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Helpful Hints for Caregivers
- If the basic day-by-day relationship of the caregiver, the care receiver, and the family is a warm accepting one, the role of the caregiver is easier, the care receiver is happier, and there is less stress all around. A good relationship is based on mutual caring, acceptance, trust and respect and can be developed by open, honest communication.
- Personality changes with illness may be dramatic. Care receivers with degenerative diseases often suffer personality changes that are as permanent as the disease. They become impatient, explosive, and bitter with their family.
- Older people can learn new skills if they see the value of what they are expected to learn. Take time to explain how, what and why.
- Arrange a telephone contact so that someone calls each day to be sure everything is all right. This person could relieve you of responsibility by contacting other family member to let them know the status of the care receiver or if you need anything.
- For an older person who cannot get in and out of the tub alone and who does not feel safe in the shower, put a sturdy lawn chair right in the tub on a no-slip rubber mat. Help the person step carefully into tub, sit on the chair, shower away, then stand up and step out.
- Finger towels a size larger than a washcloth make better washcloths for bedridden persons.
- Replace buttons, zippers, snaps with Velcro® fastener (available at local yardage or department store). All types of clothing, including shoes, are now being made with Velcro® fasteners.
- Add foam padding to increase the size of the handle of such articles as toothbrush, razor, comb and utensils. Foam curlers work well.
- Use a draw sheet (half sheet) to help move the person in bed.
- When the doctor prescribes a drug, ask the following questions:
- What is the name of the drug?
- What is it supposed to do? (Write it down)
- When should it be taken?
- Does three times a day mean AM, Noon, PM?
- Should it be taken before meals, with meals, after meals?
- If it says every four hours, should I waken the care receiver to take it?
- Length of time medication should be taken.
- Are there any foods, beverages, medications or activities to be avoided while taking this drug?
- Are alcohol, aspirin, antacids allowed while taking this drug?
- Are there any side effects?
- Is there any written information about this drug?
- Is there a generic (less expensive) form of this drug?
- Obtain an identification bracelet for the older adult you care for, containing name, address and telephone number. If that is a person that wanders or gets lost they can be identified. If there is a special medical problem, get a Medic Alert Emblem (necklace or bracelet) engraved with the recipient's condition. Emblem can be secured from: Medic Alert Foundation International, Post Office Box 1009, Turlock, California, 95380.
- Make a list of contents in the cupboards or drawers used by care receiver. Write large. Tape to drawer.
- Nonfat dry milk is a good protein supplement in soups, milk shakes and casserole dishes or mixed in water for reconstituted milk.
- Try a Chinese soup spoon to avoid spilling food if the care receiver's hand shakes.
