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Adding Flow to the Day:
Supportive Suggestions for Caregivers
by Mary Zabolio McGrath, Ph.D.,
professional speaker/author
Making the day go smoother contributes to the peace and harmony of the home situation as well as the relationship between a caregiver and the person they support. Adults with neurological and visual challenges benefit when caregivers opt to “get creative” with their assistance. Introducing simple adaptations along the way eases challenges and even adds pleasure and a sense of accomplishment to the experience of both parties. The following are ways caregivers can increase harmony and order into a typical day.
Creating Learning Opportunities - Visits to a speech or occupational therapist are not the only settings where learning takes place. At home or when “out and about”, astute caregivers see learning possibilities in ordinary events. When picking up medication at a pharmacy, signing for pills presents the opportunity for writing practice. While driving, situations of interest , such as the progress of a new construction, the number of geese grazing in a park or the position of the sun in the sky present learning opportunities if noticed. “Look at that hawk sitting in the dead oak on the right.” “They’re really making progress on that condo, aren’t they?” “Did you notice the cracks in the ice on that pond?”
Selective choices of radio stations stimulate discussion of current events. Certain programing invites the exchange of historic or scientific information. Cassette tapes or CDs turn the monotony of doing errands into an adventure, providing the backdrop of twists and turns from a suspense thriller. Foreign language tapes challenge the twosome and revive a part of the brain not typically used while doing daily runs to the mall or post office.
Packets of cards for practice with speech, reading or math keep both parties alert to learning during the down time of an oil change. A “squeeze ball” kept in the car serves as a calming agent as well as grip strengthener. Puzzles clipped from the newspaper turn wait time in a restaurant into thinking time for two.
Scheduling focused academic periods a few times a week for reading, writing and math gives both a chance to grow and learn. Use of newspaper articles on a topic of particular interest ensures increased engagement in the reading process. Picture postcards provide an achievable mode for writing to a relative or friend and offers an opportunity for social contact.
Enhancing Time In the Car - Errands must be done and some care teams go together to the cleaners, grocery store and gas station. During the drive the person cared for may exhibit a variety of needs. Thus it is helpful if the caregiver goes out prepared by stocking the car with tissues, water and nutrition bars.
If the person you assist is able, allow them to get involved in pumping gas, dropping off dry cleaning, or picking up a loaf of bread. Giving them the opportunity to contribute aids in their sense of purpose and builds self esteem.
Storing sunglasses in the glove compartment and a magazine in the pouch on the door supplements other needs as they arise. Keeping items such as film, prescriptions, bank notes, and library books in a basket in the back seat enables efficient errand completion. Planning stops by area of town saves time, gas and energy.
Benefiting from Organization - The old saying, “ A place for everything and everything in its place” serves as a motto for caregivers. Having a box in a particular spot in the house for the person to deposit their glasses, watch, loose change, or eye drops establishes certainty and decreases searches for lost objects.
Creating a personal phone book for listing frequently called numbers decreases the steps of the calling task and removes the frustration of dealing with small print in a telephone book. Placing the daily calendar or schedule in a prominent and selected spot and reviewing the day’s or week’s events injects predictability into the schedule.
Using Visual Cues - Placing a planner by a lamp kept lit all day enhances use of the schedule and eases access to phone numbers. Small fluorescent dots affixed to pushbuttons makes use of the radio, microwave or electric shaver much easier. Brightly colored dots on the dark console of an automobile instrument panel create noticeable contrast that helps locate the “on” button of the car radio and switch for the electric window opener.
For persons with visual and neurological challenges, simple modifications ease the flow of daily tasks and decrease frustrations experienced by both persons. Repetitive routines and learning opportunities introduce a pleasant aspect and broader perspective into the typical day of a caregiver and the person they support.
Mary Z. McGrath, Ph.D. , speaker and author, works with organizations, schools and parents who support wellness and the family’s potential.
As seen in Stressfree Living Magazine, March 2003.
Article cannot be reproduced without written permission from Stressfree Living Magazine.
Phone: 952-894-7707 Fax: 952-890-3229
E-Mail: info@maryzmcgrath.com
"Self-care keeps you there!"
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