Know the Warning Signs

As a friend or a family member it is important to recognize when a loved one might need extra help. If you notice changes in their behavior or routine, or things don't seem right, follow your instincts and look for these warning signs:

• Poor grooming, such as stains on clothes and infrequent bathing
• Sudden mood changes or easily becoming angry, suspicious or paranoid
• Reluctant or resistant to spending time with others
• Poor or decreased judgment, such as stove burners left on or doors unlocked
• Mishandling finances or not paying bills
• Not taking medication or using incorrect dose

If you are noticing these warning signs, it may be time to assess the health and living situation of your loved one. An onsite assessment will give you clarity and provide advice for the well being of your loved one.

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Managing Caregiver Stress

Being a caregiver is complicated. For some, it can feel like a full time job. Your loved one's health is important and that's why caregivers tend to put a lot of pressure on themselves.

Make time for yourself.

It is essential to take care of yourself. Be sure to give yourself a break to exercise, engage in a hobby, or simply read a magazine. You'll find by taking a break, you'll be ready to take on any challenges that arise.

Get help.

No one can do it all. It is common to have friends and other family members that are willing to assist but may not know how to help. Take the initiative and ask for their help. In addition, Solutions for Caregivers is available to help coordinate services. Sometimes having a resource to take some the responsibilities off your plate can be a big relief.

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Advance Planning

While it can be difficult, talking with your loved one about their end-of-life wishes is an important step to take. Creating an advance directive provides your loved one the opportunity to express their medical, personal, emotional, social and spiritual wishes - and it conveys those wishes to family, friends and doctors. A comprehensive advanced directive answers these questions:

• Who should make your loved one's health care decisions if they can't speak for themselves?
• What kind of medical treatment does your loved one want?
• How does your loved one want to be treated by others?

Having a conversation about your loved one's end-of-life wishes will help ensure that their final days are comfortable, calm and full of dignity.

You can learn more about advance planning as part of caregiver coaching, a service offered by Solutions for Caregivers.

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Preventing Falls

As many people age, one of their greatest wishes is to live in the comfort and security of their own home for as long as possible. Maintaining your loved one's health and providing a safe home environment will go a long way toward preventing a fall while protecting their independence.

Your loved one's overall condition plays an important part in preventing falls. Encouraging them to stay active by continuing to enjoy hobbies, spending time with friends or exercising frequently will help keep their minds and bodies healthy. Also, having your loved one's vision checked annually and periodic medication reviews by a doctor or pharmacist–will help ensure a safe environment.

If you are concerned about the safety of your loved one, it may be time for an onsite assessment from Solutions for Caregivers.

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Here are some key safety checks that can help prevent falls:

• Have their doctor review their medications. Some medications, or combinations of medications, can make one drowsy or light-headed and could cause them to fall.
• Have their vision checked. Poor vision can increase one's chances of falling.
• Wear shoes that have good support and thin, nonslip soles.
• Encourage them to be very careful when you're on a porch or steps during icy weather.
• Install grab bars in the shower or tub to make it easier to get in and out.
• Place non-slip mats and rugs on the floors to allow for surefooted movement.
• Improve the lighting in the bathroom by adding a night light.
• Installing lights over the stairs, steps and landings will create a brighter environment
• Remove items you can trip over, such as papers, books, clothes and shoes
• Install sturdy handrails on both sides of the stairs from top to bottom will allow your loved one to keep their balance.

Kitchen Safety

The kitchen is a great place for family members to spend quality time together. It's important to take precautions to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Use this checklist to help make the kitchen a safer place:

• Prevent falls by placing a water-absorbent, non-skid mat in front of the sink. Spills or splashed dishwater can make floors wet and slippery.
• Make certain the kitchen is well-lit, using at least 60-watt bulbs.
• Place microwave oven on the kitchen counter, instead of mounting it above the stove. This helps prevent burns, since there's no reaching over burners or hot food. Also, this placement helps avoid dropped or broken items.
• Keep a fire extinguisher near the kitchen exit, so it can be reached as you move back from flames.
• Ensure the coffee maker and other appliances have automatic shut off features to prevent overheating if mistakenly left on.
• Use a sturdy step ladder or step stool instead of a chair to reach objects in overhead cabinets.

• Have three feet of clear space around heat sources to prevent fires.
• Ensure there are smoke alarms in the kitchen and check to ensure there are working batteries.

If you are concerned about the safety of your loved one, it may be time for an onsite assessment from Solutions for Caregivers.

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Refrigerator Audit

Part of staying healthy is making sure the food you have on hand is safe for consumption. Here are some important things that can easily be overlooked.

Follow these steps to help keep your kitchen safer for your family members.

• Check to ensure the temperature of the refrigerator is at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. The freezer should be set to 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
• Throw out all food that has expired or is rotten.
• Keep a pen and removable labels near the refrigerator so your loved one can add a "throw away" date to leftovers. Remind your loved one that leftovers shouldn't be kept beyond three to four days.
• In addition to having fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, be sure to stock the freezer and pantry with frozen and canned fruits and vegetables so that your loved one has access to nutritious produce all year round. Remember to check out your local farmer's market for inexpensive goods.
• Ensure there are staple foods in the house that fit with the loved one's dietary needs (i.e. low sodium, diabetes-friendly, heart healthy).
• Create a staple grocery list for your loved one that they can use on a regular basis.

If you are concerned about the safety of your loved one, it may be time for an onsite assessment from Solutions for Caregivers.

Download PDF Checklist