Break the caregiving responsibilities into a series of manageable tasks with achievable goals.
	Care recipients with dementia may respond better to short visits, at first, from an outside caregiver. Introduce the worker as a friend. Give the relationship time to grow.
	If you are using the services of several different types of home care providers, consider hiring a case manager or care co-ordinator.

Providing Hands-on Care: A Few Pointers

Helping someone in and out of a wheelchair

1. face the wheelchair
2. keep your feet and toes pointed straight ahead, weight evenly divided on both feet
3. stand as straight as possible, head up, back straight, shoulders down, knees slightly bent, feet apart
4. stand close to the person, knees bent, back straight
5. with both hands, lift the person out of the wheelchair
6. transfer to the required area and/or position

1. have the person lie on his back, bend his knees and keep his feet flat on the mattress
2. ask him to raise his buttocks
3. slide the bedpan underneath or,
   ask the person to lie on his side or help him to do so
4. place the bedpan against his buttocks
5. then ask him to or help him roll onto his back

1. gather all the materials that are needed for the bath
2. use non-skid mats on bathroom, bathtub and shower areas
3. run the bath or shower at a suitable temperature
4. assist the individual into the bath or shower
5. provide only as much bathing assistance as is necessary
6. respect the person's right to privacy and independence
7. substitute sponge baths a few times a week

1. gather all the materials that are needed for the bath
2. place towels or plastic sheets around the individual
3. fill a basin two-thirds full of lukewarm water
4. cover body parts until ready to wash them
5. wash and dry each area before moving on to the next
6. start with the face, upper body and underarms
7. wash each side from arm to legs
8. turn the person on his side to wash the shoulders, back and buttocks
9. wash the genital area
10. gently rub lotion onto the skin

1. make a list of all medications — prescribed drugs and over-the-counter drugs
2. write down the prescription dates, dosages, prescribing doctor and pharmacist
3. note any foods, drinks or activities that should be avoided
4. note any positive results, side effects, allergic reactions, behavioural changes
5. discuss with doctor or pharmacist, as necessary

Feeding

Toileting

Wound management

Caring for the Caregiver

• Use your informal care network. Ask relatives, friends or neighbours for help with specific tasks and errands.
• Seek out opportunities for respite care — at home, in day programs, or short-term stays in a facility
  • determine what kind of help you need
  • who can provide help
  • how much it will cost
  • what preparations you have to make for the helper and the care recipient
• Join a caregiver support group for emotional support, practical information and to have a safe place to express and share your thoughts and feelings.
• Stay in touch with friends if not in person, then, at least, by telephone.
• Spend time alone for rest and relaxation.
• Look after your own health. Eat properly. Exercise regularly. Schedule regular check-ups and discuss any health problems with your family doctor.
• Seek professional help, if you notice signs of depression.
• Take advantage of any workplace programs that might help you balance your caregiving responsibilities against your work, health or family obligations and/or provide potential sources of funding for home care, including respite.

	Arrange for someone — a volunteer from a community visiting program or a paid companion — to come to the home, on a regular basis, and spend time with the care recipient — talking, reading, writing letters, taking for walks, whatever works. The social and psychological benefits for the care recipient can be invaluable.
	When using in-home respite, leave the house for short periods, initially; then gradually increase the amount of time you spend away from the care recipient.
	Contact people who are or once were members of the care recipient's own social network. They may be more than happy to visit or help in any way they can.

Respite Care

Respite is the break that caregivers get by allowing someone else to temporarily take over some of their caregiving duties. Used on a regular basis, respite care helps prevent caregiver burnout, by relieving some of the caregiver's workload and stress.

Respite care usually takes one of three forms:

• arrangements can be made for someone to come into the home to look after or sit with the care recipient (even if the caregiver is at home)
• the care recipient can be booked for a short stay (overnight, weekend, a week or more) in a long-term care or other facility
• the care recipient can be registered to attend an adult day program