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| ISBN-13: | 9781504343008 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Balboa Press |
| Publication date: | 11/16/2015 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 110 |
| File size: | 1 MB |
Read an Excerpt
Wise Advice for Caregivers
By Diana S Davis
Balboa Press
Copyright © 2015 Diana S DavisAll rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-5043-4299-5
CHAPTER 1
The Caregiver
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.
— Matthew 5:9
What is a caregiver? A caregiver is a person who attends to the personal needs of people, such as children, the sick and dying, the elderly, and people who have physical and mental disabilities. Caregivers give a lot of nurturing care with a lot of compassion and love. They can be women or men. A caregiver can be a family member, a nurse, a governess, a babysitter, a nanny, a guardian, or an attendant.
The caregiver's day starts early in the morning, before the client wakes up. He or she starts the day by getting all the medications ready for the client to take either before or after breakfast. The client is assisted as he or she gets out of bed and takes a shower or a sponge bath, gets shaved, has his or her hair combed, and gets dressed for the day. Putting on clothing and shoes takes time; a caregiver assists with the weakest part of the body first, finishing with the stronger parts.
During mealtimes, the client may have to wear a bib to help keep clothing clean. This is likely if the client has problems with weak muscles around the mouth; the client's saliva will often drool on the bib. Some clients will spit their food out, and it will fall on the bib. There are a lot of different kinds of protection for clients' clothing. The bib I like the best covers from the waist to the neck, and it has a pocket across the bottom. On the neckline, the ties attach in the back with Velcro. As the client eats, you, the caregiver, need to be aware of how the client is eating and whether he or she is choking on the food. Sometimes you will have to assist in feeding clients who may not be able to hold the utensil. Also, be sure there is a glass of water so the client can drink if needed. You may have to assist in holding the cup. After the client is finished eating, you may have to clean his or her hands and wipe his or her mouth.
During the day, many things have to be done, such as light housekeeping, fixing meals, washing clothing, and changing bedding. The caregiver needs to be vigilant in paying attention to the client at all times. Sometimes you may have an active client who likes to wander around and go outside. This can be a dangerous situation, and you have to keep on top of this.
Many times, the caregiver is also a companion to the client. This is a common reason why caregivers are needed. Elderly clients get lonely and are afraid to be alone. Being a companion is a rewarding experience. You may become friends with your client, and you may do many things together, such as working in the garden, going for walks, going shopping, playing card games, visiting the client's friends, doing creative things together, celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, and so forth.
A caregiver's role is varied and interesting. When you do the various caregiving jobs, go out to learn, and enjoy learning about your client. Be positive.
CHAPTER 2Alzheimer's and Dementia
My little children let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
— 1 John 3:18
Alzheimer's is a fatal disease that the memory will never be able to be restored. Dementia is a slow progressive memory loss that can be restored through doing different mental exercises, such as doing word puzzles and also with medications. These two diseases deal with memory loss and involve a brain disorder that is similar to senility and extreme forgetfulness. As years go by, memory gets worse. Symptoms typically start showing up in the middle sixties, but it can begin in the patient's thirties and forties. The symptoms manifest as forgetting recent events. Anything that takes concentration is difficult for the client to do. Another noticeable thing is misremembering or not recognizing people and names. Tasks such as choosing clothing, personal grooming and keeping hygienic can become very challenging and frustrating to the client. In the advanced stage of Alzheimer's, complete loss of memory, speech, and muscle function occurs. Incontinence is the loss of the control of the bladder and the bowel.
Many people who have Alzheimer's and dementia do not realize they have the problem, and they are in denial about this much of the time. They will repeat themselves on the same subject for long periods of time during the day. If they have any recollection, it will be of the past, not the present. Many who have been in wars reminisce about their experiences. Also, there is a lot of reminiscing about childhood, marriages, or some traumatic event, but sometimes they don't remember trauma. It all depends on how recent it was. As more time goes by, clients will lose their memories, eventually including all the names and faces of friends, children, spouses, and other family members.
How do you, the caregiver, help someone who is forgetful and repeating him or herself? What can be helpful to you in dealing with someone who has this problem, and what are the best solutions for this?
1. The first thing you can do is just let the client talk out what is on his or her mind. You can also listen to what he or she is saying. This is a clue for you to understand what the client is feeling and worrying about. Reassure the client that he or she is safe, and that all the matters the client is worrying about are taken care of. Also, be honest with the client when you talk to him or her. Be authentic. It takes a lot of patience on your part to answer all the repeated questions.
2. Forgetful clients have a lot of fears, including for their safety, their belongings, and their homes. How can you reassure clients that he or she are safe? If he or she are able to walk and move around, let he or she show you what his or her concern or fear is. For example, walk with the client to lock up the house, and close the windows, blinds, and shades. Maybe you can make a schedule for the client and have the client mark off each step that is completed and then sign and date it. Include the time it was recorded. This will save you a lot of anxiety and worry when dealing with a client who is dealing with fears. This has helped me on many occasions when I have taken care of such clients.
3. Money fears are a major concern for clients. Financial security is important to him or her. Clients will feel they do not need any help and question why you are there in the first place. If there is a lot of concern, you can call the family member who is in charge of the client's affairs, and the family member will help you and give you permission regarding what to do. I also suggest you keep your purse out of sight of the client, as sometimes clients will go through your purse or your belongings. Yes, they can do this; I had a client steal from me. So be careful about your things.
4. The behavior of clients with Alzheimer's or dementia can be erratic at times. He or she can be nice one moment and then be in a rage the next. He or she can be very defiant and can be abusive to you and others. What do you do when you have to take care of a client with behavior problems? You need to keep calm. If you get upset and it shows, this can make for a bad situation. If this happens, you may have to contact the person with power of attorney or a family member to alert them to the problem. If you work for an agency, you must contact them if there is any physical abuse or if you are injured. Take frequent breaks and breathe in fresh air deeply. This will help you feel calmer. If you are feeling angry, try to go into another room and get yourself calmed down. The reason I suggest you go into another room is because if the client sees that he or she has pushed your buttons, so to speak, then the client will think he or she got the better of you. Such clients will feel they won a battle. Be aware of clients' body movements, actions, and the way they speak, as this is a clue to what is happening in their thoughts.
5. Be sure when you take on a client with Alzheimer's or dementia that you find out the client's temperament and behavior. Is it a man or a woman? You must remember that you have to feel safe. Do not accept a job if you do not have the physical strength to handle the job. Women, it is extremely important that you protect yourself.
6. Activities you can do with your clients include puzzles, card games, word puzzles, and games that challenges his or her memory. Read books and magazines to the client. Encourage the client to read books. This helps him or her to retain memory longer. Have the client help you in the kitchen. Let clients have some responsible things to do. Let him or her do the hobbies, and enjoyable things they like to do. Go for walks, and let the client be outside in the garden. If the client has a pet, let him or her feed the pet if the client is capable. Let the pet be with the client, as this is a great comfort. Hint: be patient with the client's pet, and let it come to you first. This will help avoid any bites or scratches.
Note to Myself
CHAPTER 3Amputation or Loss of Limb
He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might, he increases strength.
— Isaiah 40:29
An amputation or loss of limb involves the removal of a diseased part of the body due to injuries. Certain diseases, such as diabetes, can cause a body part to become infected, such as a toe, foot, or leg. Especially after a surgery the client needs to be kept calm. The wound needs to be watched to ensure there is no infection or complication. Bandages may need to be changed at certain times. You will need latex or plastic gloves to protect yourself and your client from infections or contracting infectious diseases. Always protect yourself, no matter what. Your life and health are important.
Be aware of clients' need to talk and release their deep feelings from dealing with the loss they have experienced. Sometimes the client may feel like the limb is still there. There will be a lot of pain, depression, and crying. Be compassionate, and listen while giving needed care. You must be strong. Keep remembering that you are doing a service for the client's good. I assure you that you will be blessed through all of this. Take frequent breaks to step out of the room and breath and maybe rinse your face with cold water.
The client may have to take certain medications. You must be aware of the schedule for when medications have to be given. Always keep a journal or a log book about what you are doing for the client, including times medications are given, what mood the client is experiencing, and progress in healing. Always remember to enter everything you do for the client in the care journal. If you are a caregiver that works for an agency, find out if your employer gives you the permission to give medicines to the client. Also talk to the family member who is in charge of the client, or family member. If you feel in doubt about anything related to your client, call your supervisor or the family member in charge.
When a client has had an amputation, a bed bath is usually recommended, as it will be difficult to move the client out of bed until he or she regains strength and balance. Before giving the bed bath, you need to gather all the supplies that you will need: two bath towels, a hand towel, and a washcloth; latex or plastic gloves for you; no-rinse soap that you do not have to rinse off. You can find many different brands. You will also need talcum powder to keep the client comfortable, and lotion to keep the skin hydrated. Hint: Warm up the lotion; this is comforting and feels good to the client. You will need a chuck, a large square pad that goes under the client's body part with the webbed side up; it is used to collect fluids. You can get a lot of these supplies from the homecare nurses. They are willing to give you these supplies if they have them with them; otherwise they can bring them to you at a later date. Have the clothes that the client is going to wear for the day. You will also need a table next to the bed to hold the plastic tub that is filled with warm water. Do not have the water too hot.
To wash the client, first take off all of their clothing and place it in the dirty clothes bin. Raise the bed so that it is easy for you to maneuver the client. Keep the client covered until you are ready to wash that part of the body. Start at the head and work down. Wash the privates last.
1. Put the chuck under the head and wash the hair with the no-rinse soap. Dry the head with the towel.
2. Wash the face, neck, and shoulders. You may fold the washcloth several times as you wipe the face to remove all the soap. Dry with a towel.
3. Move the chuck down to the side of the client, under the arm. Wash the arm and dry it. Put the hand towel on the arm to keep the client warm while you wash the chest and tummy. Dry and cover with towel.
4. Move the chuck down to the leg and foot, and put the chuck under the leg and foot. Wash the leg and foot and dry them; cover the leg and foot with the towel.
5. Roll the client on his or her side, asking him or her to hold the guardrail with one hand to remain positioned and steady until you are done washing. Put the chuck under the client's side to catch the liquids. Wash the back and hips. Dry them. Lotion the back and hip and rub talcum powder on their back and hips. This way, you don't have to repeat steps in order to lotion and powder the back. This saves you time and energy from moving the client too much. This also minimizes the client's pain.
6. Roll the client Back onto his or her back. Go on the other side of the client and repeat.
7. Wash the client's privates if the client can not do so alone. Be careful and be nice. Respect their privacy. Always remember to wash front to back. Put the chuck under their hips to catch the liquids. With women, wash the front part first with a lot of water; be careful if feces are present to avoid contaminating the vaginal opening. Dry with a towel. With men, you will wash the scrotal bag first and then the penis. Make sure that you gently pull the foreskin away from the head of the penis to clean any urine or stools from the foreskin. Be careful; this is a very sensitive area and can be painful. Use a lot of water and no-soap wash. Clients may want to have powder put on.
8. After you wash the privates pull out the chuck and throw it away. Put the client's underpants on or a diaper.
9. Lotion the rest of the body and powder if the client prefers.
10. Put the clothes on, starting with the socks. Put the shirt or top on next and the pants last. If the client cannot be moved, just put on an open night shirt that ties at the back of the neck.
11. Adjust the bed and raise the back of it so that the client can sit up. Brush his or her hair and make him or her comfortable.
If the client is very difficult to move and bathe, you may need to get another person to help you move the client while bathing. The steps that I have given you for bed bathing are also used for clients who are bedridden.
The Slider Board
To transfer an amputee client, you will need a slider board. This is a board that is twelve to eighteen inches wide and thirty-six inches long. These boards are used a lot to transfer a client from the bed to the wheelchair, to furniture, in and out of vehicles, and various other uses. If the client is clothed, he or she can sit on the board and slide easily. Put the board on the bed, and cross it to the side of the wheelchair. Make sure the brakes on the wheelchair are locked, as you don't want the wheelchair to move. You may have to remove the wheelchair armrest so that the board can set level. Help the client slide across the board to the wheelchair. Put the armrest back onto the wheelchair. Adjust the client's feet and legs on the footrest. Unlock the brakes. If the client is naked, I suggest you put baby powder on the slider board so that the client can slide easily across the board. Be aware of the height of the vehicle when you transfer the client. It can be a bit awkward to maneuver them.
Note to Myself
CHAPTER 4Cancer
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
— Ecclesiastes 3:1
Cancer is an abnormal growth that can be irregular in shape. It is also called a tumor or a mutation of the cells. Cancer can appear anywhere on the body, inside or out. Cancer can grow on any bone, organ, or tissue; and can spread from one spot to another spot.
Clients who have cancer or have had cancer surgery will need a caregiver to assist them with the care they need and helping them get back onto their feet and out of bed. The healing from cancer can take a long time. Clients may have to see the doctor many times; they may need physical therapy and receive treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. Chemotherapy is the use of chemical agents to control and get rid of the cancer. Radiation therapy is the use of radiation to stop the growth of cancer. After surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments are used as a preventative so that cancer will not come back. The side effects of chemotherapy and radiation have many symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, hair loss, burning in the area of radiation treatment, scaring, bleeding, anemia, and immune system problems. The reason I am listing the symptoms is because you need to know what it is and what it looks like and know how to care for a client having side effects. You may have to put medication on the client and also give medication to the client. Just remember to log and journal the time that you give the medication and also how the client is feeling. Home nurses will come and check on the client. If it is okay with the visiting nurses, ask them if you can stay, observe, and learn from them about how to care for your client. I guarantee you will be learning a valuable lesson on caring for your client.
You need to be extra careful about how you help these clients. They are in a lot of pain and suffer mental and emotional distress. Be compassionate and caring. Be there to listen to them and offer a kind word. Try not to touch them too much, as they may hurt all over. They will be sensitive and sometimes a bit crabby. Let them talk it out. Maybe they will vent for a while. That is okay.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Wise Advice for Caregivers by Diana S Davis. Copyright © 2015 Diana S Davis. Excerpted by permission of Balboa Press.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Contents
Acknowledgments, xi,Introduction, xiii,
Chapter 1 The Caregiver, 1,
Chapter 2 Alzheimer's and Dementia, 4,
Chapter 3 Amputation or Loss of Limb, 10,
Chapter 4 Cancer, 17,
Chapter 5 Diabetes, 21,
Chapter 6 Heart Attack, 25,
Chapter 7 Parkinson's Disease, 30,
Chapter 8 Stroke, 38,
Chapter 9 Surgeries, 51,
Chapter 10 Death, 56,
Chapter 11 Help for the Caregiver, 65,
Chapter 12 Meditations, 79,
Chapter 13 Affirmations, 84,
Chapter 14 My Biography, 86,
Resources, 89,
Recommended Reading, 91,