Home Health Aide for Seniors

"Daniel is a retired physician who lives alone in his own home. Daniel’s wife died over three years ago and he prides himself in being able to live independently. However, two years ago Daniel suffered a stroke that affected his walking, thinking and mood. He seems to have more trouble remembering things and sounds depressed. Daniel’s son, David, who lives out of state is concerned that his father is not taking proper care of himself. Specifically, he worries that his father’s nutrition is suffering.

Daniel tells David that he is microwaving meals and getting plenty to eat, but David is not convinced. David is also concerned about Daniel driving to the store to get groceries. David talks to his father about bringing home health aides in to assist Daniel with shopping and cooking. At first Daniel is reluctant, stating that he can take care of himself and is doing just fine. But with some prodding and the suggestion that this is a “trial” convinces him to give it a try.

David arranges home care aides to assist Daniel with shopping and cooking meals 7 nights a week. Daniel’s nutrition improves and the stress he felt having to make his own meals, decreases. The home care aides also do the shopping for meals with a list that Daniel provides.

An unexpected benefit is the companionship that the caregiver provides. As a result, Daniel’s mood improves as well."

Bob and Judy have been married for over 40 years. They have three children who all live out of state. Judy has noticed that Bob has become more forgetful. He asks Judy where his clothes are and how to put his shirts on in the morning. He meets with a group of men at the senior center each week and has called Judy saying that he got lost on the way there. He has started asking Judy the names of their children and where they live.

Alarmed, Judy takes Bob to see his physician. The doctor does some memory tests and concludes that Bob has dementia. They talk about Bob’s current symptoms and the fact that things will get worse over time. Judy is already feeling the stress of not knowing if Bob will get lost and having to help him with basic activities.

Bob’s physician recommends calling a home care agency to get some help for Bob and take some of the stress off of Judy. He recommends a company and Judy calls as soon as she gets home. She arranges for home health aides to come to the home twice a day. Some of the tasks they perform are to help Judy. They assist with laundry and light housekeeping. The home health aides take Bob to the senior center so that he can continue meeting his friends and not worry about getting lost. They also assist him with dressing, giving him reminders about where to find his clothes and how to get dressed.

Judy feels immense relief having the caregivers help her and Bob. Bob begins to relax too. He enjoys the companionship of the caregivers. Although Judy knows there will be challenges ahead, she feels more confident now that she has support.