Safety Tips
- If the person you care for shows signs of a heart attack or stroke, do not delay. Do not let them talk you out of calling 911 for emergency medical services. Quick action saves lives.
- If a person develops an unexplained pain that worsens quickly over time, call 911 or take the person to an emergency room. Do not try to treat it.
- Do not try to drive someone to the emergency room, if the person you care for shows signs of a heart attack or stroke.
- If a person becomes angry or threatens violence, stay an adequate distance away. Maintain an open exit so you do not feel trapped. Do not block an exit so the person feels trapped. Use slow gestures, speak softly when talking and avoid making an abrupt or sudden movement. Arguing or trying to reason can make the person angry or agitated.
- Maintain a safe environment if the person you care for has problems with walking. Assistive devices may be necessary, such as a walker or cane.
- See our lesson on Using a Walker and our future lesson Using a Cane.