by the Ohio AIDS Coalition, Apr 27, 1998

• Encourage gaining weight and improving nutrition.
• Improve appetite and promote weight gain.
• Prevent and treat nausea and vomiting.
• Treat mouth sores and infections early.
• Encourage conserving energy and help to increase activity:
  • Balance periods of activity and rest
  • Encourage the person you are caring for to remain as active as possible
  • Plan activities for periods of the day when the energy level is highest.
  • Avoid the "doing for" syndrome.
  • Provide safety for the person you are caring for:
    • encourage the use of assist devices -- walkers, wheelchairs, commode handrails.
    • keep the home hazard-free -- uncluttered.
    • equip the bathroom with safety devices -- handrails, shower chairs.
    • raise beds, toilet seats, chairs and couches for easier transfers.
    • place sliding boards between seats for easier transfers.
    • obtain medical equipment for the home.
    • assist the person with daily activities such as shaving, dressing if necessary.
    • monitor the use of pain medications and control all medicine use.
    • consider using the Life Line or other emergency services when you need help.