Here is some tips and tricks we have learned:

​

• Make sure they change positions every couple of hours

• When moving someone make sure you do it carefully

• When moving positions, have patience because it takes longer to know if it is comfortable

• If unable to take a shower, get a shampoo tray for washing hair in bed

• If using a wheelchair get a comfortable seat pad

• Get haircut, nails done, etc. so they are still being taken care of, even when stuck in hospital or rehab (getting pampered is nice whether female or male)

• Find entertainment! I could be listening to music, coloring, doing a puzzle, playing a game, cards, but it is hard to sit every day in place you don't want to be with nothing to do. Make sure that whatever you choose to do is safe and appropriate for their ability.

• Have visitors! Having support is incredibly helpful for not only the emotional but physical recovery.

• Know you limits but push as hard as your body will let you.

• Ask questions!

• Dry shampoo is helpful between washes

• Compression booties need to be worn for those who can't move legs or not walking for less chance of blood clot

• Wearing a "boot" to help with drop foot

• Stretching helps whether doing it yourself or having someone else do it for you