Try: Use the calorie counter to plan meals that include at least the minimum number of recommended grams of fiber per day if possible get the fiber from food not supplements the fiber content is high in avocados raspberries figs blueberries and bananas check the calorie counter book for other high-fiber foods write a monthly meal plan that includes high-fiber foods use the calendar to note the grams of fiber eaten daily use the calendar to note the number of bowel movements daily consult a doctor if several days or more are passing between bowel movements a doctor may recommend a fiber supplement to be mixed in food or drink

Materials: Calorie counting book that lists dietary fiber 21 – 25 grams of fiber per day for women 30 – 38 grams of fiber per day for men calendar monthly meal plan

Categories: Medical Physical, Gender, Male, Female, Independence, No Supervision, Good Taste, So-So Taste

Information: n/a

References: Daily fiber recommendations made by the mayo clinic staff on the mayo clinic website

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: #remove all clutter clothing shoes towels throw rugs on the path between the bedroom and the bathroom #put clear nightlights along the path for nighttime #keep glasses and canes or walkers within easy reach of the bed #before walking to the bathroom sit on the edge of the bed and get your bearings #after standing up stand still for a moment #walk carefully to the bathroom #instead of pivoting to turn in small spaces take small steps to turn your body #when rising from the toilet stand still for a moment before walking out #walk carefully back to the bedroom #if the fear of losing bladder or bowel control causes you to rush from the bedroom to the bathroom look for products to reduce the damage or inconvenience you are worried about so that you can focus on getting safely to and from the bathroom

Materials: Assistive device nightlights eyeglasses incontinence products if necessary

Categories: Medical Physical, Personal, Mobile, No Supervision, Good Vision, Fully Aware

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Bathroom safety fall risk in the bathroom poor balance in the bathroom

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

Try: For a caregiver moving around the house or sleeping separately from a Care recipient (cr) a baby monitor may serve as a warning that a cr is trying to get out of bed a cr who is able to can also speak aloud the need to get out of bed letting the caregiver know directly the transmitter of the baby monitor is left near the cr’s bed the receiver is carried or kept with the caregiver usefulness of the system is tested by placing the transmitter on a side table and checking where in the house or yard the receiver picks up noise test the system further by putting the transmitter in different places near the bed if there is no convenient spot near the bed try putting the transmitter in a knee high stocking and securing the stocking on the bed try the mattress headboard or bed frame make sure the unit is easily removable for recharging don’t cover the transmitter as that would reduce reception and build up heat in the unit a cr who speaks can help test the system by talking as the caregiver walks around the house or by getting out of bed during the day while the caregiver monitors from a distance

Materials: Baby monitor one knee-high stocking one or two large safety pins

Categories: Medical Physical, Personal, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, Good Verbal Comm, So-So Verbal Comm, Poor Verbal Comm, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware, Unaware

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: With the care recipient’s cr’s dietary needs in mind keep drinks and snacks on hand healthy snacks might include fruit vegetables yogurt pudding whole wheat crackers and cheese low-fat sugar-free low-sodium or dairy-free adaptations of some of these foods can be found to meet specific dietary requirements keep harmful foods and drinks out of the environment or out of the cr’s sight and reach keep food and drink the cr can eat without supervision in a place the cr can reach such as a mini-fridge in the family room carry snacks and drinks that are safe to keep at room temperature on trips and to appointments if eating between meals poses a health risk try distracting the cr from eating with an activity do not punish scold or intimidate a cr who wants to eat between meals stress the tastiness rather than the healthiness of available snacks

Materials: Milk soda or other beverage healthy snacks

Categories: Medical Physical, Personal, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, 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: If the exact location of pain is hard to find touch or make gentle movements around the area to pinpoint it take prescription pain medicine only as directed even over-the-counter medication should be taken only after checking its interaction with medical conditions and other medications alternate hot and cold packs for joint or muscle pain purchase packs at drug stores use them as directed and check the pain site for reactions such as redness whiteness or further swelling don’t keep hot or cold packs on longer than recommended push chronic pain to the side by playing a game watching a show taking a walk or having an interesting conversation look for enjoyable distractions

Materials: Caregiver pain medication hot and cold packs

Categories: Medical Physical, Mobility, Mobile, Independence, No Supervision, Good Touch, So-So Touch, Fully Aware

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: Stick cold hands into a warm muff that can be made as follows use the cardboard rectangle as a pattern piece place it on top of a larger piece of polar fleece and cut the fleece to the same size as the cardboard repeat the above with a piece of satin pin the lining right side up on batting but pin at least 1 from the fabric edge and don’t pin all the way through center the batting so the lining extends 1 inch past the batting at both ends pin the fleece right side down on top of the lining lining up edges carefully pin the corners first placing pins about an inch apart starting 1 inch in from the fabric ends make a 1 inch seam allowance and stitch the length of the muff remove all the pins turn the muff right side out and pat it flat on an even surface fold the muff in half with lining to the inside the right sides of the lining should face each other pin securely stitch lining edges to each other making sure not to catch the batting or fleece remove pins overlap the raw edges pin in place overcast or whip stitch by hand because fleece doesn’t unravel the hem doesn’t need to be folded under

Materials: Piece of cardboard 15 x 18 piece of polar fleece at least 15 x 18 piece of washable satin lining at least 15 x 18 piece of 4 oz washable batting 15 x 17

Categories: Medical Physical, Female, Mobility, Mobile, Independence, No Supervision, Vision, Good Vision, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: #when swallowing properly is a problem care must be taken to keep food from entering the airway #the cause of choking should be discussed with a doctor who may order special tests #ask a doctor or speech therapist for eating and feeding tips such as tilting the head forward 45 degrees during swallowing which may be appropriate in some cases also discuss whether pureed food and thickeners for drinks are recommended #if swallowing pills is difficult ask the doctor for liquid versions of drugs or smaller pills also check with the doctor to see if large pills can be ground up crushing pills will not work with some pills particularly those designed to work on a time-release basis #puree food lessens the risk of choking while eating there should be no large or thick pieces left in food that has been pureed puree food by putting it in a blender and selecting the puree setting to process it #thickeners are powdered supplements that are added to drinks to lessen the risk of choking while drinking they are available in most pharmacies #being tired increases the chance of choking so the cr should be rested before meals #in some cases it may be a good idea for a caregiver to be present while a Care recipient (cr) eats and drinks to monitor the cr cr’s safety and remind the cr to eat slowly or follow specific recommendations made by the doctor or speech therapist #during and after meals remind the cr to feel for food caught between the cheek and the gum if the cr cannot understand or follow directions the caregiver may need to put on a disposable glove and check for food left inside the mouth uneaten food in the mouth can cause oral or dental problems

Materials: Consultation with physician caregiver education thickener for liquids blender pureed foods rest before eating plenty of time to eat disposable glove non-latex if the cr or caregiver is allergic

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

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: #combine orange juice and prune juice #heat until lukewarm and drink the mixed juice #if possible drink 6 ounces of water afterward #the laxative effect should be felt eight to ten hours late

Materials: 6 ounces of prune juice 2 or 3 ounces of orange juice microwave or stove cup 6ounces of water

Categories: Medical Physical

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: Out foam pad or plywood sheet try use pillows to position the Care recipient (cr) and support the joints put one under the knees to decrease stress on hips knees and lower back put a small pillow under the arms to decrease shoulder and neck tension put a pillow behind the back and a pillow between the knees to support lying on one side use a neck pillow to support the neck change the mattress pressure use a foam pad to increase softness and relieve pressure on bones and joints use a plywood sheet under the top mattress to make the bed firmer if the mattresses are very old consider buying new ones if the cr feels stiff in the morning try some gentle stretches while still in bed exercise can take a while to be effective so don’t give up after just a few weeks

Materials: Pillows positions to

Categories: Medical Physical, Personal, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Immobile, Some Supervision, 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: Balls can be purchased at any toy or variety store use any laundry basket from around the home ball toss stand or sit and throw the ball back and forth or roll it increase the distance as the cr becomes more adept alternatives if the cr cannot throw are punching the ball or using a balloon and trying to keep it afloat basketball use the soft squishy ball put laundry basket on floor start with it close maybe 3 feet depending on the cr cr’s throwing ability take turns making a basket with the squishy ball in and out counts move the basket back further as you play for added challenge and exercise

Materials: Larger 16 punch ball or large balloon soft squishy ball such as a koosh or nerf ball or similar laundry basket

Categories: Medical Physical, Social

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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