RespiteMatch.com Health Blog

Caring for a frail older person at home may be made easier by simplifying the environment and by doing tasks that need to be done in the easiest way possible, even if that is different than the way you have done things in the past. Think about your situation. Make changes before a crisis. Taking care of yourself means you are more able to care for another person. Here are some ideas that have worked for others. Promoting Safety at Home 􀂃 Install hand rails or grab bars for tub and toilet 􀂃 Use night lights in the hallway and bathroom 􀂃 Remove extension cords and scatter rugs from pathways 􀂃 Reduce clutter 􀂃 Remove easy-to-trip-over furniture such as foot stools 􀂃 Keep household furnishings in the same place 􀂃 Use adaptive equipment to maximize safety and independence (lift chair, raised toilet seat, ramp) 􀂃 Use intercom or “baby” monitoring system 􀂃 Put a sticker on the telephone with an emergency number 􀂃 Use large number or push button phone with emergency numbers “programmed in” 􀂃 Install banisters on both walls of a stairway Using Memory Aids 􀂃 Use a large calendar to keep track of events 􀂃 Write a schedule of the day’s activities 􀂃 Repeat the names of visitors, including visiting family members 􀂃 Provide step-by-step instructions 􀂃 Use an identification bracelet or label clothes in case of wandering Easing Activities of Daily Living 􀂃 Bathe and groom at regularly scheduled times 􀂃 Use bath chair or bench in tub 􀂃 Use hand-held shower 􀂃 Limit fluids prior to bedtime 􀂃 Allow as much independence as possible, letting the person accomplish the task alone with supervision 􀂃 Prepare foods that are easily chewed and swallowed 􀂃 Use a system to make sure medications are taken correctly Dealing with Caregiver Stress 􀂃 Eat properly and get enough sleep and exercise 􀂃 Take time to get away 􀂃 Utilize available family, friends, or paid help 􀂃 Schedule visitors at different times to maximize the time you can be relieved of caregiving responsibilities 􀂃 Look for positive experiences in caregiving 􀂃 Maintain your sense of humor 􀂃 Use community resources for information and support 􀂃 Seek assistance with difficult situations and behaviors—knowing what to expect helps 􀂃 Join a support group 􀂃 Arrange for a comprehensive assessment to get specific recommendations
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