You never know when you will be called upon to help someone cope with the results of an injury, disease or simply the aging process. Approximately 26% of Americans were involved in providing care for an elderly, disabled or chronically ill friend or relative during the previous year, according to a recent survey from the National Family Caregiver Association.

Caregiving can be overwhelming. It may be necessary to make decisions from far away, shoulder daily responsibilities or provide in-home personal care. These roles may last from a few days to many years.

Due to high physical and/or emotional demands, many primary caregivers are at considerable risk for injuries and disease. In order to prevent this, consider products that support the caregiver as well as the care-receiver. Dynamic Living has researched the options and offers several tips, suggestions and products.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Whether you are around the corner or sleeping in the next room, the safety of the care recipient is a very real concern. What if they fall out of bed or need help quickly? What if they wander out the front door? How will you know?

• Personal Paging System - Perfect for use within a home, the care recipient simply presses a button to alert a caregiver or family member when they are needed. The receivers are available with an audio or a vibrating alarm.
  

• Fall Alert System - A sensitive mat is placed on a bed or chair and switched on after a person is properly situated on top of it. If the weight is lifted off the pad for more than a few seconds, a very loud alarm will sound. This is useful to let a caregiver know that someone has either fallen out of bed or wandered off alone without assistance. The alarm will not trigger if a person simply shifts their weight, and will go off quickly if they sit back down on it after it alarms.
  

• Wireless Intercom - In addition to using the intercom to talk between rooms, you can also use this wireless system for room to room monitoring. Get that peace of mind you need by knowing when someone needs your help.
  

• Motion Alerts - You can set a warning for potentially hazardous areas or be notified if a gate or door is opened. Different styles of receivers will detect motion of an object like a door or valuable or the motion of the air in a room. The monitors vary in the distance covered and in the style of receiver. Some will make noise locally, while others can signal a remote receiver.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

If your responsibilities include physical care, we strongly recommend speaking with a medical or caregiving specialist for specific techniques to help you avoid injury. The following products are examples of aids that can reduce back strain and general fatigue for you:

• Transfer Boards - There are many different styles that allow you to move someone from one seated location to another, like from a wheelchair to a bath bench. We recommend the line of BeasyTrans Systems because the care-receiver sits on a disc that glides within the transfer board, making the transition much easier.
  

• Lifting Cushions and Lift Chairs
  Rising to a standing position can be difficult for some people. The UpEasy Portable Lifting Cushion can lift up to 80% of a person's weight, easing the burden on the caregiver. The UpEasy Power Cushion (an electric version) or an electric lift chair offers even more support because they lift 100% of the weight to an almost standing position.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you would like to be able to get out and about with someone who tires easily or needs mobility support, consider these portable alternatives:

• Transport Chair - This lightweight, folding wheelchair is just right for a trip to the supermarket or to the museum. Compact enough to fit in the trunk or back seat, it is convenient for any kind of travel. It can also be used in the home and stored in a closet when not needed.
  

• The Rollator - An alternative to a walker, the Rollator has wheels that allow a person to turn and pivot in a way that walkers cannot. It is not necessary to lift the Rollator to move forward (or backward), so the user can glide along with ease. Many come with a seat and a basket for extra convenience.
  

• The Swivel Seat, Handy Bar and Car Caddie - These inexpensive gadgets help people get into and out of the car. The Swivel Seat is like a 'lazy susan', allowing a person to easily swing their legs out of the car. The Car Caddie is a loop that attaches to a car door and the Handy Bar attaches to the car door frame to provide additional support as the individual gets into or out of the car.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you become involved in a caregiving situation, you need to know that you are not alone. There are support groups, professionals and products that can help you. It is also important to discuss your situation with your family to determine if there are ways to share the responsibilities so that the circle of care is expanded and the task is not overwhelming.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
© Copyright 2004 Dynamic Living, Inc.
Dynamic Living Newsletter may only be redistributed in its unedited form. Written permission from the editor must be obtained to reprint or cite the information contained within this newsletter.

(return to top of page)