Saturday, March 3, 2007

The Human Touch ... So Important

How important to you is the human touch? Well, studies show that it is very important. Believe it or not, it helps boost one's immune system and is also a major aid in the healing process.

When under distress, just a loving hand can calm that person down. When ill, that person will recover or if the illness is terminal, the quality of life will be better for them because you showed them love and support. Who knows, you may extend their length of days. If anyone needs the human touch, it's one who is ill or vulnerable

There have also been studies conducted on sick babies in hospitals and people in institutionalized setttings. The results of these studies showed that those who were given personal care and affection had a more speedy recovery that those who were just given basic care and left alone in icilation with nobody else to visit them otherwise. Those who were not given the helping hand or affectionate human touch either stayed ill for a much longer period: or, they died faster. Check out the net, and you'll see what I mean for yourself. But, below, I'd like to share with you an article I found on this subject.

Reach Out and Calm Someone

When you see a look of panic cross a loved one's face, offer something that will have an immediate impact: your hand.

Perhaps it's instinct to do that anyway. But now there's hand-holding data to back it up. In a recent study, the touch of a loved one had real power in times of crisis. Brain scans of people under duress revealed that threat-related brain activity diminished when a loved one grabbed their hands.
Here's more good news about supportive relationships.

Cultivating good relationships brings lots of perks, not the least of which is stress reduction for both parties. If you've ever cozied up to a companion during a scary movie, you know the feeling. But the calming influence extends far beyond horror-movie moments. A good friend or family member can also help talk you through real-life troubles, or they can just be a comforting physical presence during tough times.

An additional benefit of stress-reducing social connections?
A better immune system-- which means a lower risk of infection and faster healing.

Has there ever been a better reason to reach out and touch someone?

Ask yourself that question when your vulnerable loved one needs you next time. After all, these are the ones who need that loving touch the most.

The article can be found at this address;
http://www.realage.com/news_features/tip.aspx?v=1&cid=17740#MI

Friday, March 2, 2007

How To Change An Adult's Diaper

I bet you are looking at this post right now wondering why in the world I'd want to write about a topic like this. Well, this is something important for many people--more than many think.

All too often, the caregiver will surf the web looking for the best way to do things for the one in which they are caring for. They want to learn how to perform certain tasks but don't know who to go to for answers: or, they feel too embarrassed to ask. Sometimes, caught in the moment of stress, they may not know what they are even looking for or where to find it.

One touchy topic that is unfortunately taboo is changing the diaper of an adult. And, being that it is taboo, it makes it hard for anyone needing help to want to seek it. Those who we will refer to as Adult babies--people wanting to be treated like a baby to the point of diapering but with some sexual involvement which doesn't make a hill of sense to me--also put those needing diapers or caring for ones needing them in a bad position because their deranged behavior adds to the taboo in my opinion.

Inadition to that, society also puts into our heads that if one needs diapers, they are babyish. It also has us to think that diapers are for the old grannies. So, if one doesn't fit into those two classifications, they are taboo. However, the stigma leans more towards diapers being for babies which, in my opinion, is one that totally needs to be done away with. And, because of this stigma of diapers being for babies, when the average caregiver surfs the net for information on diaper changing, curing diaper rash for an adult, and things of that nature, they will more than likely find things having to do with babies. That is not helpful now is it? So, this is the reason I have decided to write this post. Below, will be a step by step guide on how to change the diaper of an adult whether the one should be mentally retarded, physically disabled, or just an elderly person going through the average aging process who needs care. Note that this can also apply for older children who are mentally retarded or handicap.

What You Need

A Clean Diaper
Tub Or Pack of Wipes (Don't just bring one or two to the changing because you never know how much you'll need, especially if the person has messed himself.)
Baby Powder (This is not necessary: but, it is a great help for preventing rash and taking away oder as well as keeping the area dry. Diapers cause that area to sweat, and just as baby powder is used in shoes for feet, it is also best used in this area for the same reason. Of course when the diaper is wet, it means nothing than: but, it makes the wearer comfortable in the meantime.)
Trash can (This is to easily dispose of things during the change. You won't have to worry about cleaning up afterwards. That is a pain in the butt anyway.)
Barrier cream such as desitin or A&D Ointment (It is not necessary but if applied with each change, it aids in preventing diaper rash. It should also be used to treat a diaper rash when one is present. Then, these creams DO become necessary. But, as a rule of thumb, you should always have them on hand.)
A Towel (This is to collect anything that were to come from the diaper. A Blue pad also known as a chuck can also be used. However, since they are disposable and can't be reused, they cost much more. A towel can be rewashed. But, the choice is yours.)

Here Is What You Do

1. Make sure you have all of your supplies within arms reach. There is nothing worse than being unprepared, especially for a task like this one.
2. Get the person lying in the bed, on a changing table, or on the floor. Whatever is comfortable for you. (If the person is full sized and unable to walk or get up from the floor on his own, then the bed or changing table--if you have one--is the best way to go. However, if the person suffers mental retardation and is capable of getting up fluidly and is physically fine, or the person is smaller in stature, then the floor is fine to use. There is nothing more back breaking than having to pick a full sized person from off the floor when he can't walk or support himself.)
3. Remove the person's pants completely not just pulling it down to the ankles. Make sure all clothing is out of the way as well as all blankets if you are using the bed. You don't want anything to get on them causing you to work harder by doing more laundry.
4. Undo the tapes of the diaper and pull it back. Don't take it out from under the person since it could be useful for collecting waste during the change if the one you are changing should have an accident.
5. Take your forearm and put it behind the knees pushing them almost to the chest. This will raise them up allowing you to clean them more affectively.
6. Wipe them from front to back. This is especially crucial for girls. And, don't quit until they are completely clean. Put the wipes into the older diaper that is beneath them as you wipe.
7. Fold up the old diaper and put it in the trash can next to you using one hand as you keep them held up behind the knees with your forearm. If you feel you need two hands to fold up the diaper, take it out from under them, let them lay on the towel, fold up the diaper, and put it in the trash.
8. Now, lift them up by putting your forearm behind the knees again and put the clean diaper under them. The part of the diaper with the tapes should be in back. Make sure the back of the diaper goes above their talebone a couple of inches..
9. Let them down to lay on the diaper. It is now that you can apply the baby powder and cream to them.
10. Pull the diaper up between their legs and fasten the tapes on each side. Make sure the diaper is snug and comfortable.
11. Put back on the clothing you removed.

Now, there you have it. You have accomplished the task.