Tips for Caregivers

Helping someone includes helping them help themselves.

The best thing you can do for someone recovering from a physical setback is to encourage them to be independent.

Do not do things for others that they can do for themselves. As the helper, encourage them to try doing some of their daily living activities on their own. You can make it more possible by providing set-ups for the activities.

For bathing, prepare in advance:

use a non-skid mat
provide a shower bench
have water already drawn
have towels ready, with one placed on a chair for the person to sit on
pre-measure shampoo
provide a hand-held shower hose

For dressing:

offer only two choices of clothing outfits
display against a clearly distinct background for easy viewing
provide shoes with support that slip on and off easily
provide a chair with armrests for the person's use while dressing
provide dressing sticks, long handled shoe horns, sock aides and leather loops on zippers

For eating:

offer finger foods or sandwiches in small portions
use bowls or a plate with a rim
use silverware/spoons with large handles
assist as necessary, such as to cut food into bite sized pieces

For fluids:

measure liquids into a four ounces glass
encourage frequent sips
provide their favorite liquids but try to limit carbonated and caffeine drinks

For transfers:

have the person sit near the edge of the bed or chair
have the person lean forward and do short push-ups to come to a standing position
assist the person by standing on the weak side and placing your hand under their weak arm or grasp the person's belt to steady them

For walking: