Try: #a bedside commode is a freestanding toilet with a removable bowl bucket and support arms it can be kept near a cr cr’s bed or chair for easy access overnight or during the day if the cr is having trouble reaching the bathroom safely or in time for any reason #commodes are sold in some drug stores and are available through medical supply stores and catalogs they are sold in a variety of styles and weight-bearing capacities #for use during the night place the commode next to the cr cr’s bed with toilet paper and moist wipes within reach put a small trash can nearby but not where the cr will trip over it #make sure the bucket is in place within the commode #assist the cr to rehearse using the commode practice during the day so the cr will be ready at night practicing will help identify difficulties the cr may run into and correct them before they lead to trouble #after the cr voids bowel or bladder he or she should wipe with toilet paper discard the toilet paper in the bucket and close the commode lid make sure during practice that the cr will be able to clean him or herself #damp or wet wipes can be used to clean the hands afterwards and the wipes can be discarded in a small lined trash can #in the morning the cr or a caregiver can empty the bucket and rinse it into the toilet the bucket is then replaced on the commode and the commode can be moved to the side of the bedroom if it won’t be in use during the day

Materials: Bedside commode roll of toilet paper package of moist wipes small lined trash can

Categories: Personal, Mobility, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Independence, No Supervision, Some Supervision, Cognitive Awareness, 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: #locate a leather shop that will do custom work or a shoe repair shop with experience working with leather repairs #bring the cr cr’s boots to the shop and request that the inside of each bootleg be slit open on the inner side from the top of the boot to the shoe portion and that a patch of leather with a heavy-duty zipper with a large zipper pull be sewn in if this isn’t feasible ask if a leather tongue could be inserted in the slit and if holes and laces could be inserted on either side of the tongue #make sure the width of the bootleg will not be changed so much in the process tht the boots will no longer fit well if altering the boots will change the bootlegs width it may be necessary to start with a different size of boot than is usually worn #with the installation of a zipper or laces and holes it may be necessary to protect the leg with heavier duty socks than are usually worn as well

Materials: Boots shoe repair shop or custom leather shop heavy socks

Categories: Personal, Mobility, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Independence, No Supervision, Some Supervision

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: #buy water bottles and thermal cups at sporting goods stores camping supply stores or general merchandise stores look for a water bottle with a straw that reaches the bottom of the bottle #replace open cups and glasses with the water bottle for serving cold drinks and the thermal cup for serving warm drinks use a straw for each there may be less spillage if either of these are dropped #look for a clear water bottle so you can easily see the amount of liquid being drunk for optimum cleaning remove the reusable straw and soak it in warm soapy water then rinse it and let it dry before returning it to the bottle

Materials: Sport water bottle with built-in straw thermal cup for warm drinks straws

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

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: #many times crs become unaware of how they present themselves in public due to depression or denial #denial of a poor self-presentation may be due in part to a lack of full-sized mirrors in places where the cr can look at him or herself #check the cr’s home to determine if the home has a full-size mirror mounted in a place where the cr can easily see him or herself in full view #consider the cr’s stamina and whether limited ability to stand might prevent the cr from checking him or herself out in the mirror #if stamina is an issue put a full length mirror close to where the cr dresses or put a chair near the mirror so the cr can sit and leisurely look at him or herself

Materials: Full length mirror

Categories: Personal

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: #buy mouth swabs and other supplies at most pharmacies #assemble all supplies and tell the cr what you are going to do at each new step in the process tell the cr what you will do next even if the cr is unconscious #with the cr lying on one side gently turn the head to the side and place a towel around the neck and on the bed to keep clothes and bed sheets from getting wet #place the bowl under the cr’s chin and mouth; support the bowl with your hand #dip a swab in the cup of mouthwash squeeze out excess mouthwash on the side of the cup put the swab gently into the mouth and gently cleanse the teeth and gums getting in-between the gum and cheek ask the cr if this feels okay #allow the cr to spit out any saliva and mouthwash if he or she can or make sure it is draining into the basin you are holding to avoid risk of choking never use too much mouthwash and water #ask the cr to open his or her mouth wide if possible so you can clean the tongue and the roof if the cr cannot assist you use a tongue depressor to open the cr’s mouth a bit wider by placing the tongue depressor on the tongue and holding it down very gently keep the cr in this position for as short a time as possible #when you are finished remove and empty the bowl #use the washcloth to clean around the cr’s mouth #apply lip balm and make sure the corners of the mouth get lubricated #return the cr to a comfortable position #dispose of waste and wash the bowl and cup thoroughly

Materials: Tongue depressors towels wash cloth mouthwash and water in equal parts in a cup lip balm small bowl to catch water table or tray to hold cup and bowl

Categories: Personal, Mobility, Immobile, Independence, Maximum Supervision, Cognitive Awareness, 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: #use unbreakable cups and dishware to prevent injury to the Care recipient (cr) and damage to dishes #serve liquids in plastic cups with handles use straws if they are useful #make sure there is clean adequate lighting above the eating area #protect the tabletop with vinyl placemats or plastic tablecloths for easy clean up keep a large damp sponge on hand during and after meals #use a carpet sweeper or handheld electric vacuum to pick up crumbs from the chair or floor pick up squishy food and liquid spills promptly and dry the floor as soon as possible to avoid falling hazards on tile or linoleum or stains on carpeting #protect clothing from stains with a large napkin or a smock a smock is an over-the-head work top that fastens on the sides smocks can be found in catalogs featuring clothing and supplies for seniors and people with disabilities #protect a cr from serious spills and possible burns with special vinyl smocks look for catalogs supplying these smocks online and through rehabilitation centers and senior care centers #sometimes a cr’s messiness at mealtimes will look deliberate and be inconvenient to the caregiver caregivers must accept that when messiness is linked to a condition the reality of the condition must be respected the caregiver may look for ways to help the cr regain or retain eating skills but may also have to deal separately with his or her own grief anger or frustration at the situation

Materials: Unbreakable cups and plates drinking cup with a straw and handle good lighting over the dining area vinyl or rubber placemats or plastic tablecloth carpet sweeper or sponge mop large sponge vinyl smock if necessary caregiver tolerance and compassion support for caregiving spouse or family member

Categories: Personal, Gender, Male, Female, Mobility, Needs Much Assistance, Independence, Maximum Supervision, Cognitive Awareness, 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: #place one sponge roller over the handle of each utensil #use a gentle twisting or bending motion to angle the spoon or fork end of the utensil at the desired angle for the Care recipient (cr) #remove the sponges before washing the utensils and replace them when soiled they can be washed and air dried for reuse #observe the cr using the utensil adjust the angle of the utensil as needed

Materials: Teaspoon soup spoon and fork with thin or regular handles 3 small replacement foam sponge rollers for hair about 3 – 4 long and 1 in diameter

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

Try: #a leg lifter is a stiff rope with a loop for the hand at one end and a wider loop for the foot to slip through at the other end the cr fits the wider loop over one foot and uses the other to lift the loop foot and leg into the desired place or position #look for a leg lifter in a medical supply store or catalog or ask your doctor for a referral to a physical therapy department for evaluation of your need for this or any other helping aids #to get both legs into bed sit on the bed and pivot your hips as far into position as possible making room on the bed for the first leg to be lifted #slide the foot through the wide loop of the leg lifter and use hands to lift the leg onto the bed then slide the loop from the foot #to avoid tipping out of bed scoot your body into a secure position on the bed before lifting the second leg onto the bed

Materials: Leg lifter exercises

Categories: Personal, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Independence, No Supervision, 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 planning trips of any length of time consider in advance how you and the cr will manage the cr’s incontinence for short shopping trips you may want to call malls or stores ahead of time to locate accessible restrooms for traveling overnight you may want to reserve an accessible train berth or hotel room or plan a stopover between flights that will allow plenty of time to visit a restroom even if one flight is late #keep in mind that regular pull-up underwear may be difficult to change when the cr is standing in a bathroom stall consider looking for disposable incontinence products that can be pulled up or opened and closed from the side or consider using absorbent inserts in a waterproof panty these come in many styles and sizes for men and women #make a final bathroom visit before leaving home and plan for regular bathroom breaks throughout the trip #pack wipes lotion plastic bags disposable gloves incontinence supplies clean clothes and hand sanitizer in a backpack you may want to carry a small towel for messes the wipes can’t handle wear the pack while walking to keep your hands free #if incontinence occurs and the cr needs help hang the pack on a hook in the largest stall and remove supplies as they are needed don’t remove everything at once #it is sometimes useful for the cr to bend over while being helped to get clean regardless of where you stand to help always wipe away from the cr’s front toward the back flush toilet paper wrap soiled clothes or pads in one of the plastic bags and use wipes to clean urine or feces thouroughly wash your hands and the cr cr’s after exiting the stall use hand sanitizer if necessary #finally keep a heavy duty garbage bag and a regular towel in the car to protect a car seat before or after an episode of incontinence

Materials: Caregiver willing to handle messes with calmness backpack with hanging loop baby wipes skin cream disposable gloves plastic bags for disposal of things that can’t be flushed extra undergarments or incontinence supplies heavy-duty garbage bag towels one small one regular

Categories: Personal, Gender, Male, Female, Mobility, Needs Much Assistance

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: #buy a shampoo funnel at a beauty supply store or look for one online if you are uncertain about how to locate one ask the manager of a local beauty parlor for help #place the wheelchair next to the sink and lock the wheels #place the small table or folding tray table next to the sink #remove the cr’s shirt #wrap one towel around the cr’s shoulders from the back #wrap a second towel around the cr’s shoulders from the front #close the shampoo funnel’s velcro fasteners at the top of the cr’s head leaving the ears uncovered #place the bottom of funnel in the bowl on the small table #wash and rinse hair with the cr seated upright using the sink’s spray nozzle to wet and rinse hair the water will drain into the bowl #release pressure on the spray nozzle and empty the bowl as necessary during the process #remove the shampoo funnel #empty the water from the bowl #wrap a towel around the cr’s wet hair #check the floor for water and pick up any spills before continuing #replace the cr’s shirt #style the cr’s hair as usual being careful not to use any electrical appliance such as a blow dryer or curling iron near running standing or spilled water

Materials: Caregiver kitchen sink with pull-out spray device small table or folding tray table plastic bowl shampoo funnel shampoo 3 towels rags or pad to absorb any spills

Categories: Personal, Male, Female, Needs Much Assistance, Immobile

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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