Fatigue Tip Sheet for Professionals
Fatigue is a continual state of mental tiredness. Fatigue can occur after physical activity but most commonly after mental activity.
What Fatigue Can Look Like
- Slurred/slowed speech, difficulty finding words, dull tone of voice, short answers
- Poor concentration, balance, or coordination
- Shortness of breath
- Slower responses/movement
- Irritability, anxiety, or crying episodes
- Increased forgetfulness
- Lack of motivation and interest/loss of appetite/withdrawn
Accommodations
- Help identify the first signs of fatigue/triggers
- Make contingency plans for appointments
- Organize routines around preferred times of day
- Avoid fluorescent and/or dim lighting
- Discuss medications side effects with prescriber
- Assess for accommodations for daily activities (occupational therapist)
Encourage
- Use of assistive technology/mechanical aids
- Avoidance of or limitation of alcohol use
- Scheduled rest periods
- Uncluttered home and work environments