caregiver-connect.ca

Practical Caregiver Skills

Whether you planned to become a caregiver or whether the role came about due to circumstances or a crisis, you likely want some level of confidence that you are providing the best care you can. This section is designed to give you some basic knowledge and skills in the following areas:

• Finding Quality Information on the Internet



• Preventing Falls



• Safe Use of Medicines



• Transfers

Finding Quality Health Information on the Internet

Caregivers are turning to the internet as a ready source of information to seek out information and answers to help in their caregiving role. Search any subject and you will find an overwhelming about of information. How do you know that the information is up-to-date, high quality and credible?

Many websites offering health and medical information now seek certification with the Health on the Net Foundation (HON) to give readers the assurance that their information is high quality and credible. Sites applying for certification and sites already certified undertake to respect the HONcode and the requirements for certification. HONcode is the oldest and the most used ethical and trustworthy code for medical and health related information available on Internet. HON cannot guarantee the accuracy of medical information presented by a site and its completeness at any given time, but possession of the HONcode seal allows a site to demonstrate its intention to contribute to quality medical information through the publishing of objective and transparent information.

From: The commitment to reliable health and medical information on the internet, HONcode, 2011.

Information for caregivers :

International

HON Services to Patients and Individuals, 2011, includes information on navigating the internet safely, finding trustworthy information use the HON search engine for HONcode certified sites, lists of HON topics and portals offering specific information.

Canada-wide

Finding quality health information on the internet - The 7 signs of a "healthy" health-related website, Pfizer Canada, More then Medication, 2010

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Preventing Falls

It is important for older adults and those with disabilities to live active, independent lives. Falls are leading cause of injuries to older adults and those with disabilities but can be prevented. It is estimated that one in three to four older adults will fall and many will suffer a fracture. Those most at risk for fractures are at risk or have osteoporosis. .Those that experience a fracture may not regain their previous level of activity.

Steps that may be taken to prevent fall

• Review medications with your loved one to ensure they are causing or contributing to feeling dizzy, shaky or unsteady. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.



• Encourage them to slow down and take time to be save.



• Speak with your loved one about having their vision, hearing, balance and muscle strength checked regularly by a health professional.



• Help ensure your loved one (if at risk for/ currently have osteoporosis) takes calcium, Vitamin D3 and osteoporosis medications properly.



• Help your loved one live an active lifestyle and participate in physical activity for 30-60 minutes a day to maintain muscle tone, posture and balance.



• Help your loved one eat a health balanced diet, drink plenty of water and limit alcohol intake.



• Assess your loved one's home for hazards using a home safety checklist (see below). Help your loved one safe-proof their home for fall and other types of hazards.



• If your loved one lives with you or requires some supervision due to Alzheimer's early dementia, or confusion due to other reasons, review all aspects of home supervision (see below)



• Ensure your loved one wears proper footwear – non-slip shoes, boots and slippers that fit well and seek treatment for foot problems.



• Use safety equipment such as canes, walkers, grab bars and rubber bath mats.



• When walking, help them pay attention to their surroundings and watch where they step.



• Consider a medical alert monitoring system, with an automatic alert option, such as Philip's Lifeline (Fr: http://www.lifeline.ca/content/french//q/lang/fr.

VON is a Philip's Medical Alarm Services Partner and Philip's is a sponsor of caregiver-connect.ca.
Adapted from: Osteoporosis Canada – Alberta Chapter, Health Package, 2010 and 6 Warning Signs of Falls, Grey-Bruce Prevention and Intervention Program, 2010

Warning signs of falls

• Previous falls – one fall in the last six months



• Your loved one has fear of falling



• Use of medications or drugs including sedatives, fluid pills, recreational drugs, blood pressure pills and/or on more than four medications



• Any balance problems or unable to raise from a chair unassisted



• Medical problems including stroke, Parkinson's disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia.



• Any vision or perception problems including blurred of double vision, difficulty seeing steps or curbs or walking in dim light.

IF YOU IDENTIFIED TWO OR MORE OF THE WARNING SIGNS, YOUR LOVED ONE IS AT RISK FOR FALLING AND REQUIRES FURTHER SCREENING

Used with Permission from: 6 Warning Signs of Falls and 6 Warning Signs of Falls Fact Sheet, Grey-Bruce Fall Prevention and Intervention Program, 2010

Information for caregivers :

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Safe Use of Medications

As a caregiver, you likely are helping someone with their medicines by picking up prescriptions, attending doctor appointments, checking to make sure medicines are taken regularly and on-time. Problems with use of medicines are major reasons for falls, emergency visits and hospitalizations that place a heavy burden on caregivers and the health care system. The purpose of this page is to provide you with resources to help your loved one use medicines safely, to prevent and identify problems, and work with the health care team to address those problems.
Adapted from: Knowledge is the Best Medicine, Rx&D, 2010 and Safe Medicines for Seniors: A Guide for Caregivers, Canadian Pharmacists Association, 2006

Information for caregivers :

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Good Body Mechanics and Transfers

You may need to help your loved one to get out of bed, get up from a chair, or get into and out of the bathtub; assist with transfers from wheelchair to toilet or commode, from wheelchair to chair or car; or have your loved one dependent on you to lift them from wheelchair to bed. Strains and back injuries are major issues for caregivers. Be good to yourself, your body and your back. Take the time to learn how to use proper body mechanics, to do safe transfers with or without assistive devices and when a mechanical lift may be needed. Some ground rules:

• Encourage the person you are helping to do as much as they can do themselves;

• Avoid pulling or pushing the person you are helping by their arms or legs;

• Use good body mechanics. Bend from the knees, use the strength of your legs and avoid stooping or twisting;

• Coordinate your assistance/transfer by using a count: 1-2-3;

• Use transfer assists whenever possible including – transfer belts, transfer boards, lift cushions, etc.;

• Avoid transferring or lifting a person that weighs as much or more than you or that is significantly taller than you are.

To find assistance for assessment of your loved one's needs related to transfers, transfer assistive devices and potential need for mechanical lifts or for instruction on body mechanics and transfers, contact your local home care program. Ask for a physiotherapy assessment or referral to an organization offering home or personal support services (a supervisor may be able to help).