Try: #the band is held with both hands and runs under the care recipient recipient’s cr cr’s feet from a standing or seated position the cr pulls upward on the band using feet to keep the band in place the band’s resistance should be minimal pulling up on the band so the elbows bend and slowly lowering it will strengthen the cr’s arms and create motion exercise #use sponge balls to exercise hands and fingers a sponge ball is held in each hand and gently squeezed helpers can cover the cr’s hands with their own to feel the cr’s strength #use the cans as weights for three exercises ## the cr holds a can in each hand while moving arms upward from thigh to shoulder arms are out straight ##the cr holds the cans out front and bends arms at the elbow bringing the cans toward the shoulders ##finally the cr holds the cans with arms straight forward and fists upright from this position arms are moved apart and to the side at shoulder height a helper can assist the cr as needed to move hands apart and back together again all the exercises can be repeated as often as is comfortable #walking in place can be done standing or sitting a caregiver can provide encouragement and monitor safety

Materials: Rubber exercise band for legs fist-sized sponge balls or stress-relief balls two 8 oz cans full and still sealed assistance and encouragement

Categories: Medical Physical, Male, Female, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, No Supervision, 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: #put cornstarch or powder on clean dry legs to help the stockings slip on more easily #turn stockings inside out by folding the top over the foot portion #using rubber gloves will make moving the stockings easier put on your gloves and slip the stocking over the toes foot and heel in one quick motion the toe opening can go either on the top or the ball of the foot but the heel must be put into the proper position #slip the top of the stocking on over the foot and onto the ankle adjust the toe section so that it is smooth make sure there are no creases or twists and that the stocking is not too tight over the toes #begin pulling the stocking up in short snappy motions about two inches each time the stocking will turn right side out as you continue pulling #as you go smooth the stocking and check to make sure it has no twists creases or wrinkles that can affect circulation or damage the underlying skin #make sure the top of the stocking does not fold down over itself as this can have a tourniquet effect #repeat these steps for the other leg

Materials: Appropriate compression stockings cornstarch or baby powder rubber gloves such as for dishwashing or latex or non-latex disposable gloves

Categories: Medical Physical, Personal, Male, Female, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, No Supervision, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision

Information: Compression stockings are best applied first thing in the morning ideally before getting out of bed

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: If the cr can make a fairly small fist insert the toothbrush handle into the hole of the pencil grip this will build up the toothbrush handle’s thickness making it easier to grasp the handle can be built up further by wrapping duct tape over the pencil grip once it is on the toothbrush if the cr can only curl the fingers loosely build up the toothbrush with a tennis ball very carefully poke a hole in the ball with a screwdriver insert the toothbrush handle into the hole if the cr has trouble holding the ball at the end of the handle poke another hole opposite the first and slide the ball down the handle to a comfortable spot if the ball slides too loosely fix the ball in place with thin strips of duct tape wrapped by each exit hole in the ball if the cr can’t grasp the ball and needs a wider surface to hold insert the toothbrush into the tennis ball as described above then remove the top from a regular soup can put duct tape over the sharp edges of the rim and wedge the tennis ball into the can

Materials: Toothbrush pen or pencil grip tennis ball screwdriver can to put whole tennis ball into duct tape

Categories: Medical Physical, Personal, Mobility, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Independence, No Supervision, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware

Information: When using a pencil grip make sure the toothbrush handle fits tightly within it a large-handled toothbrush may be more stable than a smaller one in a tennis ball the toothbrush’s angle can be altered by running hot water over the handle and bending it for a better fit

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: To find a variety from different countries and musical tastes try # if handheld percussion instruments cannot be purchased spend a day or two having all crs help in making their own instruments ideas for making percussion instruments can be found by at most libraries and by searching the internet # explain to the crs that the exercise session is also a chance to participate in a fun musical experience using handheld instruments and music from around the world each cr should get a chance to choose an instrument or you can rotate instruments between each song # start the music # demonstrate each instrument be sensitive to the physical abilities required to use each instrument and to the abilities of each participant # move freely to the rhythm and encourage those in the group to move their bodies as freely as possible as they play the instruments along with the music

Materials: Handheld percussion instruments either purchased if the budget allows or made out of scrap materials or by someone who is handy even a solid dowel and a wood block can make a good percussion instrument music player rhythmic music of various types and from various countries march calypso spanish waltz african indian etc

Categories: Medical Physical, Social, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware

Information: n/a

References: n/a

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

Try: Use one pharmacy to fill all prescriptions so drug interactions can be monitored by the pharmacist take anti-platelet medication at the same time every day never take more than one tablet at a time to make up for a missed dose improper use of medicines accounts for an increasing number of hospitalizations and deaths make sure other health care providers including dentist and podiatrist know their patient is taking anti-platelet medications keep a current list of all medicines and dosages in a wallet or purse report the following to the doctor any increase in bruising or any bleeding when brushing teeth teeth; any blood in urine or stool and any headache or change in vision clear all over-the-counter medications or herbals with physicians keep track of medical appointments with a calendar do not stop taking anti-platelet medication without consulting a physician many medications cannot safely be stopped abruptly follow food restrictions advised by doctors protect hands feet and head from cuts during regular activities of daily living

Materials: Anti-platelet prescription from doctor single pharmacy to fill all prescriptions list of all medications including over-the-counter and herbal medicines calendar

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: After each episode of incontinence cleanse the cr cr’s skin gently with mild soap like baby soap and warm water be sure to cleanse between skin folds do no rub the washcloth against skin vigorously; use gentle patting motions dry the damp area afterwards by patting skin gently with a clean dry towel making sure moisture between skin folds is also dried apply a protective barrier of cream after each episode you can purchase cream made for treating or preventing rashes from urine over the counter in most drug stores if the cr wears pads or briefs for incontinence protection make sure the pads or brief are changed as soon as possible after an accident clean the skin and reapply cream before donning new pads or briefs

Materials: Washcloth gentle soap and water clean towel protective skin barrier cream

Categories: Medical Physical, Mobility, 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: Keep a variety of the care recipient’s cr’s favorite drinks on hand ask about or observe changes in the cr’s p

Materials: Alternatives to glassware variety of beverages

Categories: Medical Physical, Personal, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Immobile, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, Good Smelling, So-So Smelling, Poor Smelling, Good Taste, So-So Taste, Poor Taste, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware, Good L T Memory, So-So L T Memory, Poor L T Memory, Good S T Memory, So-So S T Memory, Poor S T Memory

Information: n/a

References: Find no-sugar caffeine-free or non-alcoholic versions of drinks to replace favorites that interfere with health or medication offer a beverage every two to three hours during the day use cups the cr can safely and easily handle instead of glassware use heavy plastic or stemless wineglasses mugs with handles and attractive plastic cups make drinks attractive to the cr by serving them nicely if the cr has lost some sense of smell or taste consider adding lemon slices to water or serving something that has a stronger smell root beer for example or a vivid color such as a non-alcoholic daiquiri information references

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: #shape a bag of peas to the area of pain #warm moist washcloths may also be used for pain management but don’t use a heating pad due to the risk of burns #apply cold and warm packs alternately #soothing music may work as a distraction #yoga or other forms of exercise may also be distracting and minimize the pain

Materials: Bag of frozen peas warm moist washcloths soothing music exercise mat or blanket

Categories: Medical Physical, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, No Supervision, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision

Information: n/a

References: n/a

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

Try: # prepare plastic bags by filling several with a package or two of handwipes and a package of batteries # label each bag with the date of expiration of the batteries and their purpose for example hearing aid batteries expire ____ # place in a cool dry location to maximize the battery life # mark one bag dead batteries and plan on putting used batteries here before they are recycled or properly disposed of # keep tweezers and magnifying glass near the batteries or where the cr can easily find them if they are needed to replace the batteries #review the details of this plan with the cr make adjustments as needed # check hearing aids regularly and replace the batteries promptly maintenance may reduce social isolation as well as frustration and stress

Materials: Several packages of the appropriate-sized battery purchased at once plastic zipped sandwich bags small sized single packs of hand cleaner wipes tweezers and magnifying glass if needed permanent marker

Categories: Medical Physical, So-So Hearing, Poor Hearing

Information: n/a

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

Try: # arrange refills on the needed schedule with the pharmacy # assist the cr with placing medications into containers verify that this is done correctly # help the cr set medication timer or clock to ring an alarm whenever meds need to be taken # discuss any side effects or other problems that the cr may be having with meds and note them for the next doctor doctor’s visit # check regularly to make sure all meds were taken count pills if necessary do this before refilling to make sure there is no confusion

Materials: Daily large-print medication containers with alarms alarm clock if pill box doesn’t have alarm settings pharmacy that has automatic prescription refill service medication timer

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