Here are some quick tips to make life easier. The focus is on personal hygiene, mealtime, proper transferring and encouraging self-care.

Just as you are adjusting to the caregiver role, it is also difficult to make the adjustment to being the person requiring care. Basic functions such as taking a bath, eating, and toileting used to be so easy, but now need someone else's help. You can smooth the transition. Help the person feel that their life has importance. Give them a chance to talk about their feelings and encourage involvement in meaningful activities. It is not always easy, but try to be patient when helping your loved one with daily needs. Mutual respect will help you gain or maintain a positive relationship.

Bathing or showering

• Gather soap, shampoo, washcloths, towels, clean clothing and anything else you will need before the bath. Place those things within your reach.

• Keep a portable phone in the bathroom with you in case of an emergency.

• Never let the person you care for take a bath without your assistance. They may slip and fall getting in and out of the tub or scald themselves with water that is too hot. It only takes a split second for a tragic accident to occur.

• A comfortable water temperature is 100 to 101 degrees F. You may want to lower the temperature on your water heater to 120 degree F or less to avoid accidental burns.

• Prevent skidding and falling by positioning slip resistant mats inside and outside the tub.

• Install grab bars in the tub area for you and your loved one to hold on to while bathing and when getting in and out of the tub.

• Wear rubber-soled shoes for better traction on the damp floor when helping the person you care for.

• Make sure the bathroom is well-lit. Good lighting can help you and your loved one see items left on the floor and help avoid tripping and falling or bumping into unseen objects.

• Install a transfer bench or shower/bath chair for moving your loved one into and out of the bathtub more easily. You can purchase them at a medical supply store or in some drugstores with a medical equipment section. Your doctor or a physical therapist can give you instructions on how to use them correctly and safely.

• Many caregivers prefer using disposable bathing cloths instead of giving conventional baths, showers or bed baths. Disposable bathing cloths are large, thick wet wipes that are premoistened with a gentle, no-rinse cleansing formula. They're ideal for quick touch-up baths, or to avoid the difficulties and potential safety hazards of getting in or out of a tub or shower. Some come in a pouch which can be warmed in a microwave for extra comfort.

Shampooing and Shaving

Check with local barbershops or hair salons to see if a barber or beautician will come to your home to shampoo, trim or style hair. If your loved one is able to travel, an appointment at the beauty salon might provide a nice change of pace and an enjoyable time for both of you to get out and socialize with others.

If you are shampooing or shaving the person you care for on your own, try these tips:

• To remove hair snarls before you shampoo, gently comb cream rinse through the hair.

• Use dry shampoos for people who are unable to get out of bed. Some home medical equipment stores and pharmacies carry shampoo kits designed for people confined to bed or in wheelchairs. Hairwashing trays and inflatable basins are also available which allow the user to stay in a wheelchair or bed while the hair is being washed.

• Use an electric razor to reduce the risk of cuts and make shaving easier for both of you.

It's a fact that when people look good they feel better. A fresh shampoo, hairstyle or shave can really brighten a person's day and lift their spirits.

Mealtime

Preparing meals is often the most time-consuming part of a caregiver's day. Consider these suggestions to make mealtime easier:

• Special devices are available to help those who have difficulty feeding themselves. These include a swivel spoon for people who tremble, "dicem" (a non-skid backing for plates), a plate guard to help keep food from going off the edge of the plate, and a combination spoon and fork. You can find these at home medical supply stores. The Occupational Therapy Department of your local hospital can also give you suggestions and sources for assistance devices.

• Sit the person in a straight-backed chair or propped up in bed as close to a sitting position as possible to reduce the risk of choking.

• Serve finger foods cut into bite size pieces -- little sandwiches, fried chicken, chicken nuggets, and vegetable sticks are some choices.

• Make sure dentures are well fitting.

• Cut meat into small pieces. Give very small bites, and wait until each has been swallowed before giving the next bite.

• Encourage persons who have trouble holding a cup to try using a bendable straw, cups with two handles or a glass with a ribbed surface.

• If drinking liquids is a problem, serve oatmeal or cream of wheat, which will soak up the liquid. A commercial product called, Thicken Right™, is also available to make swallowing easier.

• Consistently position food, plate, forks, knives, spoons and cups in the same place to help people with failing eyesight know where to find everything.

• Eat out once in a while if possible. Use a fast, simple, well-lit restaurant. Going out to dinner gives you both a break from home and a chance to see other people.

• Involve the person in meals at the dinner table. They will probably enjoy being included in this special family time. If your loved one is still living in their own home, invite them to dinner at your home a few times a week.

Be sure to contact the physician if the person you are caring for is losing weight. Weight loss is associated with certain health problems.

Transferring

Make sure you learn and follow proper technique for transferring safely.

• Ask your doctor to recommend a physical therapist who can teach you to correctly transfer if you're unfamiliar with the procedure.

• Keep your feet shoulder-width apart to provide a supportive base for lifting.

• When lifting, keep the person's weight close to you and keep your balance centered.

• Keep your spine straight when lifting. Do not twist.

• Bend at your knees and use your leg muscles to lift -- they are much stronger than your back muscles.

Encouraging self-care promotes independence

• Allow the person to do as much as possible without your help. No matter how small the activity, participation is important.

• Ask what you can do to encourage independence. If the person cannot perform a certain activity, see if there is a part that can be done. For example, perhaps it's easy to brush the front of the hair, but your help is needed in reaching and styling the back.

• Adapt surroundings to allow more independence. You may be able to install equipment such as grab rails in the bathroom, wheelchair-accessible sinks and mirrors, bath bench for the shower or tub, exchange round door knobs for easier-gripping door handles, and lights with switches that are easily reached.