Daily Activities:
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Many older adults face challenges when using phones. Loss of memory, hearing, vision and motor skills can all make even routine phone calls difficult. Additionally, some older adults struggle with recent cell phone technology and may avoid using mobile phones altogether. However, the ability to use phones is an important part of maintaining independence. If your loved one can’t contact you or others easily, it will be hard for them to age in place without regular support. As a caregiver, you can help your loved one address these barriers that may cause them to stop using the phone.
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“When you gotta go, you gotta go” has been an age old saying. These days, with our knowledge of medicine, we have developed medications and treatments for “the urge.”
Not all urges need to be treated with medication, but in some cases it helps. Behavioral training can benefit any individual who feels they are making too many trips to the bathroom.
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Many individuals believe getting that first driver’s license a right of passage – a sign that adulthood and freedom have arrived. In light of increased scrutiny and legislation concerning older drivers, caregivers and aging patients are both starting to wonder when to continue driving, when to slow down, and when to stop driving altogether. Physicians have joined in the ranks of those who are questioning the safety of older adults behind the wheel of a car.
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A hot shower is a must for many people to either start or finish the day. For the elderly, it can be the same, but also a risky undertaking. In all age groups, tap water scalds are the second most common cause of burn injuries. Elderly loved ones, however, are at a greater risk for scalding than other populations for a variety of reasons.
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We all love our pets, and our attachment to them varies from one individual to another. In cases of the elderly, the attachment to a pet may be much more intense. Individuals with memory loss may not understand why they have to move to assisted living, or in with a relative, let alone any problems that might come with bringing Fido along.
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Everyone would like to feel more energetic during the day. You naturally go through periods of higher activity which contrasts with times of relaxation. The problem occurs when more energy and concentration is required than we can give. Or when we try to sleep and can’t. Follow these invaluable tips to a new you!
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Behaviors like parking too far from the curb, having trouble changing lanes, having minor accidents, getting lost on familiar routes, or improperly leaving or entering expressways may be early signs that an older adult is unsafe to drive. The following tips were shared by occupational therapy practitioners for friends and family members to help older drivers remain safely on the road for as long as possible, and to maintain their independence if driving is no longer an option.
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Helping your loved one with grooming tasks can be an uncomfortable situation. It is important to try to allow your loved one to perform grooming tasks on their own, with your supervision as needed, for as long as they safely can. When your loved one can no longer properly groom themselves, use these tips to help them out.
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If your loved one needs assistance getting in and out of a car or a chair, or moving from their bed to a wheelchair, you know that helping them with this task can sometimes be a challenge. And if your loved one is resistant to being moved, it may be seemingly impossible. Here are some tips to help you help your loved one safely (for both of you!) and minimize resistance.
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As your loved one ages, they may start having trouble manipulating buttons or zippers, or may have trouble maintaining their balance. If that happens, they may need assistance with getting dressed. Here are some tips to help you aid your loved one while helping them maintain a sense of independence.
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If your older loved one needs assistance with bathing, it can be an uncomfortable experience for both of you, but it is necessary for health and well-being. Be open with your loved one about their bathing needs. If necessary, enlist your loved one’s doctor in stressing that they need help in this area. Ask your loved one their preferences regarding who they would like to have help them with this task. If the task falls to you, here are some tips to make the experience go smoothly. If you develop and stick to a routine, it should become less uncomfortable for both of you over time.
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