How to Care for Someone at Home

One of the fears that both families and patients have when going home is: "What will happen in case of an emergency?" This section will help you prepare in advance,...Read entire article »

When an emergency arises, you (principally the family members) can deal with it most effectively by following these three principles: 1. Stay calm 2. Determine the exact nature of the...Read entire article »

Going home from the hospital is an emotional experience. The warmth and convenience of home are certainly more inviting than the hospital and its routine; but when physicians feel that...Read entire article »

You are about to go home. You may be scared, but eager to leave the hospital to go home with your family, sleep in your own bed, eat home-cooked food,...Read entire article »

If you have been inactive for a long period of time, your muscles will begin to atrophy; that is, they will shrink in size and strength. Having an arm or...Read entire article »

Breathing One of the key elements of any exercise program is to learn proper breathing techniques. Breathing, by itself, is a good exercise because it is both therapeutic and relaxing....Read entire article »

It is important to pay attention to the position you lie in, and when you are confined to bed, you may need help in positioning. During sleep, we unconsciously change...Read entire article »

Repositioning Frequent change of position is the second means of preventing bedsores and muscle wasting. If you are unable to turn over by yourself, it is important that your family...Read entire article »

Surgery today is far more complicated than ever before. Newer techniques are saving more and more lives. However, some of these surgeries require special and continuing care on the part...Read entire article »

How to Irrigate It is absolutely essential that the irrigations be done correctly so that the best results can be achieved. Many manufacturers of irrigation equipment include specific instructions on...Read entire article »

Ileal Conduit The ileal conduit is performed when the bladder has to be removed, most often because it is cancerous. People who have ileal conduits have to wear a pouch...Read entire article »

This is most often caused by a piece of food or other object lodged in the throat. The most effective action you can take is called the Heimlich Maneuver. It...Read entire article »

Ernest H. Rosenbaum, M.D. Herman Uhley, M.D. Isadora Rosenbaum Becky Moore, R.N. What should you do if the person you're with suddenly stops breathing and has no pulse? If the...Read entire article »

Although very frightening, shortness of breath often passes in a few minutes. The first thing to do, if you can, is sit up straight, so that your lungs can expand...Read entire article »

Severe bleeding is another emergency to be prepared for. In case of a deep cut, keep the area clean and apply pressure. Try applying ice in a pack or plastic...Read entire article »

An accident or fall is the final emergency situation we will discuss here. You can deal with this crisis best by checking quickly to see if the patient seems to...Read entire article »

Bathing Aids Grab bars (Figure 12) can be fastened to the bathtub or attached to the wall for safety and ease in getting in and out of the tub or...Read entire article »

Bedsore Causes, Prevention and Treatments If you have to lie immobile for long periods of time, you should pay special attention to the health of your skin, to prevent skin...Read entire article »

One of the most soothing treatments for anyone convalescing is massage. In Europe and other parts of the world it has always been held in high esteem and is...Read entire article »

Here is a brief list of Do's and Don'ts, which apply to you no matter which medicines you are taking for pain. DO'S Know the name, dosage and side effects,...Read entire article »

Constipation Pain medications containing narcotics usually affect the digestive system. But there are ways of dealing with the side effects, and they shouldn't prevent you from using a drug which...Read entire article »

Intramuscular Sites There are three common places for intramuscular injections. Here is how to locate them: 1. Upper outer portion of the buttocks. Divide one cheek of the buttocks with...Read entire article »

Telling your doctor that the pain medication "doesn't work" is the first step in taking control; but giving the doctor some specific details will help in finding a solution. The...Read entire article »

Housework Sit rather than stand. Have work in front of you rather than at the side. Reduce range and force when moving. Slide rather than lift objects. Try to...Read entire article »

Daily oral and dental care is essential for all of us, and especially when the mouth area is affected by therapy. Chemotherapy for tumors in any part of the body...Read entire article »

Special cups with lids will help you avoid spilling liquids. The Tommee Tippee cup (Figure 1) is useful if you have difficulty in swallowing or poor coordination. The Wonder-Flow vacuum...Read entire article »

Try to do the major part while seated in a chair, preferably one with arms. Long-handled reachers (Figure 19) will eliminate your having to bend over and will help...Read entire article »

Plan meal preparation ahead. Write menus for a week's meals at a time. Shop for staples once a week and fresh produce twice weekly. Assemble all ingredients and utensils...Read entire article »

Becky Moore, R.N. This section talks about some of the problems you may have at home with your bowel movements and bladder control. This is a subject that few...Read entire article »

Lizabeth Light, B.S.N. Worried About How to Deal with Pain at Home? Patients about to go home from the hospital are often worried about how to deal with pain. (These...Read entire article »

Prolonged inactivity produces loss of muscle strength and coordination, and can contribute to depression. It is not only enervating, but can produce crises in your attitude and decrease your...Read entire article »