Page 25 - March 2022 Enlightenment (1)_Neat

March 2022 Vol 38 Issue 3

TARGET 2- WOMEN'S HEALTHCARE
AND WELLNESS

Care for the

Caregivers

Communication is Essential in Transportation Caregiving

It can be tricky to help adults who have limited movement, or people who don’t understand
instructions well, to get positioned comfortably in the car.
Here are a few tips.

Vision Impairment
Explain exactly what you are doing and why.
Ask if they would like assistance before providing it.
If they use a cane, always lead by standing on the opposite
side of the cane and stay one-half pace ahead.
Problems with Balance
Give plenty of time for them to regain balance when shifting
positions, such as moving from sitting to standing.
If your loved-one has had a stroke and has right-sided or left-
sided weakness, seat his affected side nearest the door (i.e. if a
left-sided weakness, then seat on the driver-side of the back
seat). This can help with balance and allows you to position
the weaker side into the car and also encourages the older
adult to assist.

Aiding Agitated Passengers
Validating their current feelings, and incorporating why a car

ride is necessary, is much more effective in leading to
cooperation than disagreeing, re-orienting or arguing.
If your car has child safety locks, it’s always a good idea to have
them on – allowing the rear door to be opened only from the
outside. This will ensure that the door cannot be opened by the
older adult while the car is moving.
If agitation persists during the ride, try playing music, or
offering a book, magazine, or photo album of family pictures.
It’s also a good idea to have snacks and water available.

Soror MiKayla Raines, Chairman

The Enlightenment page 14