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4 Caregiving Essentials

The people caring for your loved one, home health aides, registered nurses, social workers, etc., witness some of the individual’s most vulnerable moments as they handle real-time critical issues related to a senior’s health and well-being. Here are some important lessons from home care nurses that can help you in care giving and beyond.

Routines matter

A daily routine will put your loved one in a better mood and keep their spirits high. For folks combating multiple chronic diseases—such as hypertension, Parkinson’s disease or dementia—a morning ritual can help kick-start their motor skills, triggering their mind that it’s a new day and it’s time to get going.

If you are having trouble getting into the groove of a routine, start with small steps. One home health aide started getting her patient up just ten minutes earlier each day to provide more time at breakfast. This type of forethought enabled the elder to avoid rushing through the meal, causing unnecessary stress and anxiety.

Subtle clues can be a lifesaver

When your loved one asks for a foot rub again and again, don’t assume he or she just wants pleasure. There might be an underlying medical issue that is causing significant discomfort in their feet.

Sometimes when patients ask to be massaged or rubbed, it is because they are experiencing pain, but do not want to feel as if they are complaining or being an inconvenience to their family members. Additionally, some people may not be cognitively equipped to express what they are truly feeling. So, be on the lookout for subtle messages!

Listen and take action

Home Health Clinicians are no strangers to moderating family situations. They routinely see family members not clearly communicating over difficult subjects, such as changes in their loved one’s health condition or care. One of our clinicians shared an experience about a patient whose children would insist that their mother participate in their routine family nights that were held in the basement.

The mother had difficulty making it up and down the stairs, and the children just thought she didn’t want to participate. After witnessing the miscommunication and stress it was causing, our clinician intervened and encouraged the family to put in a chair lift to make it easier for their mother to join them in their festivities.

Stay connected, virtually or in person

Aging at home can be one of the best options in terms of comfort, convenience and privacy. It can also be lonely for those who live alone or do not have loved ones who visit frequently. All too often, nurses see lonesome older adults who wish they had more people around.

Part of care giving is showing people how to stay connected, or get connected, via social channels, like Facebook, Twitter and online games. Additionally, caregivers help people find social groups in their community, whether it is a weekly bingo night, book club or game at a local senior center.


Superior Senior Home Care offers a complimentary consultation with an advisor to help you determine your loved one’s home care needs. To schedule your free consultation, call 805.430.8767 or contact us online.

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