Senior Care Tips from Francy Dickinson

I’ve been hanging out a little bit on Twitter and follow Francy Dickinson.  She tweets Senior Care Tips.  I asked Francy if it’s ok to list some of them on my blog and she gave me the go ahead.  For those of you who are not on twitter, here are some of her tips.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Hot Weather Tips

• Hot day means moving Senior to different positions in their chair every 15 min so skin stays strong
• Seniors using gel cushion covered with towel will keep them cooler than foam cushion
• Super Hot?  Breath deep to relax then control breathing in and out for calmer blood pressure; raise feet in heat or wear support hose
• Super Hot?  Get moisturizer with SPF15 in the cream, older skin is thinner, burns fast and chafes easily, wear hat or umbrella for shade
• Super Hot?  Chill protein drink and shake before you serve, tastes more like milkshake or root beer with vanilla ice cream in glass-Yum
• Super Hot?  Small amount of ice in zip lock bags, under neck and under arms; water, water, water keep chilled in small ice chest by Senior’s chair

Visiting Tips

• Always turn off or down the TV when you visit a Senior, they can then concentrate on you not TV
• Senior share a care room?  Come in and say hi to roommate then close curtain for private chat
• MP3 player that is easy to see with time, music and library downloaded audio books are a hit with seniors, gift them 1 with your teaching time
• Hearing impaired can use ear phones well for TV, radio and Mp3 players, teach how to use and watch their lifestyle improve
• Taking Crispy Creams to the care facility for staff and your Seniorr is always fun; a thermos of hot tea and a good donut makes every 1 happy
• Sunday brunch can still be enjoyed with family at care centers. Call ahead and they will make arrangement to have you join them
• Visiting family in hospital?  Ask family to put you on the update list and give them your twitter or email so you are in the loop

If You enjoyed these tips, you can find more at Francy’s website, Senior Care With Spirit.

I called my mom who takes care of her 82 year old sister, who is legally blind and almost deaf.  Mom is going to try the ear phone with television tip. We hope it helps.

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