"A practical, visual guide for the home caregiver"--Cover.

Includes index.

1. Becoming a caregiver -- The role of the caregiver -- Deciding to become a caregiver -- Living arrangements -- Changed relationships -- Looking after yourself -- Your emotional well-being -- Getting help and support -- 2. Making changes to the home -- Where to get advice and help -- General adaptations -- Home safety and security -- External access -- Hallways and stairs -- Sitting room -- Kitchen -- Bedroom -- Bathroom -- 3. Diet and health -- Eating well -- Monitoring weight -- Spotting malnutrition -- Swallowing and eating difficulties -- Special dietary needs -- When food is not enough -- The importance of mealtimes -- Putting eating well into practice -- Food hygiene and food safety -- 4. Social and mental well-being -- Getting out of the house -- Leisure activities -- Communication -- Staying mentally alert -- Coping after a stroke -- 5. Maintaining and aiding mobility -- Importance of mobility -- Assisting mobility -- Dealing with falls -- Walking aids -- Equipment to help move someone -- Mobility scooters -- Wheelchairs -- Mobility exercises -- Mobility after a stroke -- Pressure sores -- 6. Comfort in bed -- Rest and sleep -- Beds and bedding -- Equipment to aid comfort -- Mobility in bed -- 7. Personal care -- Help with washing -- Hair care -- Care of appearance -- Hand and foot care -- Mouth and tooth care -- Clothes and dressing -- Using the toilet -- Dealing with incontinence -- Urinary catheter care -- Stoma care -- 8. Day-to-day nursing -- Basic skills and principles -- Useful equipment -- Monitoring a person's condition -- Key danger signs -- Giving medication -- Wound care -- Pain management -- Dealing with temperature problems -- Dealing with breathing problems -- Dealing with vomiting and diarrhea -- 9. First aid emergencies -- What to do in an emergency -- Unconsciousness -- CPR -- Choking -- Severe chest pain -- Bleeding -- Shock -- Head injury -- Suspected stroke -- Bone, joint, and muscle injuries --Burns -- Seizures -- Bruising -- Insect sting -- Severe allergic reaction -- Effects of cold -- Heat-related illnesses -- 10. End-of-life care -- Preparing for the end -- Importance of communication -- End-of-life decisions -- Care of the dying person -- Practicalities after death -- Bereavement -- 11. Resources -- Legal and financial matters -- Useful contacts -- Glossary.