Caregivers

Pain and Discomfort Management

When You’re Really Hurting Pain Management Pain is not a normal part of growing old. It is an individual experience that is tied to both physical and mental states. Even noise, which makes a person tense, can contribute to pain. Fatigue, depression, and anxiety can make pain harder to tolerate. (Lying in bed does not [...]

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Ocala Home Health Senior Care: Shampooing and Shaving

Keeping Fresh and Looking Sharp Keeping the hair and scalp clean improves circulation to the scalp and keeps the hair healthy. As people age, they may have difficulty in shampooing their own hair in the shower. Women especially may consider it a special treat to have their hair styled, but don’t be surprised if a [...]

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Practical Steps to Cope with Seniors Who Have Hallucinations and Are Resistant

People with Alzheimer’s or dementia sometimes see and hear things that are not really there. For example, a dark colored rug in the center of the room can look like a hole in the floor to someone who has hallucinations. Here are some steps to take to make the person’s home or room more comfortable [...]

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Steps to Effective Communication

To create a positive, productive relationship with healthcare providers, apply the  following principles in a consistent, balanced way. 1. Establish Presence Make  eye contact with the  people  around you. Focus  your attention and  listen with your  “heart” as well as your  mind. 2. Participate Actively To make your  doctor’s  visit  more effective: Be prepared—Think about [...]

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Communicating With the Doctor and Other Healthcare Professionals

Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say Regardless whether you are  a family or a professional caregiver, understanding the principles of clear communication will help  you be a more effective caregiver and  a better advocate for the person in your care. Why is there a critical need  for better communication between health care  [...]

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Understanding Dementia by Placing Yourself in the Other Person’s Shoes

With  age a person may  experience changes in behavior—such as changes in personality, ability to communicate, judgment, and  memory loss. It can be frustrating for the senior dealing with it as well as the caregiver.  Here are some different reasons why each of you may be frustrated and some tips to help keep a calm [...]

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Dealing with Dementia, Alzheimer’s and Memory Loss

When You Can’t Remember What You Forgot With age a person may experience changes in behavior—such as changes in personality, ability to communicate, judgment, and  memory loss. Alzheimer’s disease is one type of dementia that involves permanent changes in the brain. The  person typically experiences a gradual decline. Four million Americans have Alzheimer’s and  two [...]

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Bathing

Attention to the Basics Matters Baths and showers clean, stimulate, and increase circulation in the skin. They can also dry skin, and in some instances, cause chapping. How often a bath or shower is needed depends on the situation of the person in your care. If urinary incontinence, bowel problems, and heavy perspiration are present, [...]

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Making Mealtimes More Enjoyable

Mealtimes are important times for the elderly or ill because they provide a welcome diversion in the day. During holidays meal times are a nice opportunity to socialize. If it is not too distracting have the person in your care eat with the family or others. Expect and ignore spills and less-than-perfect manners. Play music [...]

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Practical Aids for Living

Little Things Can Help a Lot Many people  have some  physical limitations, whether these involve moving, seeing, hearing, communicating or using everyday tools  like knives, forks,  spoons, toothbrushes or telephones. Solutions exist for over- coming  these limitations. Below are examples of different types of bath- room  equipment and  other assistive devices. It is important to [...]

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