Total pain is not only the sensation or feeling of pain. Total pain is a combination of physical and psychological feelings. The primary psychological component of total pain is fear. Fear can aggravate a patient's physical pain, so fear,...
The greatest invention in the world (or so it seemed to me at the time I was taking care of my parents) is a draw sheet. This is just a regular sheet folded several times and placed side-ways on...
The holiday season is the traditional time for end of year get-togethers with family members and loved ones. We share food, gifts and most of all, memories. But for those with dementia and their caregivers, the holiday season can...
Talk to your doctor and health care team about who should be called for what type of emergency. Keep a list of their names and telephone numbers by the telephone and in your pocket. What may feel like an...
Do you care for an elderly family member? If so, you know that sometimes, it’s up to you to help them with their personal grooming and hygiene, such as brushing their teeth, bathing, and getting dressed.
However, if your loved...
Many people like a back rub whether they get a bed bath or not. If the person agrees, you can give them a back rub while they lie on their stomach or on their side just as in the...
People need their hair cleaned, combed/brushed (at least twice a day), cut and set. The condition of one's hair often tells visitors and the person themselves how well they are doing. Clean and groomed hair is important for good...
Family caregivers; those family members who put so much time and energy into caregiving for their loved ones. Family caregivers are rarely celebrated or appreciated as they should be and because of this, November is National Family Caregiver's Month....
The following are some stories of how different people met their home care needs. For Jennifer, all of her home care was provided by family, friends and familiar health care providers. Francis needed a mix of family and special...
Describing Pain and Symptoms
Pain is a very subjective sensation. One person's headache may force him to bed while another person's headache may allow her to continue to work. The following checklist will allow you to describe your pain and...
