Tip of the Week
TIP OF THE WEEK ARCHIVES
Caregiver Stress Tips
Take care of your health by getting regular medical check-ups.
When the stress of a situation becomes too much, take a break to relax and gain perspective on the problem.
Always be sure to make time for yourself. It will make you a better caregiver.
Daily Care Tips
- Be flexible - be ready to change plans if something unexpected happens.
- When assisting someone elderly, gently hold their hand, wrist, or elbow. Holding the fleshy part of their arm may bruise or tear the skin.
- Try not to rush. Allow plenty of time for meals, bathing, or other every day tasks.
Managing Difficult Behaviors Tips
- If you find that a person with Alzheimer's disease is getting agitated with a task at hand, pull back and give that person some space and time. Try again later!
- If a person with Alzheimer’s disease is having difficulty with a task, show them by doing it yourself first.
- You may find that planning to do the more difficult tasks during the person's BEST time of day will reduce disruptive behaviors for persons with Alzheimer's disease.
Safety Tips
- Have important phone numbers near your phone that include the police, fire department, poison control, doctors, friends, and neighbors in case you need help in a hurry.
- To increase safety at night, make sure there is a clear path to the bathroom or have a bedside commode available.
Communication Tips
- Positive comments such as, “It’s all right” can help a person with Alzheimer’s disease feel comforted.
- When giving directions to someone with Alzheimer's disease, using the most important word last will help them remember.
Sleep Tips
- Consider an evening snack before bedtime to ensure your loved one does not awake during the night due to hunger.
- Alcohol may disrupt sleep. Try providing fruit drinks, flavored waters, or non-alcoholic wine or beer.
Activities Tips
- Activities can include stirring cake batter, sorting yarn or simple and safe tools, feeding pets, moving to music or singing, finger painting, or walking in the park.
- Providing meaningful activities, such as washing dishes or sanding a piece of wood can help someone with Alzheimer's disease reconnect to daily life.
This information is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice, read more at: http://www.lightbridgehealthcare.com/2838.xml
To learn about LightBridge products, please visit: http://www.lightbridgehealthcare.com/products/cdroms.xml
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