-by Carol Lovci, RN, MSN

The physical demands of caregiving are challenging, especially when you are experiencing your own stress due to changes in a loved one and the duties that come with suddenly becoming the primary caregiver. You may be worried about how you will provide home care and not cause harm and how you will give them what they need. You may also wonder how you will find down time to take care of yourself. Here are a few tips to consider when giving physical care in the home:

• Start by getting as much information from the health care professionals about what your loved one will need and resources they may have to assist you

• Once you are at home, remember to always practice universal precautions. This rule applies to everyone, everywhere, everyday. This precaution simply protects you and the person you are caring for from infection. Hand washing is key — use warm soapy water before and after every activity.

• When bathing or positioning your loved one, be sure to be aware if movement causes pain and, if so, provide their pain medication 30 minutes before beginning the activity. This will provide time for the medication to work prior to the activity starting and make the experience more comforting.

• If you need to provide the oral care for your loved one, be sure you do not do this while they are lying flat as this can lead to choking. If they are unable to raise their head, turn them to the side. Check their mouth daily for sores and never put your finger in their mouth, as someone who is confused or sleepy could inadvertently bite down.

• If there are wounds and dressings/bandages are involved, be sure to wear gloves and dispose of any products with blood or bodily fluids inside of two plastic bags. This is intended to keep all bacteria/infectious material contained.

• If your loved one has medication that requires the use of needles and syringes, be sure to dispose of them by placing the used objects into a hard plastic or metal container that has a lid. Place the lid on the container when it is full and tape it shut so the needles will not fall out and stick anyone.

If you are a family member / caregiver of someone in need of your assistance, please know that there are resources available to assist you. Check with your healthcare provider for referrals or learn more about in-home care assistance for family caregivers.

-Carol Lovci, RN, MSN has worked in hospice care for the past 18 years and has been in healthcare for more than 25 years. She is the mother of five children and a grandmother of three grandchildren with a love of family, animals and the river.