caregiver (cg) has difficulty getting Care recipient (cr) in or out of bed due to limited strength and mobility this also causes the cr to have difficulty turning over in bed

Try: Getting in or out of bed can be difficult if cr cannot slide into the bed from the edge or slide over to the edge of the bed to get out try using sheets made out of satin or a similar material they will let the cr slide in and out of bed more easily if the satin like sheets are too slick ask the cr to switch to pajamas made out of satin or a similar material do not have heavy blankets on the bed they will make turning over harder for the cr because of the extra weight of the blanket consider a down blanket as an alternative this will provide warmth without the weight

Materials: Sheets made out of satin or a similar material pajamas made out of satin or a similar material down blanket

Categories: 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

Care recipient (cr) has difficulty going to sleep and staying asleep

Try: Maintain a regular bedtime and lead up to bedtime with a regular routine such as bathing brushing teeth favorite snack etc caregiver (cg) should yawn stretch and mention how sleepy they are cg should act as if the cr is doing them a favor by going to bed so they cg can get some much needed rest turn off lights together in preparation for going to bed eliminate loud television programs before bedtime play soft and soothing music if cr sleeps better in a recliner or on the couch let them work in some exercise during the day to promote sleep at night don’t discourage a small nap during the day better to get some sleep than n/a if getting into pajamas presents a problem or is confusing use sweatsuits that can go from day to night use

Materials: n/a

Categories: Personal

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Care recipient (cr) has trouble going to sleep at night

Try: Give cr a snack before going to bed include turkey in the snack for example a turkey sandwich or with crackers the turkey usually will make the cr sleepy and there may be little or no trouble going to sleep

Materials: n/a

Categories: Personal, 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

caregiver (cg) has difficulty shampooing care recipient recipient’s cr’s hair

Try: Medical supply stores usually have a special shampoo cap that contains shampoo and conditioner heat the cap up and place it on the cr’s head massage the cap on the cr cr’s head to release the shampoo dry the hair with a towel and then style you also may want to try no rinse shampoo that can be found at beauty supply stores apply the no rinse shampoo to the cr cr’s head massage in until it lathers up and then towel dry

Materials: Shampoo cap no rinse shampoo

Categories: Personal

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Care recipient (cr) is frequently constipated

Try: #make sure cr goes to the bathroom when he or she feels the urge to do so holding a bowel movement or gas inside may increase constipation and eventually make it painful to go to the bathroom #take cr for a walk daily or do chair exercises daily #encourage the cr to drink plenty of water and other fluids make sure the cr does not have fluid restrictions from any medical conditions #introduce more fresh fruits and vegetables to the diet #add a stool softener to daily diet or medications if fresh foods aren’t helping

Materials: Fluids fresh fruits and vegetables over-the-counter stool softener

Categories: Personal, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Independence, Some Supervision

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Checklist for easier dressing of the Care recipient (cr)

Try: Clothing choices should reflect the ease with which the cr can put on the clothing themselves or that the caregiver (cg) can put on the cr easily clothing should not restrict the movement of the cr clothing that has some stretch to it is preferable keep clothing styles familiar even when purchasing new clothing for the cr if the cr has always worn shirts or tops that button down the front don’t start buying ones that they have to pull on over their heads even though it may be easier – they won’t feel like it is their clothing try to keep all colors of tops and bottoms compatible that way no matter what top the cr picks out it will go with all of the different slack options if the cr has a favorite color try to have several outfits in that particular color this in itself will produce an enjoyable moment

Materials: n/a

Categories: Personal

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

caregiver (cg) needs suggestions to make mealtime go more smoothly

Try: Don’t bombard the Care recipient (cr) with visual stimulation during the meal if the kitchen itself is too busy with items on the countertop or surrounding areas move the dining area to a corner of another room with just a small table and a couple of chairs make the food the focus not the conversation even subdued music can be a distraction at a meal if the Care recipient (cr) needs a large towel over their lap put one over yours also adjust the taste of the food sometimes if the cr thinks the food is too bland sprinkle a little brown sugar on top make sure fruit is peeled before giving it to the cr some cr’s cannot tell the difference between the skin of the fruit and the fruit itself

Materials: n/a

Categories: Personal, 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

How to make bath time more enjoyable for the Care recipient (cr) and therefore easier on the caregiver (cg)

Try: Simplify the bathing procedure by having everything ready before the cr comes into the bathroom have a drawer in the bathroom for clean underthings for the cr so that clothing doesn’t have to be brought from another room or the cr doesn’t have to walk to another room to start getting dressed instead of using a bath towel to dry off the cr just have a terry cloth robe ready to put on after bathing and that will be easier than trying to dry off with a towel and will also preserve the modesty of the cr if a bath instead of a shower is possible use plenty of bubbles in a pleasing scent use a watering can to rinse off the cr – it is more gentle than using a hand held shower attachment if water in the eyes while shampooing is a problem buy a foam sun visor and have the cr wear that while rinsing their hair make sure that the shower rod if there is one is a screw in type and not a tension rod just in case cr would happen to grab the shower curtain while getting out of the tub

Materials: n/a

Categories: Personal, 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

caregiver (cg) has difficulty dressing mobility challenged Care recipient (cr)

Try: If putting on shoes is a problem but cg is worried about cr walking around in just stockings buy slipper-like footies with non-skid tread on the soles if putting slacks on a female cr is difficult buy nylon pants liners to wear under the slacks the silky texture will make the slacks slide on much easier also be aware of the texture of the material of the slacks velvet corduroy or terry cloth are heavier and therefore harder to handle and hotter to wear try buying clothing a size larger than cr usually wears – this will make the clothing easier to put on

Materials: n/a

Categories: 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

caregiver (cg) needs to take Care recipient (cr) to a family event which requires long distance travel

Try: If air travel is necessary make sure the airline and airport are notified if a wheelchair will be necessary be prepared for anxiety and confusion – take along familiar objects; a favorite afghan or pillow small photo album of family pictures or a favorite book on airplanes or trains cg needs to take the aisle seat and put cr in the inside seat to control wandering if that is a problem also the window seat could serve to keep the cr occupied looking out bring all necessary medical and insurance

Materials: n/a

Categories: Personal, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance

Information: Have a duplicate copy of any itinerary including stops at hotels and the final destination along with phone numbers for each plan for plenty of rest time for the cr during the day – don’t schedule too many activities in a row don’t talk about the trip too far beforehand the cr might get confused and anxious make sure cr dresses comfortably because of frequent rest room stops and that they wear comfortable shoes bring snacks and activity books to relieve boredom while waiting for transportation or during the trip itself information

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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