Anthropologist Myla Colllier, San Luis Obispo, California explains that life story telling or writing provides memory retrieval exercise for seniors. It is an opportunity to record or write an autobiography, research ancestors, and enjoy studying historical events.
Sharpening memory by using old photographs, letters and souvenirs is beneficial and caregivers can help by providing questions, scrapbooks and historical events that "nudge" old memories back to the surface.
As a caregiver I have an interesting time when seniors are remembering life and historical events that they experienced.
Classes for seniors in life story and genealogy (reseaching ancestors) are popular. While many adult emeritus or adult community classes are often held at colleges and off campus locations, now assisted care senior facilities are joining up with local community educational programs to have instructors give classes there too.
Genealogy Clubs are available in many towns and members can share research techniques, meet for classes, and meet new friends.
A typical class in our community may take 8 weeks, several hours per class, and cover a different stage of life from early childhood to middle years and beyond at each meeting. Historical events and life events can be linked. For example, a senior might recall moving to California during the Great Depression of the 1930's.
Many websites have life history and genealogy guides and research available.
In San Luis Obispo County, California, Cuesta College Emeritus presents a variety of Life Story classes.
Instructor Myla Collier, an Anthropologist, provides a lively discussion group with weekly readings by the participants, steps to improve memory retrieval, and ways to organize the life history information.
For information you can call Myla Colllier at (805) 543-9514. Elsewhere you can check your local community activities or go to ancestry.com or one of the many other life history and genealogy websites.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Caregiver's Daily Care Diary or Journal
Updates on diet, meals, medication, exercise, activities, household management, and schedules can be kept in a caregiver's daily logbook. If blood pressure is being taken, or blood suger is being monitored this can be included in the notes. The daily diary notes are useful because family caregivers, paid caregivers, and medical personnel can refer to the notes for updates and to track conditions.
At the website for osspublishing.com you can see what a typical care diary looks like and order a published one or make your own version. You can get a notebook, paper, and dividers with labels for sections such as Daily Notes, Medications, Phone Numbers, Care Plan and so on.
For example, if a caregiver is preparing meals for a senior who is a diabetic, then writing down the foods and amounts as well as the monitoring of the blood glucose will be important.
Changes in medical conditions, food intake, exercise and doctor's and visiting nurses' directions can be written in the daily notes. Telephone numbers of the family, caregivers, doctor's and nurses can be kept there also. The medications and directions can be listed, and a medical history summary.
If a family caregiver or paid caregiver has to call 911, the paramedics can get the information they need about medications, doctors and so on from the Daily Care Diary.
The date, time, and caregiver's name can be noted, and brief entries can be written to note food consumed and amount, exercise, complaints of pain, and so on. When a different caregiver arrives to take over the notes provide an update of changes.
When someone goes to the doctor or hospital the notes can help if background history is needed.
At the website for osspublishing.com you can see what a typical care diary looks like and order a published one or make your own version. You can get a notebook, paper, and dividers with labels for sections such as Daily Notes, Medications, Phone Numbers, Care Plan and so on.
For example, if a caregiver is preparing meals for a senior who is a diabetic, then writing down the foods and amounts as well as the monitoring of the blood glucose will be important.
Changes in medical conditions, food intake, exercise and doctor's and visiting nurses' directions can be written in the daily notes. Telephone numbers of the family, caregivers, doctor's and nurses can be kept there also. The medications and directions can be listed, and a medical history summary.
If a family caregiver or paid caregiver has to call 911, the paramedics can get the information they need about medications, doctors and so on from the Daily Care Diary.
The date, time, and caregiver's name can be noted, and brief entries can be written to note food consumed and amount, exercise, complaints of pain, and so on. When a different caregiver arrives to take over the notes provide an update of changes.
When someone goes to the doctor or hospital the notes can help if background history is needed.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
When Caregivers Assist Someone Who Is Hospitalized
Sometimes when I am caregiving, a senior needs to be taken to the emergency room and this leads to a stay in the hospital. When relatives live far away, or are not available, a paid caregiver may be standing in for them. If the paramedics provide transport I follow in my car, and call the relatives. At the emergency room the family caregiver or paid caregiver can wait in the cubicle with the senior who is receiving treatment. If the senior is admitted to the hospital I stay until he or she is settled in a room, paperwork and questions are answered, and the family is updated.
A handsqueeze or a touch and a reassurance that I am still there right next to the person I assist can help if he or she is feeling disoriented. Relatives may live far away and be unavailable and then a paid caregiver may be standing in for them and keeping them posted.
Frequently a paid caregiver and a senior share a close bond that develops from sharing and trust.
In the emergency room the caregiver can provide information for the doctors and nurses and stay nearby in order to provide companionship, reassurance, and assistance.
If a senior is admitted the hospital I've often been asked to continue to provide personal care assistance and companionship during this stay, and there may be several other caregivers so that we rotate shifts.
The caregiver can help in the hospital when someone is too weak to reach for a glass of water or to the food tray by making sure that liquids and food are consumed. If there are special routines for hearing aids, a prothesis, or other individualized personal care steps then having the usual caregiver there can be a big help.
A person who is feeling disoriented may feel more reassured by having the regular caregiver nearby, and the caregiver will be used to sensing what the person is feeling and assisting in a one on one basis.
A handsqueeze or a touch and a reassurance that I am still there right next to the person I assist can help if he or she is feeling disoriented. Relatives may live far away and be unavailable and then a paid caregiver may be standing in for them and keeping them posted.
Frequently a paid caregiver and a senior share a close bond that develops from sharing and trust.
In the emergency room the caregiver can provide information for the doctors and nurses and stay nearby in order to provide companionship, reassurance, and assistance.
If a senior is admitted the hospital I've often been asked to continue to provide personal care assistance and companionship during this stay, and there may be several other caregivers so that we rotate shifts.
The caregiver can help in the hospital when someone is too weak to reach for a glass of water or to the food tray by making sure that liquids and food are consumed. If there are special routines for hearing aids, a prothesis, or other individualized personal care steps then having the usual caregiver there can be a big help.
A person who is feeling disoriented may feel more reassured by having the regular caregiver nearby, and the caregiver will be used to sensing what the person is feeling and assisting in a one on one basis.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy After Falls and Injuries
If a fall and an injury has led to an emergency room visit and a stay in the hospital, seniors may go to a transitional care facility for further recovery before going home. The physical therapists there provide assistance and exercises to increase strength, balance and coordination. A caregiver can learn which exercises a senior will be practicing later at home and be prepared to assist with continuing the routine after the senior leaves the facility.
Often copies of handouts or booklets are available to be used as reminders of techniques for the exercises, and there might be a recommended approximate number of repetitions, which can vary according to a person's condition from day to day .
Often after leaving the short term transitional facility and returning home the senior might have visiting nurses and physical therapists come to the house for a while also.
The nurses continue follow-up on the injury and the physical therapists design a home program for the senior recovering from an injury. The caregiver can make the physical therapy exercises part of the daily routine when assisting a senior. A logbook can be kept so that written notes of progress or of problems with certain exercises are available.
In San Luis Obispo there is a short term rehabilitation and recovery facility called San Luis Transitional Care, at 1575 Bishop St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, and the number is (805) 545-7575. For those who live elsewhere you can ask the doctor, nurses, and staff at the hospital for assistance.
If nursing or physical therapy visits at the home are going to be scheduled your local yellow pages or medical professionals can provide referrals. In San Luis Obispo you can also call Best Care Central Coast Home Health at (805) 782-8600.
The senior may receive physical therapy after going home by going out to appointments with a physical therapist instead of having one come to the house. Moving around outside, taking a drive, getting out of the house for awhile, and visiting with people at the physical therapist's can be a break from the routine if someone is at home much of the time. This can be combined with an outing for a scenic drive, a trip to the grocery store, or some other pleasant activity if it is not too tiring.
Often copies of handouts or booklets are available to be used as reminders of techniques for the exercises, and there might be a recommended approximate number of repetitions, which can vary according to a person's condition from day to day .
Often after leaving the short term transitional facility and returning home the senior might have visiting nurses and physical therapists come to the house for a while also.
The nurses continue follow-up on the injury and the physical therapists design a home program for the senior recovering from an injury. The caregiver can make the physical therapy exercises part of the daily routine when assisting a senior. A logbook can be kept so that written notes of progress or of problems with certain exercises are available.
In San Luis Obispo there is a short term rehabilitation and recovery facility called San Luis Transitional Care, at 1575 Bishop St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, and the number is (805) 545-7575. For those who live elsewhere you can ask the doctor, nurses, and staff at the hospital for assistance.
If nursing or physical therapy visits at the home are going to be scheduled your local yellow pages or medical professionals can provide referrals. In San Luis Obispo you can also call Best Care Central Coast Home Health at (805) 782-8600.
The senior may receive physical therapy after going home by going out to appointments with a physical therapist instead of having one come to the house. Moving around outside, taking a drive, getting out of the house for awhile, and visiting with people at the physical therapist's can be a break from the routine if someone is at home much of the time. This can be combined with an outing for a scenic drive, a trip to the grocery store, or some other pleasant activity if it is not too tiring.
Fun Activities and Crafts for Frail Seniors
In addition to puzzles, games, cards, books on tape, adult classes, bingo, and dominoes there are some imaginative crafts that can make time go by quickly and can even be sold at the local bazaar.
For instance, my aunt, who uses a walker, has turned the spare room into a studio for creating handmade items. Hand painted pillow cases, trays, and decorative towels were among the first projects. Hummingbirds have been a favorite theme. Soon the relatives were bringing garage sale objects and flea market finds over for her to decorate with flowers, birds and wild animals.
Greeting cards decorated with bits of lace and ribbon, inspirational quotes, and historical themes are another of her projects. At the church bazaars she sets up a booth with a sign that says part of the proceeds from each sale go to the local humane society. Her table of cards and crafts has a lot of sales and becomes a popular gathering place.
The walls of the room turned studio are filled with boxes of fabrics, paints, special markers for calligraphy, and creative odds and ends.
One craft seems to lead to another, and the items are beautiful keepsakes. My aunt said she turns on some music or a small television in her studio and once she starts being creative time flies.
On holidays when a card arrives from my aunt, it is a work of art that adds a warm, home style touch to the house when I frame it. You can't buy things like that in a store.
For instance, my aunt, who uses a walker, has turned the spare room into a studio for creating handmade items. Hand painted pillow cases, trays, and decorative towels were among the first projects. Hummingbirds have been a favorite theme. Soon the relatives were bringing garage sale objects and flea market finds over for her to decorate with flowers, birds and wild animals.
Greeting cards decorated with bits of lace and ribbon, inspirational quotes, and historical themes are another of her projects. At the church bazaars she sets up a booth with a sign that says part of the proceeds from each sale go to the local humane society. Her table of cards and crafts has a lot of sales and becomes a popular gathering place.
The walls of the room turned studio are filled with boxes of fabrics, paints, special markers for calligraphy, and creative odds and ends.
One craft seems to lead to another, and the items are beautiful keepsakes. My aunt said she turns on some music or a small television in her studio and once she starts being creative time flies.
On holidays when a card arrives from my aunt, it is a work of art that adds a warm, home style touch to the house when I frame it. You can't buy things like that in a store.
Seniors Enjoy Cooking Vintage Recipes
Some of the seniors whom I have assisted have taught me how to cook recipes they've used since the 1920's. Home style cooking without using measuring spoons or written directions, but relying on experience, involves being creative in the kitchen. Once a 97 year old and I prepared Thanksgiving dinner for 25 people this way, including everything from sweet potatoe pie to cornbread stuffing.
We started preparations a week ahead of time. Several trips to the grocery store and a trunk and backseat full of ingredients got us started. Her relatives were coming from all over to meet at a granddaughter's, and my elderly friend had a cooking background that was a local legend.
Several refrigerators and freezers held the finished foods while we spent each day on several more dishes. It was some of the most fun I've ever had at Thanksgiving.
Many ingredients were measured by eye and nothing was made from mixes. For the stuffing we cooked cornbread from cornmeal, and for the apple pies we cut up our own tart apples. The kitchen looked like an old time photograph at harvest time.
Adding a little of this and that my 97 year old friend made each dish creative and unique. She taught me all the little tricks of properly using the kitchen utensils, adding unexpected spices or combinations, and putting it all together to look artistic.
The vintage recipes that many seniors remember from youthful days are a chance for caregivers and families to share a good time in the kitchen and some of the most delicious meals anywhere.
We started preparations a week ahead of time. Several trips to the grocery store and a trunk and backseat full of ingredients got us started. Her relatives were coming from all over to meet at a granddaughter's, and my elderly friend had a cooking background that was a local legend.
Several refrigerators and freezers held the finished foods while we spent each day on several more dishes. It was some of the most fun I've ever had at Thanksgiving.
Many ingredients were measured by eye and nothing was made from mixes. For the stuffing we cooked cornbread from cornmeal, and for the apple pies we cut up our own tart apples. The kitchen looked like an old time photograph at harvest time.
Adding a little of this and that my 97 year old friend made each dish creative and unique. She taught me all the little tricks of properly using the kitchen utensils, adding unexpected spices or combinations, and putting it all together to look artistic.
The vintage recipes that many seniors remember from youthful days are a chance for caregivers and families to share a good time in the kitchen and some of the most delicious meals anywhere.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Reminiscing and Memories for Seniors and Caregivers
Reminiscing is an activity often enjoyed by seniors and recalling details from earlier in their lives can be good memory exercise.
Caregivers can share in the enjoyment as seniors tell stories about what it was like to cook in the kitchens of the 20's and 30's, or to drive the automobiles of that era.
When I ask seniors to describe the house where they grew up and the surrounding area there are always some interesting details.
Today we have fast food on almost every corner. Recently someone in his 70's said that he almost never had a meal with more than one type of food at a time during the depression, but whatever it was they had plenty of it. To this day he appreciates a plate with a wide variety and Hometown Buffet is his favorite place to eat.
One senior told me the story of living a long way down a dirt road on a dairy farm. Every morning at 4:30 a.m. the young couple milked about 24 dairy cows, and just as the sun was rising drove a wagon with a team of horses several miles to take the milk cans to a paved road where a truck picked up the milk. This was just the beginning of their day.
There is a magazine available called "Reminisce" that some of my caregiver clients and I have enjoyed reading and sharing.
When there is a stretch of quiet time you can always ask a question about what Christmas was like in the 1920's, or how people celebrated birthdays in the 30's.
One person described a Christmas tree the family had when they lived in a dry region and finances were low. The mother got some dried sage branches, sprayed them silver, and hung handsewn decorations on them. He said it was the prettiest tree he has ever seen, to this day.
Caregivers can share in the enjoyment as seniors tell stories about what it was like to cook in the kitchens of the 20's and 30's, or to drive the automobiles of that era.
When I ask seniors to describe the house where they grew up and the surrounding area there are always some interesting details.
Today we have fast food on almost every corner. Recently someone in his 70's said that he almost never had a meal with more than one type of food at a time during the depression, but whatever it was they had plenty of it. To this day he appreciates a plate with a wide variety and Hometown Buffet is his favorite place to eat.
One senior told me the story of living a long way down a dirt road on a dairy farm. Every morning at 4:30 a.m. the young couple milked about 24 dairy cows, and just as the sun was rising drove a wagon with a team of horses several miles to take the milk cans to a paved road where a truck picked up the milk. This was just the beginning of their day.
There is a magazine available called "Reminisce" that some of my caregiver clients and I have enjoyed reading and sharing.
When there is a stretch of quiet time you can always ask a question about what Christmas was like in the 1920's, or how people celebrated birthdays in the 30's.
One person described a Christmas tree the family had when they lived in a dry region and finances were low. The mother got some dried sage branches, sprayed them silver, and hung handsewn decorations on them. He said it was the prettiest tree he has ever seen, to this day.
Loose Stretch Clothing Comfortable for Elders
When a caregiver is assisting an elderly person who has arthritis or injuries to put on clothing the process can be difficult if the clothing is too snug to allow someone's head and arms through without strain. It might cause someone to feel soreness in joints of the shoulders or arms or cause a skin injury.
Choosing loose, stretchy clothing for an elderly person can help to make each day more comfortable. This will be safer too because soreness will not occur from twisting or straining to put it on.
Sometimes shirts and tops have shrunk through the years, or someone's posture and shape has changed. The caregiver needs to ease clothing on slowly and carefully because the joints and skin of the elderly are frail and injure easily.
Shirts or tops made out of stretch fabric that have buttons or zippers enable the caregiver to make the neckine easy for an elderly person to put on over the head without causing pain. Shoulders and sleeves that are loose and wide are easier for an elderly person or a caregiver who is assisting to put on without causing discomfort or pain to a sore shoulder, arm or neck.
If the clothing is loose enough it also helps to avoid rubbing on a hearing aid that is still in or on a sore ear.
Pants that are made of stretch fabric and have an elastic waist can also be more comfortable. If the waistband has shrunk it will pinch at the waist while someone is resting in a recliner or chair and this can be uncomfortable and may cause a skin problem. Tight waistbands and pants will also be more of a strain when being put on or off. Something loose will be more comfortable.
A turtleneck can be warm and comfy when there is a chill in the air but it needs to be large enough to be easy to pull over the head and to put the arms through without twisting or straining.
Roomy T-shirts, sweatshirts with zippers, sweatpants, pull-overs with large necklines and loose shoulders and sleeves, and other clothes made of cotton stretch fabrics can help make dressing and wearing the clothes more comfortable.
The caregiver can use an afghan or small throw blanket to cover a person's feet and legs, and their arms if they wish, while an elderly person is resting in a recliner or chair. As people get older they may feel chilled more easily than they used to and it's a good idea to have a small blanket handy at home and in the car.
If someone's neck, arms or shoulders are too stiff and sore to put a regular top on the back of an old top can be cut open with scissors at the back of the neck to enlarge it. If needed, the top can be cut with scissors from the neckline to the bottom of the hem. The arms can be easily put on and the top will be open at the back so it can be lifted off easily. If someone has had an injury but does not want to wear a hospital gown this is a way to wear regular clothing.
Socks that do not bind at the ankle are easier to pull on, more comfortable, and better for circulation too. Sometimes socks that were large enough originally have shrunk with many washings and caregivers can check to be sure the socks are not putting too much pressure on the ankles.
These tips can help to make a more pleasant day for an elderly person. Caregivers who provide assistance with activities of daily living in home care can use these tips to make a difference in the kind of day someone else experiences.
Choosing loose, stretchy clothing for an elderly person can help to make each day more comfortable. This will be safer too because soreness will not occur from twisting or straining to put it on.
Sometimes shirts and tops have shrunk through the years, or someone's posture and shape has changed. The caregiver needs to ease clothing on slowly and carefully because the joints and skin of the elderly are frail and injure easily.
Shirts or tops made out of stretch fabric that have buttons or zippers enable the caregiver to make the neckine easy for an elderly person to put on over the head without causing pain. Shoulders and sleeves that are loose and wide are easier for an elderly person or a caregiver who is assisting to put on without causing discomfort or pain to a sore shoulder, arm or neck.
If the clothing is loose enough it also helps to avoid rubbing on a hearing aid that is still in or on a sore ear.
Pants that are made of stretch fabric and have an elastic waist can also be more comfortable. If the waistband has shrunk it will pinch at the waist while someone is resting in a recliner or chair and this can be uncomfortable and may cause a skin problem. Tight waistbands and pants will also be more of a strain when being put on or off. Something loose will be more comfortable.
A turtleneck can be warm and comfy when there is a chill in the air but it needs to be large enough to be easy to pull over the head and to put the arms through without twisting or straining.
Roomy T-shirts, sweatshirts with zippers, sweatpants, pull-overs with large necklines and loose shoulders and sleeves, and other clothes made of cotton stretch fabrics can help make dressing and wearing the clothes more comfortable.
The caregiver can use an afghan or small throw blanket to cover a person's feet and legs, and their arms if they wish, while an elderly person is resting in a recliner or chair. As people get older they may feel chilled more easily than they used to and it's a good idea to have a small blanket handy at home and in the car.
If someone's neck, arms or shoulders are too stiff and sore to put a regular top on the back of an old top can be cut open with scissors at the back of the neck to enlarge it. If needed, the top can be cut with scissors from the neckline to the bottom of the hem. The arms can be easily put on and the top will be open at the back so it can be lifted off easily. If someone has had an injury but does not want to wear a hospital gown this is a way to wear regular clothing.
Socks that do not bind at the ankle are easier to pull on, more comfortable, and better for circulation too. Sometimes socks that were large enough originally have shrunk with many washings and caregivers can check to be sure the socks are not putting too much pressure on the ankles.
These tips can help to make a more pleasant day for an elderly person. Caregivers who provide assistance with activities of daily living in home care can use these tips to make a difference in the kind of day someone else experiences.
Seniors Can Use "Zoom" to Make Internet Text Easier to Read
If you are having difficulty reading the text on this website, or any other one, did you know that there is an easy way to make the text larger? You can even make the size of the typing huge if vision difficulties require this. It is easy and here are the steps to do this.
In the lower right hand side of your computer screen look for a small picture of a magnifying glass with a plus sign on it. To the right of it there will be a small arrow, actually just the "arrowhead".
Click on the "arrowhead" and a small pop-up screen will list amounts you can choose to increase the size of the text on your screen. You will see the main screen's text get larger and you can try different sizes to see which size is easier to read.
In the lower right hand side of your computer screen look for a small picture of a magnifying glass with a plus sign on it. To the right of it there will be a small arrow, actually just the "arrowhead".
Click on the "arrowhead" and a small pop-up screen will list amounts you can choose to increase the size of the text on your screen. You will see the main screen's text get larger and you can try different sizes to see which size is easier to read.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Tips for Overnight Caregivers
Good preparation for overnight caregiver shifts can help make the time shared by a caregiver and senior to be comfortable and enjoyable. One of the couples I have assisted used to say "welcome home!" as I came in the door. It was a great feeling.
Tips for overnight caregivers start with keeping a bag packed ahead of time. Sometimes a caregiver can be called at the last minute for a 24 hour shift.
I keep a lightweight sleeping bag, pillows, overnight personal supplies, and non-perishable food items packed in my car for overnight caregiving.
The sleeping bag means I don't need to use the client's bed linens and launder them in the morning on the day before I leave. Having my own pillows helps me to sleep better because it's more like being in my own home.
The overnight caregiver accommodations might be a bed, a couch in a living room, or a camping cot if the need for a caregiver came up suddenly.
Sometimes there is a danger that someone might get out of bed in the night alone and fall. If so, then someone puts an extra bed in the room for me so I am there to prevent falls. Even with bedrails some people climb out of bed and fall, but a caregiver in the room can act in time to prevent this.
Some instant coffee or tea, creamora, and packages of nutritious instant foods are part of my caregiver's overnight pack. Protein bars, cereal, soups, and nutrition drinks have been useful. On the way it's easy to stop for milk or other refrigerated foods. Even though clients often provide food for the caregiver, it's frequent that the caregivers need to bring their own to satisfy their preferences. Many seniors are on limited diets and I find it's often better to bring my own meals.
I also have a digital clock with an alarm that can be set if I need to get up to provide care for a senior client at certain times during the night.
Other useful items include some books, audiobooks, videos, puzzles or games, and a cell phone. Audiobooks and videos that meet the requests of the senior I am assisting can add a highlight to the day for people who are housebound.
Local libraries have free CD's, books on tape, videos, and DVD's and a caregiver can pick up titles or authors that a senior has requested. Some of the favorites have been travel, family humor, and biographies.
On rows of 24 hour shifts there might be periods of busy activity alternating with times of sitting and providing companionship. Having some good books with me helps pass the time when things are quiet. Arts or crafts can help to pass the time also. I sketch landscapes from photos in magazines.
My grandmother, who lived on the opposite side of the country, used to hire caregivers for what she called "sitting" because she was lonely and enjoyed the company. Many of her "sitters" knitted or crocheted. One used quiet companionship time to sew heart shaped pillows by hand with artistic embroidery and lace added. Gram developed close friendships with her caregivers and they enjoyed talking and sharing experiences.
Sometimes I am called at the last minute when another caregiver has had an emergency and it helps to simply keep these items in the car so I can leave at a moment's notice.
Having the items in an overnight supply pack makes a 24 hour caregiving shift more like being in my own home. This reduces stress and I can share an enjoyable time with the senior whom I am assisting.
Tips for overnight caregivers start with keeping a bag packed ahead of time. Sometimes a caregiver can be called at the last minute for a 24 hour shift.
I keep a lightweight sleeping bag, pillows, overnight personal supplies, and non-perishable food items packed in my car for overnight caregiving.
The sleeping bag means I don't need to use the client's bed linens and launder them in the morning on the day before I leave. Having my own pillows helps me to sleep better because it's more like being in my own home.
The overnight caregiver accommodations might be a bed, a couch in a living room, or a camping cot if the need for a caregiver came up suddenly.
Sometimes there is a danger that someone might get out of bed in the night alone and fall. If so, then someone puts an extra bed in the room for me so I am there to prevent falls. Even with bedrails some people climb out of bed and fall, but a caregiver in the room can act in time to prevent this.
Some instant coffee or tea, creamora, and packages of nutritious instant foods are part of my caregiver's overnight pack. Protein bars, cereal, soups, and nutrition drinks have been useful. On the way it's easy to stop for milk or other refrigerated foods. Even though clients often provide food for the caregiver, it's frequent that the caregivers need to bring their own to satisfy their preferences. Many seniors are on limited diets and I find it's often better to bring my own meals.
I also have a digital clock with an alarm that can be set if I need to get up to provide care for a senior client at certain times during the night.
Other useful items include some books, audiobooks, videos, puzzles or games, and a cell phone. Audiobooks and videos that meet the requests of the senior I am assisting can add a highlight to the day for people who are housebound.
Local libraries have free CD's, books on tape, videos, and DVD's and a caregiver can pick up titles or authors that a senior has requested. Some of the favorites have been travel, family humor, and biographies.
On rows of 24 hour shifts there might be periods of busy activity alternating with times of sitting and providing companionship. Having some good books with me helps pass the time when things are quiet. Arts or crafts can help to pass the time also. I sketch landscapes from photos in magazines.
My grandmother, who lived on the opposite side of the country, used to hire caregivers for what she called "sitting" because she was lonely and enjoyed the company. Many of her "sitters" knitted or crocheted. One used quiet companionship time to sew heart shaped pillows by hand with artistic embroidery and lace added. Gram developed close friendships with her caregivers and they enjoyed talking and sharing experiences.
Sometimes I am called at the last minute when another caregiver has had an emergency and it helps to simply keep these items in the car so I can leave at a moment's notice.
Having the items in an overnight supply pack makes a 24 hour caregiving shift more like being in my own home. This reduces stress and I can share an enjoyable time with the senior whom I am assisting.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Caregiver's Love and Inspiration
At The Rose Dog Book Store on the net you can find a book about caregiver love, overcoming grief and depression, and finding peace.
"Seasons of the Heart - A Caregiver's Story" by Louisa J. Le Grande is a book about how she coped with the worst ordeal of her life, and found peace with God and His heavenly help.
The book discusses the huge responsibility of being a caregiver, and the desires sometimes to run away from the stresses of it. Reading about the author's search for strength and peace provides inspiration and ideas for caregivers.
It's helpful to have a library at home of caregiver support books. Like good friends, you can turn to them for advice or inspiration. When the caregiver role has too much isolation, there's always a good book to light up the day.
"Seasons of the Heart - A Caregiver's Story" by Louisa J. Le Grande is a book about how she coped with the worst ordeal of her life, and found peace with God and His heavenly help.
The book discusses the huge responsibility of being a caregiver, and the desires sometimes to run away from the stresses of it. Reading about the author's search for strength and peace provides inspiration and ideas for caregivers.
It's helpful to have a library at home of caregiver support books. Like good friends, you can turn to them for advice or inspiration. When the caregiver role has too much isolation, there's always a good book to light up the day.
Taking Seniors with Wheelchairs Shopping or on Outings
Taking seniors in wheelchairs grocery shopping provides a chance for people who are at home much of the time to have an outing.
If seniors are unable to propel their wheelchairs alone, I can take them shopping by pulling the wheelchair with my left hand, and pushing a grocery cart with my right hand. If there is an oxygen tank, I put it on the holder on the wheelchair on the back, or attach the straps to the back of the wheelchair.
Seniors can bring their own wallets or purses, and can then handle paying for their own groceries when we are done. Women carry their purses on their laps, and men use their pockets or various types of knapsacks or carriers.
Going to the grocery store can be a highlight of the day or week for a senior who is housebound. If the person has a walker we can make short trips into stores or banks, when the distance is not too much. Sometimes people start on a walker, and get tired, in which case I quickly fetch the wheelchair from the car. A walker with a seat on it can allow seniors to turn around and sit down to rest.
Some seniors use one of the lightweight wheelchairs available, which makes it easier for a caregiver who has to lift the wheelchair in and out of the backseat or trunk of the car frequently.
If people want to exercise their legs and feet they can ride in the wheelchair without using the foot rests, and "walk" their feet to help propel the wheelchair, in addition to using their arms to push the wheels around.
One of the seniors, who was over 95 years old, and who used a wheelchair and an oxygen tank, liked to get foot and arm exercise in the grocery store. One day, when I turned around to look for fresh vegetables on her grocery list, she had disappeared when I turned back.
I was worried, and after searching I found her several aisles away. She was happily looking for cake mixes, while bystanders were handing them down to her from the higher shelves.
She said several people asked her if she needed any help, but that she told them she was fine. A store clerk told me that he thought she was there alone.
After that I made doubly sure she was always in sight, in case she needed me for something, and for her safety.
Taking seniors who use wheelchairs to grocery stores, hair styling appointments, garden supply stores for plants, family get-togethers and so on, takes a little planning, but caregivers and seniors can share an enjoyable time on these outings.
If seniors are unable to propel their wheelchairs alone, I can take them shopping by pulling the wheelchair with my left hand, and pushing a grocery cart with my right hand. If there is an oxygen tank, I put it on the holder on the wheelchair on the back, or attach the straps to the back of the wheelchair.
Seniors can bring their own wallets or purses, and can then handle paying for their own groceries when we are done. Women carry their purses on their laps, and men use their pockets or various types of knapsacks or carriers.
Going to the grocery store can be a highlight of the day or week for a senior who is housebound. If the person has a walker we can make short trips into stores or banks, when the distance is not too much. Sometimes people start on a walker, and get tired, in which case I quickly fetch the wheelchair from the car. A walker with a seat on it can allow seniors to turn around and sit down to rest.
Some seniors use one of the lightweight wheelchairs available, which makes it easier for a caregiver who has to lift the wheelchair in and out of the backseat or trunk of the car frequently.
If people want to exercise their legs and feet they can ride in the wheelchair without using the foot rests, and "walk" their feet to help propel the wheelchair, in addition to using their arms to push the wheels around.
One of the seniors, who was over 95 years old, and who used a wheelchair and an oxygen tank, liked to get foot and arm exercise in the grocery store. One day, when I turned around to look for fresh vegetables on her grocery list, she had disappeared when I turned back.
I was worried, and after searching I found her several aisles away. She was happily looking for cake mixes, while bystanders were handing them down to her from the higher shelves.
She said several people asked her if she needed any help, but that she told them she was fine. A store clerk told me that he thought she was there alone.
After that I made doubly sure she was always in sight, in case she needed me for something, and for her safety.
Taking seniors who use wheelchairs to grocery stores, hair styling appointments, garden supply stores for plants, family get-togethers and so on, takes a little planning, but caregivers and seniors can share an enjoyable time on these outings.
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