One of the easiest ways to promote independence is to give people the equipment they need to complete simple movements or tasks. For instance, providing residents with reaching tools can allow them to grab items on their own that they otherwise could not reach. For example, giving a person with limited stretching and bending ability a dressing stick or grabber can help them dress themself. In addition to using simple tools, some equipment can be installed that will help a person to be independent. For example, installing handrails in a shower and next to a toilet may help a resident to shower and go to the bathroom on their own without a huge risk of injury. Other examples of adaptive equipment that can be installed include toilet seat lifts, shower benches, ramps, and electric hospital beds. In some cases, residents in care can benefit from mobility equipment that allows them to move on their own, such as walkers and motorized wheelchairs. Even residents that can walk may be able to be more independent if they have access to a scooter or other mobility aid. There are typically a variety of daily tasks that people in residential care can and should do themselves. While you can't force someone to use the tools you provide that make these tasks easier, you can gently encourage them to use them. This can help the resident gain the confidence they need to do the tasks themself. While it is an important part of independence to allow residents to decide what they will and will not do, it can be very beneficial to give support and encouragement. You need to walk a fine line here between being overbearing and giving the person the encouragement and self esteem they need to be more independent.

Summary: Provide adaptive tools for daily tasks. Install adaptive equipment in the resident's room. Provide mobility equipment. Encourage residents to use adaptive tools and equipment.


On some windows, you may be able to remove all the dirt and grime with vinegar and baking soda. But if your windows still need some work, it’s time to wash and wipe the tracks down. Dish soap like Dawn works very well. Otherwise, you can use a natural, organic cleaning product. Natural cleaners like vinegar and lemon are options that will clean your tracks. You can also use Castille soap for an organic approach. Use the brush to scrub the inside of the window tracks to loosen any leftover and stubborn dirt & debris.  You can use any type of brush from a special window track bush to a toothbrush to a toilet scrubber. Pay special attention to the corners to ensure all dirt is properly loosened by the soapy brush. Make sure you squeeze all the excess water out so that it doesn’t pool in your tracks. Your towel should be damp enough to wipe away and absorb any leftover dirt. By now you’ll have efficiently cleaned your window tracks and there shouldn’t be much grime or dirt left.  Make sure to wipe down the main part of the track and the corners. Pay attention to each little crevice and groove. It’s also a good idea to wipe down the vertical tracks if you haven’t already. Additionally, wipe any parts of the actual window that you can reach, especially the frame which touches the tracks. Wipe away any water drips or wet spots leftover in the window track.  After you’ve got your tracks looking pristine and to your liking, take your dry rag and give the tracks a good wipe. The dry rag will remove any moisture and prevent drip or streak marks. You may also want to leave your windows open to let the areas air dry.

Summary: Fill a bucket with warm or hot water and add soap. Dip your scrubbing brush in the soapy water and scrub the tracks. Soak one of your towels and wipe down the tracks. Finish wiping down the tracks. Use a dry towel to finish.


Click the blue “Sign Up” button in the top left corner, next to the Flickr logo. Enter the information that it requests. If you have a Yahoo account, you can create a Flickr account using your Yahoo login information. By doing this you can upload photos to Flickr directly from your smartphone.  Search for the app in the App Store or Play Store, depending on what type of device you have. Open it once it is downloaded and log into your account. On your home page, you can drag and drop your photos anywhere on the page below the navigation bar, or you can click the blue button that says “Select files to upload.” Select the photos you would like to upload and either drag-and-drop them or open them from your documents. Once your photo is uploaded, you can click on it to edit its privacy settings, edit the photo itself, share it, add it to an album, or download it to your computer. If you edit it, be sure to save your edits. You have a few options to share it, such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and email. You can also grab the link for the image and share that with whoever you want to see the photos. Follow the prompts to share photos to social media platforms or to email. When you click one of the social media websites, a pop-up window will appear asking you to write a post to go along with those photos. You must open the app to do this.  Tap the button that looks like a camera in the middle of the navigation bar. You can take a photo directly with the app by tapping the large white circle, or you can choose a photo from your photo gallery by choosing the square to the left of the large white circle. You will be able to edit the photo if you would like to do that. When you are done editing, tap the “Next” button in the top right corner. You can give your photo a title, and you can determine its privacy settings before sharing it. Not only will the photo post to your Flickr account, but you can also share it with Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr from the app. When you are ready to share it, press the “Post” button in the top right corner.

Summary: Create an account with Flickr by visiting http://flickr.com. Download the Flickr app on your smartphone. Upload photos to Flickr from your computer immediately. Share your photo from Flickr by clicking the “Share” link. Upload photos to Flickr directly from your smartphone.


Instead of stepping out with your front foot so that your knee is at a 90-degree angle, take a slightly larger step. This way, when you lean forward you’ll have increased tension on your hip flexors.  If you feel pain instead of mild tension, though, reduce your step a bit. It’s important to step out further instead of trying to lean further forward with your foot in the same position. During your stretch, your front knee should never extend past the toes of your front foot. As you lean forward on your left leg, for example, raise your right arm straight up in the air. Then, angle it inward over your head very slightly. Stretching your arm upward will add further tension to your hip flexors. Extend your arm upward, but don’t stretch it up so far that you lose your body positioning for the stretch. Keep your back straight, your shoulders slightly back and down, your chest slightly out, and your abs contracted. For the alternative stretch, start by lying flat on your back on your exercise mat or towel. Use both hands to pull your left knee up to your chest—come as close to touching your chest as possible without causing pain. Then, extend your right foot so that your right calf is flat on the mat (or is as close as possible without pain).  This will mildly stretch your right side but not your left. Make sure to stretch both of your legs evenly. Hold this position for 10-30 seconds, and do 3-4 total stretches per leg.
Summary: Step your foot out further if you don’t feel mild tension. Raise your opposite hand as another way to increase the intensity. Do an alternate hip flexor stretch if this one is too challenging.