Try: Suggest that cr try to do the following activities by him herself as much as possible stair climbing move more steadily when walking improve balance and enduranceby taking short walks every day or doing light house chores like sweeping strengthen and refine movement patterns when walking or making normal gestures improve the coordination and speed of movement necessary for fine motor skills such as fastening buttons or tying shoelaces

Materials: n/a

Categories: Medical Physical, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance

Information: n/a

References: hope the stroke recovery guide chapter 4 – movement and exerciseby the national stroke associatin 2010 available at www stroke org

Keywords: Paralysis stroke rehabilitation exercises mobility movement recovery recovering fine motor coordination walking

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

Try: Observe the cr’s eating habits spend time the cr during meals at home not just on special occasions if the cr lives alone find out who buys his or her food if the cr is in a hospital or long term care facility visit during mealtimes watch for weight loss help the cr monitor his or her weight at home you might also watch for other signs of weight loss such as changes in how clothing fits be alert to other red flags in addition to weight loss malnutrition can cause poor wound healing easy bruising and dental difficulties in the cr know the cr cr’s medications many drugs affect appetite digestion and nutrient absorption

Materials: n/a

Categories: Medical Physical

Information: n/a

References: Mayoclinic com

Keywords: Loss of appetite eating nutrition

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

Try: Keep the cr hydrated- make sure the cr has plenty of water to avoid dehydration which can lead to appetite suppression instead of three large meals a day which can look overwhelming to someone in poor health serve six smaller meals a day serve soft foods such as pudding ice cream or fruit smoothies because they can be tasty and easy to digest try to serve good foods to the cr don’t serve bland or sour tasting foods present appetizing looking meals by accenting the plate with a garnish also make the dining experience pleasant for the cr by playing soft music or talking to them about the day’s events while they are eating to take their minds off not feeling well try herbal appetite-enhancing teas or appetite stimulating medicines keep a food diary for the cr and include what food they have problems or complications digesting and their daily food menus and review it with their doctor or dietician for feedback this hopefully will determine any foods that are causing the cr appetite problems try and get the cr moving to work up an appetite if overall exercise such as walking isn’t possible have the cr do simple movements

Materials: n/a

Categories: Medical Physical

Information: n/a

References: Caregiver com

Keywords: Loss of appetite eating nutrition

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

Try: Health concerns crs often have health issues that can lead to decreased appetite or trouble eating such as chronic illness use of certain medications difficulty swallowing or absorbing nutrients or trouble chewing due to dental issues a recent hospitalization might be accompanied by loss of appetite or other nutrition problems restricted diets dietary restrictions , such as limits on salt fat protein or sugar , can help manage certain medical conditions but might also contribute to inadequate eating limited income some crs might have trouble affording groceries especially if they’re taking expensive medications reduced social contact crs who eat alone might not enjoy meals causing them to lose interest in cooking and eating depression grief loneliness failing health lack of mobility and other factors might contribute to depression , causing loss of appetite alcoholism too much alcohol can interfere with the digestion and absorption of various nutrients

Materials: n/a

Categories: Medical Physical

Information: n/a

References: Mayclinic com

Keywords: Loss of appetite eating nutrition

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

Try: Add calories to foods wherever you can if the cr is underweight use creative ways to add calories to dishes switch from skim milk to 2 or even whole milk for example add extra butter or olive oil to casseroles or pasta meals use half & half on your cereal add corn syrup to juice however crs with a medical condition should consult a doctor when developing a nutrition plan consider nutrition drinks and liquid meal replacements by providing balanced nutrition in an easy-to-consume form liquid meal replacements can help you make sure the gets needed nutrients drink plenty of liquids dehydration can dampen appetite so it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of liquids choose beverages for the cr that contain calories such as fruit vegetable juices or soft drinks with sugar have the cr graze on snacks throughout the day if the cr doesn’t feel like eating very much when during regularly scheduled meals try eating smaller amounts more often throughout the day eating a small snack can actually spur appetite making the cr a little hungrier during meal time get meals delivered to home this is a good option if the cr is homebound most communities have service organizations that provide meals to crs either delivered at home or served in community senior centers many senior community food programs are open to anyone 60 and older regardless of income level

Materials: n/a

Categories: Medical Physical

Information: n/a

References: Webmd com

Keywords: Loss of appetite eating nutrition

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

Try: Enjoy meals with friends meals can be appealing to the cr if it is also a time to connect with friends and family also studies confirm that crs who live with someone else or who eat meals in community settings tend to eat a healthier diet buy prepared or convenience foods many items are available that require a minimum of preparation including pre-peeled carrots frozen chopped spinach salad greens prepared sauces and complete meals microwaves make prepared meals easy to cook at home this makes eating easier for many crs and just because foods are convenient doesn’t mean they are less nutritious many pre-prepared foods are healthier than in the past try new flavors and foods when taste buds lose their sensitivity and appetite wanes it’s often difficult for the cr to get excited about eating expand the variety of your menu by adding foods or flavors you haven’t tried before if new foods don’t sound appealing take another tack spice up your meals if the cr is not hungry because food tastes bland try adding extra spices and other flavors add a spoonful of the cr’s favorite fruit preserves to yogurt for instance or a dash of mixed herbs to a simple pasta dish make meals more appealing by choosing brightly colored fruits and vegetables give the cr permission to indulge in favorite foods if the cr is having trouble eating enough to get the calories needed don’t worry about the fine points of nutrition advice allow the cr to eat anything and everything that is appealing once the cr’s appetite comes back you can work on altering eating habits

Materials: n/a

Categories: Medical Physical

Information: n/a

References: Webmd com

Keywords: Loss of appetite eating nutrition

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

Try: Begin the caregiving conversation early ideally you should talk to the cr about care long before they really need it for instance adult children might want to start talking to their parents about caregiving when they reach age 70 even if they’re healthy find out what they would like to happen if they got sick it may not be an easy conversation look for caregivers guidance when you become a caregiver you suddenly have a million questions don’t be afraid to look for answers check into local resources for caregivers some organizations — like the red cross the national family caregivers association or the local area agency on aging — may offer classes in caregiving that could be invaluable get caregiver support as soon as you can connect with other caregivers support groups for caregivers are a great way to exchange tips and advice support groups also offer a way for you to express your concerns and get backup for some of the hard decisions you’ll have to make along the way find help don’t wait until you’re completely overwhelmed with caregiving to ask for help start talking to other family members and friends about ways that they can share in caregiving both now and in the future check out local cr facilities and nursing homes even if the cr is doing fine on her own it it’s a good idea to visit local nursing homes and caregiving facilities now should the cr ever need one you’ll be glad to know what the options are consider the legal and financial implications start thinking about some of the difficult legal and financial issues you may face as a caregiver if your loved one goes into a nursing home how will she afford it would you sell her house how does power of attorney work these are questions to know before they occur do some research some helpful organizations that can provide

Materials: n/a

Categories: Medical Physical

Information: Or assistance on caregiving include aarp eldercare locator national alliance for caregiving and national family caregivers association among others information

References: Webmd com

Keywords: Loss of appetite eating nutrition

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

Try: Materials try calf stretch – stretch out arms so that palms are flat against a wall and elbows are nearly straight keep right knee slightly bent and step back a foot or two with left leg positioning the heel and foot flat on the floor hold for 20 to 30 seconds now bend left knee while still keeping the heel and foot flat on the floor switch to other leg and repeat front thigh stretch – stand parallel to a wall to keep balance keep one leg straight and bend other knee and hold ankle to pull your heel up toward your buttock hold for 20 to 30 seconds switch legs and repeat hip stretch – stand facing a chair with the back for the chair against a wall for support raise left foot up and rest it flat on the chair with knee bent or try placing your foot on a stair while holding the railing for balance keeping spine as neutral as possible press pelvis forward gently until you feel a stretch at the top of the right thigh your pelvis will move forward only a little hold for 20 to 30 seconds switch legs and repeat try to supervise the cr to avoid injury

Materials: n/a

Categories: Medical Physical

Information: n/a

References: Helpguide org

Keywords: Sleep problems restless legs

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

Try: Have the caregiver massage the legs do leg stretches and exercises get up and walk around take a cold shower soak in a hot tub take an over-the-counter pain reliever play a game or watch tv as a distraction apply hot or cold packs to the legs

Materials: n/a

Categories: Medical Physical

Information: n/a

References: Helpguide org

Keywords: Sleep problems restless legs

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

Try: Try settingt up a safe wood shop for cr for example put all sorts of safe tools sand paper tape measures hammers screws etc out on the workbench every morning pack cr a lunch and give it to cr and tell cr he has to go to work send him to the garage where he has pencils paper markers brooms shovels dirt seeds tools etc to mess around with sometimes go to his work and join him for lunch this may make a huge difference in your tolerance level – and help cr as well

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical, Personal, Social, Independence, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, Vision, So-So Vision, Poor Vision, Cognitive Awareness, Somewhat Aware, Unaware, Long-Term Memory, So-So L T Memory, Poor L T Memory, Short-Term Memory, So-So S T Memory, Poor S T Memory

Information: n/a

References: using validation therapy to manage difficult behaviors by jan allen no date available at www alzwell com

Keywords: Wood working garage tools wants to go to work likes power tools

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