You want answers, not more questions. The fact is though that you need to know what someone needs or perceives as a problem before determining what type of care they might need, and what your role might be in providing answers. Here is a short list of common question for family caregivers at any stage of caregiving.
- How can family members promote independence with activities of daily living, wherever possible?
- How can family members assist with muscle strengthening, walking exercises and range of motion exercises, according to treatment plan?
- What can family members do to promote the use of assistive devices and speech impairment treatment plans (eye patch, speech exercises, etc.), and how can family members assist?
- How can family members ensure healthy elimination, including: bowel and bladder control, avoiding constipation, and monitoring for signs and symptoms of bladder or kidney infection?
- How can family members prevent skin breakdown associated with immobility?
- How can family members provide emotional support, companionship and alternative coping mechanisms?
By answering these simple questions you will be on your way to greatly improving your loved one’s quality of life at home.