One important thing to do when starting out as a caregiver is to assess your elder's quality of life, and look for ways to improve it.
However, you have to know someone's background in order to help improve his or her quality of life.
So as soon as I begin with a new client, I gather a sample skill inventory.
This is a basic checklist that reveals who someone is, what his or her hobbies are (or were), and what other areas he or she may be interested in exploring or learning about.
The answers you get will begin to point you in a clear direction so you can help improve your elder's quality of life.
This list can trigger old interests and memories, and can lead to new hobbies as well.
Going through this exercise could give your elder increased energy and awareness.
I always ask my client to check off any activities he/she has taken part in regularly, and to put a star next to any that he/she has organized or directed.
Review this skill inventory list to find potential fun, engaging activities for your elder.
Note that there may be other interests as well, so use the inventory as a guideline and think about other possibilities as well.
Here are some major areas to explore: * Aquatics such as boating, swimming, and water skiing.
* Art such as painting, sculpture, and sketching.
* Group activities like the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, YMCA, and religious groups.
* Club affiliations for athletics, collecting, reading, and music.
* Crafts such as basketry, ceramics, knitting, leatherwork, model building, pottery, and woodwork.
* Creative pursuits such as dancing, music, and acting.
* Games such as card games, board games, or more active games.
* Gym activities such as calisthenics, jumping rope, aerobics, and other fitness.
* Musical activities such as singing, membership in a choir, or playing a musical instrument * Active sports like football, basketball, soccer, baseball, hockey, tennis, track, swimming, and boxing * More leisurely sports such as golf, croquet, horseshoes, and bowling * Office activities like journalism, public speaking, typing, bookkeeping, and computers.
* Outdoor fun like camping, gardening, hiking, and nature study.
I always ask about additional hobbies or activities that aren't included above.
I can't tell you how many times going through this list has helped my client recapture their sense of self.
It may help your elder be happy about past strengths, and not become overwhelmed by a current weakness or sickness.
It can really make a positive change in your elder's life and demeanor.
However, you have to know someone's background in order to help improve his or her quality of life.
So as soon as I begin with a new client, I gather a sample skill inventory.
This is a basic checklist that reveals who someone is, what his or her hobbies are (or were), and what other areas he or she may be interested in exploring or learning about.
The answers you get will begin to point you in a clear direction so you can help improve your elder's quality of life.
This list can trigger old interests and memories, and can lead to new hobbies as well.
Going through this exercise could give your elder increased energy and awareness.
I always ask my client to check off any activities he/she has taken part in regularly, and to put a star next to any that he/she has organized or directed.
Review this skill inventory list to find potential fun, engaging activities for your elder.
Note that there may be other interests as well, so use the inventory as a guideline and think about other possibilities as well.
Here are some major areas to explore: * Aquatics such as boating, swimming, and water skiing.
* Art such as painting, sculpture, and sketching.
* Group activities like the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, YMCA, and religious groups.
* Club affiliations for athletics, collecting, reading, and music.
* Crafts such as basketry, ceramics, knitting, leatherwork, model building, pottery, and woodwork.
* Creative pursuits such as dancing, music, and acting.
* Games such as card games, board games, or more active games.
* Gym activities such as calisthenics, jumping rope, aerobics, and other fitness.
* Musical activities such as singing, membership in a choir, or playing a musical instrument * Active sports like football, basketball, soccer, baseball, hockey, tennis, track, swimming, and boxing * More leisurely sports such as golf, croquet, horseshoes, and bowling * Office activities like journalism, public speaking, typing, bookkeeping, and computers.
* Outdoor fun like camping, gardening, hiking, and nature study.
I always ask about additional hobbies or activities that aren't included above.
I can't tell you how many times going through this list has helped my client recapture their sense of self.
It may help your elder be happy about past strengths, and not become overwhelmed by a current weakness or sickness.
It can really make a positive change in your elder's life and demeanor.