These are not in order of importance but here is a quick reference list of the Top 10 preventative approaches to caregiving that you can take right now and see a difference. 

1.  Optimize nutrition and hydration
2. Optimize activity in the home/participation in ADL and IADL if able
3. Analyze and improve quality of movement  with a daily routine
4. Set medications up for ideal times for best effectiveness and consistency ( talk with your MD nurse)
5. Engage in socializations to increase: cognitive activity, visual, verbal, muscle 
6. Get the home modifications you need ( bars, rails, toilet seat, shower seat, lighting in the home day and night)
7. Get a toilet with a self-cleaning feature if they have difficulty with wiping ( UTI, skin breakdown)
8. Adjust flooring in the home (carpets, flush thresholds, steps) to prevent falls 
9. Establish what walking device they should be using and keep them consistent with it
10. Analyze bed mobility safety and safety getting to and from the bedroom to the bathroom

You might notice that these all promote independence in some way.  This should be the goal that you don't give up on because the more independence that your loved one has, the more independence you have. 

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