My mother-in-law has entered a stage where she won’t swallow her food. Usually she eats well in the mornings but by lunch and supper she can’t swallow no matter what food we offer.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Wondering how long this can last before it causes serious problems. She was just in the hospital with a UTI and dehydration and constipation. No matter how hard we have tried to avoid the 3 problems, they happened anyway.

The purpose of your caregiving closet is to organize personal care items that you use daily, regularly and/or may need at some point in the future. If you and you caree live in separate households, you may want to create two closets–one for each household.

While the initial set-up may take time, you’ll find that having an organized closet that has just what you need, when you need it, is a life-saver. The closet also will come in handy when you take a break; your back-up will be able to step in more easily because the necessarily supplies are organized and handy.

So, here’s the list of products and supplies for your Caregiving Closet:

Over the Counter Medications
Acetaminophen – chewable tablet, liquid and suppository
Anti-inflammatory (ibuprofen/naproxen sodium)
Antibiotic ointment
Stool softener
Gastrointestinal medication (client preference or diagnosis driven)
Antihistamine
Anti-diarrheal
Weekly pill reminder box

Diabetic supplies
Glucose tablets
Blood sugar monitor and supplies
Extra insulin and syringes

Oxygen supplies
Extra portable oxygen tank

First Aid supplies
Instant hot/cold packs
Band-Aids
4X4 gauze pads
Tape
Kerlix
Ace wraps
Normal saline rinse
Sling with safety pins
Scissors/tweezers
Sun screen
Insect repellent
Lip balm
Body lotion
Hat/umbrella
Digital scale
Digital thermometer
Automated blood pressure system

Incontinence supplies
Washable bed protectors
Briefs
Perineal care wipes
Protective/barrier cream/ointment

Emergency supplies
Flashlight with extra batteries
Battery powered radio
Blankets
Change of clothes
Extra 2 day supply of prescription medication
Bottled water/Gatorade
Snacks like protein bars/nutritional drink supplement

Safety preparation
Medical Alert system (pendant)
Phone programmed with 911
Emergency numbers placed by phone
Hand held shower head
Shower chair
Non-skid mat for shower/tub
Toilet frame/riser
Grab bars
Soap on a rope
Double sided tape to secure throw rugs

Cognitive safety preparation
Door, bed, chair alarms
Special door locks
Lock up – medication, alcohol, cleaning supplies, guns, etc.
Alzheimer’s safe return system
Alerting police of senior situation

Vial of Life (Ready Reference card)
Medication list
Allergies
Physician list/phone numbers
Diagnoses
Contacts/phone numbers

To ease in re-stocking, hang a list of the products and supplies in your closet on the closet door. And, for your convenience you can download the list of supplies and products to save and print.

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