5 Things You Could Be Doing If You Hired A Home Health Care Aide For Your Elderly Loved One

Blog

Taking care of an elderly loved one, whether it's for minor things around the home or major issues with health care, takes up a lot of precious time. When you hire a home health care aide, you have more time for the important things in life, the ones that really matter.

1. Going For Walks

Walking is one of the best ways for an elderly person to get exercise, but the fresh air and scenery shouldn't be overlooked as valuable stimulants. Take a walk with your loved one, around the yard or the block, enjoying each languid step and pointing out things that matter to both of you. The bus stop where the kids were picked up for school every day or the convenience store that was a bakery back in the old days or other points along the way that make you smile or say "Do you remember when?"

These walks can be good for you, too, especially if you lead a busy life that doesn't permit you to stop and smell the roses as often as you'd like.

2. Shopping For Favorite Healthy Foods

Usually, shopping for food is done in haste due to busy schedules, but if you think about it, supplying the home with nutritious and enjoyable food is so important, it should be done with time and care. Letting your elderly friend or relative poke through produce or gab at the deli is a nice way to let them enjoy the shopping experience, while picking out the foods they need (and are more likely to eat) to keep healthy.

You don't really have time to do this if you have to get back to the house and finish laundry, vacuum, and prepare a few extra meals for the following day. A home health aide tends to all the little things that add up to such a drain on your time.

3. Visiting A Salon Or Barber

Would your elderly friend enjoy a haircut or trim away from the home? Most people get a kick out of visiting a salon, but it could be a particularly pleasant outing for someone who doesn't get out much, has given up on their hair, or hasn't seen old friends in a very long time. You could stop at a nail or hair salon or an old-fashioned barber, depending on the circumstances.

4. Taking Your Elderly Loved One To Your Home For Dinner

When was the last time the person you do so much for around their home came over to yours? If they're physically able, why not ask them to help you prepare a meal, using their own personal recipes and know-how? Not only would that likely be a fun experience for them, but you're bound to enjoy whatever you create together too.

5. Just Talking About Everything And Nothing

Time is one thing people can't buy, store, or produce and it's often so fleeting, a lifetime has passed before you realize how quickly it actually goes by. Give yourself the opportunity to talk more with your elderly loved one about anything from how the world used to be to how it is now and everything that makes it personal to both of you. Ask questions and, wherever possible, learn from the mistakes and experiences of your elderly friend. The elderly, in general, are a tragically wasted natural resource and usually more than eager to extend their knowledge. Take advantage of the moments you'll have if you hire someone to help you.

Home health care aides take care of many things for your elderly loved one, from housekeeping to hygiene and meal prepping to medicines, but they are no substitute for you and the quality time you can spend when all those things are done for you. Your elderly loved one will appreciate being with you and you'll treasure the memory of these times forever.

10 September 2018