Practical Ways You Can Help |
Practical Help This article will give you information on how to help with caregiving. Specific ways to communicate with the hearing impaired, help someone who has vision loss, and understand about sleep patterns, are included in this chapter. Learn to Communicate with the Hearing Impaired. Talking to someone who has trouble hearing can be frustrating. Dont give up! Try these hints and communication may become much easier.
Remember:
You Can Help Someone Who Has Vision Loss. Learning to live with vision loss is a challenge for the person affected as well as everyone in the household .A visual impairment is difficulty seeing. Cataracts may cause a person to have trouble reading or watching television. You may feel awkward, frustrated or impatient at their ways of doing things. You may also feel guilty about getting angry at the person who is visually impaired. These feelings are normal. It may be helpful to talk about your feelings. Ask your older relative what its like to be visually impaired. They may be able to help you understand how much sight they do have, if any, and how you can best help them. When assisting a blind or visually impaired person, remember:
Dont Ignore a Person Confined to Bed. It is important not to ignore a person just because they are confined to bed. Think of how you feel when you are sick -- it isnt any different for an older person. Take the extra time it takes to visit with them, even if its only for a few minutes. Youll make them feel better and you can see for yourself how they are doing. Caregivers should pay special attention to the environment of the bedridden person. Smoking should not be allowed in bed. The room should have good lighting and a system to signal for help. A bell, or a glass and a spoon to signal should be within easy reach. Its also important to make the room as cheerful as possible. Know what to do in case of a fire. A fire escape route should be familiar to all family members. Smoke detectors should be installed. In some communities, the fire department will install special labels on the windows of the disabled. Sources: New York State Department on Aging, Administration on Aging |
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