Home Care Help

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and I think the word "awareness" is the key - few people realize what the issues are and the extent to which they exist. Here's a quote from a World Health Organization fact sheet which you can download as a PDF: Similar ...

Stay upright after taking pills

Most people understand that they can't take pills lying down, but it's also important to remain upright - sitting or standing - for at least 15 minutes after consuming the pills. Not only do the pills reach the stomach more easily, it can also help them go to work ...

Finding a sleep routine for caregivers

When I first started taking care of my mother at home, I gladly answered her calls whenever she needed help. It was the least I could do for her. But over time, my health began to deterioriate because of broken sleep. It wasn't that my mother needed more help ...

Wet your whistle before medications

Taking medications with some water is commonplace, but taking a drink of water just before the medication can make the process even easier. That first drink will better moisten the throat. Thanks to the St. Peters Hospital website in Hamilton, Ontario Canada.

Are you prone to falling?

Falling in the home can cause serious injury to seniors, and there's a growing movement in the medical community to identify people at risk for falling. One of the points made in a recent Associated Press news story was that seniors should report all minor trips or falls to ...

Preparing for emergencies - some general thoughts

The recent disasters in China and Myanmar should be a wake-up call for emergency preparedness, and for seniors and the disabled there are unique issues of preparedness. I think of those issues falling into three general categories: Mobility - whether it's difficulty walking long distances or the need for a ...

A sign of good communication

Most hospitals and care facilities have some form of communication to alert all staff to particular needs of a patient, such as routines, likes and dislikes, or physical impairments. Typically this takes the form of signs posted on a wall near the bed. It's a good idea to ...

Storing seniors’ information online

Came across a service called LifeLedger, which allows individuals or caregivers to share information about themselve or their loved one. For example, if you're not available and your father is taken to hospital, you can have the doctors log-in to your account and get background information, including documents proving ...

A TV remote that’s great from any angle

Remote controls that need to be pointed directly at the TV can be frustrating to use. People with limited mobility may find it difficult or impossible to angle the remote properly so it will work. If you've got a fussy remote, here's the perfect replacement. The One For All ...

Spray bottle safety

When you put a spray bottle back on a shelf or a counter, set it down with the nozzle facing away from you. That way, if the bottle doesn't have a cap or you forget to close the cap, you won't accidently spray yourself in the face when you ...