Chapter 5: Getting prepared: Safety and risks
Physical and medical considerations
It was frustrating for both of us; he couldn’t hear what I was saying without his hearing aids, and he refused to wear them most of the time because he said they hurt. It just didn’t help with the anxiety we already felt.
Below is a checklist to help you assess some potential medical and physical situations to take into consideration. Think about each one and assess if it is applicable to the person who is ill and how it may impact at-home caregiving. *In the “Helpful resources” section, you will find a summary PDF of this assessment (Physical and medical considerations) that you can download and print for future use.
For each question below, answer yes or no, and consider any thoughts or comments you may have about it.
Is there memory loss, judgment impairment, or confusion that may jeopardize anyone’s safety?
Is there significant vision or hearing loss that might impact safe movement and effective communication?
Are there mobility issues or restrictions (e.g., balance, strength, range of motion)? Is falling a concern?
Are medical devices such as a home ventilator or home dialysis required? Do you require training and/or instruction and support?
Will you need to provide medical care between home visits from healthcare providers?
*Please note that the following page will address the use of equipment to help with some of the physical and medical aspects of caregiving.
Helpful Resources
