nearest to the main exit of the cr’s home #in the event of an emergency evacuation a caregiver or emergency worker can remove the pouch from the wall and hang it around the cr’s neck #this kind of preparation may be especially important in the case of a cr who has significant trouble communicating has dementia that may be worsened by displacement or who is separated from caregivers or family members during an emergency information

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

Try: #remove clutter from stairs and paths used through the home #put books on shelves and papers in trays baskets off the floor or files #keep curtain cords curtains bed skirts afghans and other draperies from touching the floor #don’t use extension cords for games lights or appliances arrange furniture so that outlets are accessible without the use of extension cords #don’t stretch electrical cords across pathways through the house or between pieces of furniture in spaces the cr might step #remove all throw rugs and carpets that are not secured directly to the floor #keep often-used items in cabinets on lowest shelves to avoid use of a step stool #maintain adequate lighting in bedrooms hallways staircases and bathrooms keeping the cr’s vision needs in mind look for lighting that dispels shadows and prevents glare

Materials: Caregiver organization adequate lighting

Categories: Medical Physical, Mobility, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Independence, No Supervision, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, Vision, Good Vision, So-So Vision, Poor Vision, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware

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

Try: #saliva substitute mouth moisturizer and alcohol-free mouth rinse can be found over-the-counter in most pharmacies #use the mouth rinse twice daily for about 30 seconds following routine morning and evening brushing and flossing do not use mouth rinse products that contain alcohol as alcohol will dry the mouth even more #mouth moisturizers and saliva substitutes can be applied as needed throughout the day most mouth moisturizers are in liquid form and a few drops placed on the tongue will refresh the mouth for denture wearers a saliva substitute can be applied directly onto the dentures before they are put in the mouth #chewing sugarless gum will stimulate production of saliva and neutralize acids this will help moisten the mouth and protect the teeth from decay keep in mind that sugar-free products made with some replacement products must be taken sparingly as too much of some substitute products such as sorbitol can cause significant gas and diarrhea #avoid hard candy and mints with sugar as they are generally not good solutions to dry mouth and can cause other complications #keep the mouth moist not only for comfort a normally moist mouth helps the prevention of infections and diseases

Materials: Saliva substitute toothpaste and dental floss mouth moisturizer mouth rinses with no alcohol content sugarless gum

Categories: Medical Physical

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

Try: #minimize dry mouth by sipping from water bottles keep several bottles filled and chilled and always have one in easy reach #keep a supply of sugar-free gum and sugar-free hard candy available to stimulate production of saliva #use saliva substitutes and dry-mouth products many are available over-the-counter in pharmacies #brush and floss teeth twice daily and use a non-alcohol mouth rinse made for people with dry mouth #use a vaporizer or humidifier in the home #use a chapstick or lip balm #don’t use products that dry the mouth including alcohol cigarettes and caffeinated beverages #avoid things that dry the mouth – especially alcohol smoking and caffeinated beverages #don’t wear dentures at night #schedule regular dental checkups dry mouth poses a particular risk for cavities and thrush yeast infections

Materials: Water bottles sugar free gum and sugar free candies salvia substitutes fluoride toothpaste alcohol free mouth rinse lip lubricant anti-chap products vaporizer or humidifier regular dental checkups

Categories: Medical Physical

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

Try: #securely tape one of the disposable paper forehead thermometers around the outside of the cup or mug before filling #fill the mug with a hot beverage #allow the filled cup to sit for one minute to give the thermometer time to register the heat of the cup #read the temperature on the disposable thermometer #if the temperature is between 95 and 105 degrees fahrenheit it is safe to drink confirm this by preparing a hot drink for yourself using this method and drinking it immediately if the temperature is in this range #if the temperature is higher than 105 degrees add an ice cube or two to lower the temperature to a safe level #remove the disposable thermometer from the mug and discard it before washing the cup #use a new disposable thermometer each time they are only reliable once #the disposable thermometers can be used by caregivers or by crs who have the ability or judgment to handle and understand the process

Materials: Mug or hot cup disposable paper forehead thermometers available in packs at drug store

Categories: Medical Physical, Mobility, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Independence, No Supervision, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, Touch, Poor Touch, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware, 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

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

Try: #if drooling is a new and noticeable change in behavior in a Care recipient (cr) contact the cr cr’s primary care doctor prepare for the discussion by making a list of the cr cr’s current medications making note of any changes in the drugs or dosages prescribed also make a list of events or other symptoms that began around the same time as the drooling #ask if there are treatments exercises or therapies that can minimize it a doctor may refer you to physical therapists or speech therapists or other specialists #manage the wetness caused by drooling with absorbent cloths for mild drooling a cotton handkerchief might be enough for severe drooling a towel or bib on top of the shirt may be required look for products specifically for severe drooling in medical supply catalogs and stores #mild drooling may be minimized through the following exercise swallow saliva take a sip of water swallow use a straw for drinking to practice sipping #if a cr is immobile unaware or otherwise unable to wipe his or her saliva wipe the cr cr’s chin and neck as needed with respect don’t speak to the cr as if you are talking to a child

Materials: Napkin towel bib straw instructions medical consultations assessments and referrals as needed respect

Categories: Medical Physical, Mobility, Needs Much Assistance, Immobile, Independence, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, Touch, Poor Touch, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware, Unaware

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

Try: Avoid letting air blow directly on the eyes wear sunglasses if the day is uncomfortably bright on windy days or in sandy places wear sunglasses consider wrap-around sunglasses for extra protection protect eyes from the drying effect of chemicals by wearing goggles when swimming use a humidifier to keep the home environment at 30 -50 humidity blink to spread the eyes’ moisture evenly around the eyeball take breaks to blink and let eyes re-moisturize when doing work that involves focusing the eyes for longs stretches of time such as reading computer work needlework etc avoid rubbing eyes use eye drops as necessary taking care to keep the dropper clean

Materials: Sunglasses humidifier eye drops

Categories: Medical Physical, Mobility, Mobile, Independence, No Supervision, Vision, Good Vision, So-So Vision, Poor Vision

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

Try: #when dizziness occurs balance can be thrown off to regain balance stand or sit still and focus eyes on a picture or object on a nearby wall focusing the eyes on a fixed item on a horizontal plane will help the eyes and brain reorient the body’s sense of balance #if dizziness often happens when getting up from lying down or seated position get up in stages #sit up slowly before rising to stand slide legs squarely to the body’s front before getting out of bed or a chair for maximum support stand up slowly before beginning to walk # use an assistant cane or walker properly when told by a doctor or physical therapist to use one ask for specific training on how to use the one prescribed

Materials: Picture or object on the wall person cane or walker to lean on if necessary

Categories: Medical Physical, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Vision, Good Vision, So-So Vision, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware

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References: n/a

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