Overview of assisting the elderly with their activities of daily living:

Personal Care: Assisting as needed in bathing, toileting, grooming, ambulation, assisting in cleaning dentures, eye glasses, hearing aids, eating utensils.

Ambulation and safe use of ambulation aids canes, walkers, wheelchairs.  Cleaning the equipment and reporting any needed maintenance.

Fall Prevention:  Safety check resident’s floor areas for clutter, throw rugs, cords, O2 equipment.  Attention to changes in ambulation.

Managing Wandering and Elopements:  Frequent resident checks. Know facility policy.

Understanding Pain:  Recognizing signs and symptoms of pain.  Documenting your observations and reporting to doctor. Understanding how to assist with any pain medication if ordered.