Ten Helpful Eldercare Items

These ten items are listed in no particular order.  These are items that we've found to be very helpful for our particular situation. 

1.  Heat Sensitive Thinking Putty

       This is an amazing fidget.  When Boo begins to get anxious, he rubs his leg or arm to help calm himself.  Once he actually rubbed a sore on his leg---in one night at the hospital.  Now, I know to hand him something to keep his hands occupied.  He really likes this Thinking Putty.  It's just the right size and texture to keep him happy for quite a while.  Boo's favorite, when he can see it, is the Heat Sensitive Sunburst Thinking Putty.  I like that it comes in reusable individual tins.  I keep one in my purse, one in our emergency bag and one in a basket on our dresser.  Timberdoodle has a large selection of Thinking Putties in a rainbow of colors to suit everyone.

2,  Medline Ultralight Rollator

Boo's rolling walker is an absolute must when he's walking outside or when we're away from home.  He has a more natural gait when he uses a rolling walker and is less likely to fall.  Immediately after his last two strokes, he simply couldn't manage a traditional walker and fell several times attempting to use one.  His rolling walker enabled him to get up and move with ease.  Another major benefit is that he has a seat when he tires of walking which happens frequently.


3.  Uniden Walkie Talkie

This is the particular model that we have, but there are others that are simpler to use.  These are just the first ones I tried and they still work.  I put a bright sticker on the TALK button for Boo and that's the only button he touches...hopefully.  With these little wonders, Boo can talk to me whenever he needs reassurance and I can check the mail, weed the flower bed, cook dinner, etc.  Technically, we could use a cell phone to accomplish the same goal.  Boo can't figure out how to use a cell phone on his own anymore, even with a voice activated dialing system. 


4.  Stainless Steel Travel Mug

These can be obtained in any department or discount store.  So, I didn't provide a link for this.  These travel mugs are ideal for anyone who's shaky.  Boo uses a cane to walk inside our home and likes to carry his drink with him.  Lidded travel mugs prevent spills.  They are appropriate for hot or cold drinks and aren't "babyish"---a plus when dealing with an independent adult.


5.  Elastic Waist Pants
     
Many times Boo cannot remember how to button, snap and zip.  On those days, elastic waist pants enable him to be more independent.  We've found good quality fleece pants with an elastic waist and hemmed cuffs at Old Navy and Kohl's.  Jeans are problematic.  We've tried several mail order jeans designed for those with disabilities and haven't found any that fit properly.  A few were so poorly made that even had they fit I would have returned them.

Land's End Jersey Knit Pants

These are great summer weight pants.  I bought one pair for Boo two years ago and cringed at the price.  After two years and LOTS of use, they look brand new.  It's definitely time to buy more.  They're well worth the price.  They're a little dressier than most athletic pants which we like.


6.  Folding Exercise Peddler

One of Boo's physical therapists brought a similar item to our home when it was too wet for Boo to walk outside.  Boo enjoyed using it and it can be used for upper body exercise as well.  Put it on a sturdy table, place your hands in the pedals and away you go.  Boo uses this about four times a week.  This peddler is a lightweight model and it folds.  I'm not sure how it would hold up with heavy use.


7.  Standard Gait Belt

This isn't an item we use every day.  In fact, we don't use it often, BUT it is an essential item.  When Boo is unsteady, we use his gait belt as a precaution.  It is easier to steady him and much easier to lower him safely to a chair or bed with a gait belt.  The soft sturdy cotton twill doesn't cut into Boo's skin like a regular belt does.  I keep one in a basket on the dresser, one in the bathroom and one in my purse.  At one point I bought a cheap gait belt online that was so flimsy I was afraid to use it.  This one is sturdy and I suspect would hold up to daily use well.


8.  Dr Bonner's Castile Soaps

OK, I've been a fan of Dr. Bonner's soaps for over thirty years.  Once Boo was taking seventeen different prescription drugs daily and his skin became sensitive to everything.  The bar soap he'd used for years suddenly turned his skin bright red.  I grabbed my lavender Dr. Bonner's liquid soap...and success!  If Boo is sick and staying in bed more than usual, I bathe him with Dr. Bonner's peppermint soap to gently stimulate his skin.  Usually, Boo uses the lavender soap.  I keep a 2 oz container of lavender soap in my purse in a Ziploc bag to use away from home.  I usually buy the 32 oz bottle for us and it lasts just over six months.  A little goes a long way.


9.  Dr. Scholl's Diabetic Socks

We've tried several different brands of diabetic socks and found that, for Boo at least, the brand definitely made a difference,  Dr. Scholl's fit him much better and lasted significantly longer than any other brand we tried.  The last four pair of these socks I bought at Wal-Mart.  They had nonslip soles.  I wasn't impressed at first, but have come to like them.  Boo can easily put these on himself because he can feel the nonslip dots. 



10.  Aylio Resistance Bands

These resistance bands have been very durable for two and a half years.  Boo uses them four to five times a week usually.  I like the door attachment because it increases the number of exercises he can do.  The light band is indeed light and offers little resistance.  The moderate band is the one that Boo uses most often.

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Ten Things I've Learned (in the last three years)

1. I've learned to ASK QUESTIONS.
   OK, I did ask questions before, but now I've taken it to a different level. A couple of years ago, one of Boo's doctors called me the Question Lady. If I don't know something, I ask. If I don't understand, I ask...and I continue asking until I understand. If I simply don't understand one person's explanation, then I ask if there's anyone else who can explain it right then. Sometimes a different explanation can make a tremendous difference. However, I have an absolute rule: Until I understand, I do not leave and I keep asking!
2. I've learned that I am Boo's best ADVOCATE.
   Boo cannot adequately communicate in the hurried environment of a doctor's office and doesn't clearly understand his limitations. As his wife and caregiver, it is my responsibility to ensure that the doctor, nurse, therapist, etc. has a clear understanding of Boo's needs and to ensure that those needs are being met. I've learned to speak up early and often and to be insistently polite.
3. I've learned to SYSTEMATICALLY RECORD medical information.
   I've come to depend heavily on Boo's home health notebook. In an emergency, I cannot accurately remember his blood pressure readings every fifteen minutes. So, I write them down. Emergency personnel can more easily determine the best course of action if they know what has recently taken place. Boo's primary care physician can more readily spot “hidden” issues and adjust his care accordingly when s/he reviews Boo's daily and weekly records.
4. I've learned the importance of CONSISTENT PHYSICAL AND COGNATIVE THERAPY.
   Since Boo's strokes, he seems to lose his abilities more rapidly when he doesn't use them often. So, we have an ongoing daily therapy routine at home. Improvements come slowly. It's been over two years since his last stroke and he's just beginning to follow and participate in thirty minute conversations consistently.
5. I've learned to be an INFORMED AND RESPONSIBLE CONSUMER.
   This is an ongoing process for me! One of Boo's walkers had a flaw and needed to be replaced. Contacting the medical supply center from which we purchased it was not enough. I also had to prove that this brand of walker had a particular flaw. Another way I try to be a good consumer is by investigating all forms of treatment. Just because one form of treatment may be in vogue at the moment, doesn't mean that it is the most appropriate treatment for Boo. One doctor insisted that a certain drug was the drug of choice to treat type 2 diabetes. With further questioning, he admitted that even though Boo was having some nasty side effects he wasn't familiar enough with other drugs to prescribe them. We found another doctor that day.
6. I've learned to expect and insist on POLITENESS AND RESPECT from anyone in contact with Boo.
   Very sadly we've had too many experiences where Boo is ignored or marginalized. Even worse are the few times when he's actually been mistreated. We went to one dentist that yelled at Boo. I expect medical personnel to be respectful and polite and will promptly intervene when that isn't the case. In a public place, sometimes a little polite education is needed.
7. I've learned to THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX.
   So many of Boo's little quirks since his strokes are due to his inability to adequately communicate that I've learned to think outside the norm. When he resisted a particular cognitive exercise, I had to examine it from all angles. Finally, I realized that it wasn't the type of exercise, but the silly, inane readings that he was supposed to remember for several hours. As soon as we substituted readings that were meaningful to him, he actively participated.
8. I've learned to let him DO AS MUCH AS HE CAN.
   Instead of rushing through dressing, eating, etc., I've learned to let Boo take things at his own pace. If it takes him forty minutes to dress himself, then that's what it takes. If he needs external prompts to remember how to perform daily activities, then I make sure they're in place. As independent as Boo is, nothing compensates for that feeling of accomplishment.
9. I've learned to be more PATIENT with myself and with Boo.
   This is definitely the time to let go of our perfectionist tendencies. Our home will never be as clean and decorated as I'd like. (OK, it wasn't before either.) There are so many things that I feel I should do, but simply can't right now. I can breathe. I can calm myself, do what I am able to do and leave the rest for later. Besides Boo is able to do far more when he doesn't feel pressured or rushed.
10. I've learned to PRAY more consistently.
    Absolutely nothing accomplishes more than prayer. It is our mainstay and support. When I don't know what to do, I pray. When I've got too much to do, I pray. Even when everything is going well, I pray. I really think I accomplish far more and with greater effectiveness when my day is under girded with prayer. My focus is on what is most important instead of on minor things.

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Home Health Notebook in Ten Parts

One of the things that I learned early in caring for Boo was the importance of having a home health notebook. In an emergency, having everything written down and at your finger tips eliminates unnecessary panic. Besides, Boo's notebook helps me be more organized and accountable---very important since I am his sole caregiver.

Determining just what was really necessary in Boo's notebook I learned by trial and error. Several of his doctors' suggested things that I should include and one of his home health nurses made invaluable suggestions. The layout of this particular notebook seems to be most appropriate for relatives caring for their parents or spouse. Of course, it can be adapted to other situations.

Much personal information is contained in this notebook. Please use discretion when sharing this information. It is not meant to be on display to everyone who comes into your home.

Part One: Basic Personal Information

In this section, I list Boo's full name, address ,phone number, religion, primary care physician and allergies. I also include a notarized copy of his medical power of attorney and a pocket with copies of his Medicare and insurance cards. This is typically information needed when registering at a hospital.

Part Two: Medical History

I include two medical histories in this section. The first is one page and lists height, weight, allergies, primary care physician, current prescription medications including dosage and concise list of health problems and date diagnosed. This one page medical history is generally exactly what rescue personnel need. They seldom have time for a detailed history. This one provides the essentials and is easily read.

The second medical history that I include is far more detailed. I include all the information given on the one page history, although I elaborate on some of the items. With his prescription drugs, I include when they were begun and any changes in the past two years---whether it be dosage changes or discontinued drugs. In the listing of health problems, I include where the diagnosis was made and briefly how it has affected him. I also include all immunizations, types of questions he finds easiest to answer, types of behavior that are typical of him in hospital situations and ways to make it easier for him. This medical history is the one that I refer to when giving information to hospital doctors, new doctors and when filling out medical history forms.

Part Three: Contact Information for Medical Professionals

Here I include all physicians that Boo is currently seeing, his preferred pharmacy and a second choice, his preferred home health agency, his preferred hospital and a second choice, insurance agents and social workers. For each entry, I include the name of the practice, mailing address, email, website, phone number, fax number and driving directions. I usually include the name of a contact person at each office as well. When filling out new patient forms at doctor's offices and detailed information at the hospital, this information is typically needed.

Part Four: Prescription Drugs

I list all Boo's prescription drugs, dosages and times I usually give them. I also include the prescription number and the date the prescription expires. The prescription number is useful when calling prescriptions into the pharmacy. The expiration date is really useful when visiting the doctor. Just remind the doctor and get refills either called in or given to you to eliminate another call or visit. All nonprescription medication should be listed as well. This includes vitamins, herbal supplements, stool softeners, fever reducers, etc.

Remember all the drug information sheets you're given each time you have a prescription filled? This is the perfect place to store one copy of each of them. The ones Boo receives monthly are on 8 ½ x 11 inch pages. I just punch holes and insert one set of pages in this section.

Part Five: Daily Record Pages

This will likely be the largest section of your notebook and the one you refer to most often. Because each person's needs are different, this section will vary greatly from person to person. We asked for input from Boo's home health nurse and his primary care doctor in determining what was necessary to record for him.

On Boo's weekly page, I record his blood pressure and blood glucose levels. I only have room for one recording of each because that's all that usually needs to be recorded for him. With his blood pressure, I include the time taken, which arm I used, whether he was sitting or lying and his pulse. With his blood glucose, I include the time taken and when he last ate. If I need to record more than one of each reading, I place a star beside that day and highlight it. I record further information on his daily pages.

On Boo's daily pages, I record briefly the type and amount of exercise he does and anything unusual---confused episodes, lack of appetite, etc. I also include additional blood pressure and glucose readings if he is sick or if they are higher or lower than normal.

Other people may need to record more frequent blood pressure and glucose readings or other things altogether. This is one area that you will need to consult your doctor and use common sense.

Part Six: Home Protocol Pages

This section has really been useful when Boo has minor problems and in determining when to call about more serious problems. If your physician does not provide protocol pages, make your own based on his or her advice. When Boo has a fever, I can refer to this section to determine which over the counter medications to give him that won't interfere with his prescription medications. I also have information about when the doctor wants to be notified about his fever.

In Boo's notebook, I have protocol pages for fevers, colds, flu, high blood pressure, high and low blood glucose levels and possible stroke and heart attack. For each of these I include when to call the physician or take him to the hospital, what he should have to eat or drink, what over the counter medications he can have and other pertinent information.

Part Seven: Useful Websites and Books

I list topics and the websites I've found helpful. Of course this is useful at home. Surprisingly, I've also found this useful when Boo was hospitalized. It's hard to ask intelligent questions about a new medical issue if I don't understand the basics about it. Many hospitalists here can and will recommend websites when asked. I don't think there's such a thing as too much information.

Part Eight: Warranties and Information Booklets

I punched holes in large envelopes and put the warranty and information booklets that came with Boo's walker, blood pressure cuff, glucometer and other medical equipment. This section has been useful when others cared for Boo and needed further information on how to use the blood pressure cuff. It has also been useful when our thermometer died. I did get another immediately, but I contacted the company and was sent a coupon to get another free. Another time, Boo's cardiologist asked what brand blood pressure cuff we used. Because I had that information right there, he was able to find that the particular cuff we used had been recalled and he arranged for the company to send another one.

Part Nine: Caregiver Information

Even if you stay with your spouse or parent, there will be times that you can't be there. At times like that, this section will be invaluable. I list where medications and first aid supplies are located, types of behavior that normal for Boo, ways to communicate with him when he's stressed, how to set up his meals, where his clothes are located, etc. I also list my phone number, where I will be and the phone number there. In case of emergency, include directions to your home from the major intersections nearby and a neighbor's phone number.

Part Ten: QUESTIONS

This section and an ink pen will be invaluable when you visit the doctor. Day by day, list all the questions that come to mind about your parent or spouse's care. I realized after Boo's second stroke that I had to ask questions. That is a major part of my responsibility as his caregiver. He can't ask pertinent questions about his care, especially when he feels stressed. So, that's my job. I simply won't remember everything I need to ask if I depend solely on my mind. I have to write my questions down...and I have to write the answers down. No question is too trivial or silly to ask. Most doctors are thrilled that someone is interested enough to ask questions. If you find that your doctor shies away from answering questions or routinely doesn't have time to answer them, consider finding a different doctor. You are your spouse or parent's advocate. Speak up. Ask questions.

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