Being a caregiver is an important job. It doesn’t matter whether you’re doing this type of work for money or because you’re taking care of a loved one, providing home care is important for a number of reasons. It’s also important to not just think about this level of care as being just about making sure that the elderly individual takes their medication as prescribed or helping them get out of bed and dressed, or assisting them with basic toiletries.

It’s also about making sure that they have a high quality of life while living at home. As we age, our body begins to change. Certain cellular processes slow down, the hormones in our system changes, and it becomes more difficult each year to maintain strength and do some of the things that we used to enjoy.

That doesn’t mean that a person has to stop living when they reach that certain age. All it means is that they may have to change the things that they do, which can have its benefits. Did you ever think about things that you might want to try but never did because you didn’t have the time? Most of us have.

How about spending more time just slowing down and taking a moment (or several moments) to reflect on life, on the day that you had, on friends and family members who you might no longer be in contact with, and a number of other things? When you’re a caregiver, you might have other obligations on your mind. It might not seem practical to take the time to sit down and relax, but it’s exactly the perfect thing to do with the elderly individual. Of course, that’s up to them, so make sure that you don’t force your desire upon them.

What about having a cup of nice, hot tea with the elderly individual? During the winter is a great time to have tea because it will warm the body up and there are plenty of different teas and flavors that you can choose from so that you’re sure to find one that is to the elderly person’s preference.

So why hot tea? First, it’s a good excuse to sit down for a few minutes while you sip it. This can give you two a chance to talk. Also it’s National Hot Tea Month.

Being a caregiver is a great responsibility, but that doesn’t mean you can’t slow down for a few minutes and share some time with the person you’re caring for. Why not have some tea tonight?

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Donna Wrabel, LMSW

Co-Owner at At Your Side Home Care

For most of us, the word "home" evokes warm feelings of comfort, security and well-being. For older adults, home also means holding tight to cherished memories and maintaining self-esteem and independence. When illness, injury or age make life a little more challenging, remaining at home in a comfortable, familiar environment encourages recovery and enhances the quality of life. Home can be defined as a private residence, an independent or assisted living facility or even a short term stay in the hospital, we recognize the additional benefits provided by a personal, professional assistant.

Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.

Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week

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