The Sharing of Life Lessons Can Benefit Clients and Caregivers

Caregiving truly is a work of heart. You’re a caregiver because you want to help people in need, and use your knowledge to help them live their best lives. You know that your work matters. Each day is filled with accomplishing tasks necessary to your clients’ physical well-being: bathing, grooming, dressing, helping with meals, shopping, running errands, and so much more.

You are present in a person’s life at their most vulnerable. When we are at this point, all any of us hope for is to be heard and treated with dignity. The emotional support you provide by engaging with clients is invaluable. Having conversations and creating connections leads to better emotional and mental outcomes. Whether you’re working with someone dealing with dementia or other conditions, seniors in your care see important benefits from these connections, including improved mood, higher confidence, and reduced depression.

Questions and Conversation Starters

Having conversations will allow you to learn new things about the client’s life and their point of view. For some people, conversations come easily, but others may need a starting point. This list of questions and conversation starters is meant to be thoughtful and trigger memories. The sharing of life lessons and insights can be a profound experience for both of you.

1. If you could tell your younger self something you know now, what would you say?
2. What is your most vivid childhood memory?
3. Describe the place where you lived as a child.
4. Who were the most important people to you as a child?
5. Who was your best friend, and why?
6. If your life had a slogan, what would it be?
7. Did you travel much? Tell me about some favorite places you’ve been and what you like about them.
8. What do you find challenging right now? How can I support you through it?
9. What was your favorite subject in school? Why?
10. If you had to spend 1 million dollars tomorrow, what would you spend it on?
11. Did you have a pet as a child?
12. If you could go back to school again, what would you study?
13. Did you memorize anything, such as a poem, for school?
14. If you could tell your younger self something you know now, what would you say?
15. Describe one of those times you feel you succeeded in something.
16. Have you lost anyone special to you? If so, would you like to tell me about them?
17. What was your role in the family? (Were you the brain? Were you the athlete?)
18. Do you have any fears? Have you ever had a fear that you overcame?
19. What do you miss about ‘the good ol’ days’? What do you love about life right now?
20. What makes you feel loved?

10 Ways to Maintain a Positive Attitude

Quick Checklist:

1. Find healthy ways to manage stress
2. Think of challenges as opportunities to shine
3. Look for the best in others and yourself
4. Eat right and get plenty of rest
5. Exercise for 30 minutes or more on most days of the week
6. Focus on the joys in life and remember to laugh
7. Do something nice for someone
8. Make time each day to relax
9. Surround yourself with upbeat people
10. Take pride in your work and your achievements

Assisting Hands – Above the Best Caregiver Nominees

Congratulations to the following Assisting Hands® caregivers who have been selected as nominees for the Above the Best National Caregiver Award. They have shown their dedication to the care of others in ways worthy of acknowledgment.

Savannah, who doesn’t drive, worked in the evenings for a client who recently passed away after celebrating her 100th birthday. She faithfully went to her scheduled shifts, relying on the transportation of others. Savannah was committed to providing her client with a wonderful experience each evening. She encouraged her to play bingo with peers and found things she enjoyed eating, which grew more difficult over time. Savannah’s tender heart and cheerful disposition continually brought joy to this client. The quality of life that Savannah was able to provide to her through her caregiving was invaluable.

Mickey has a long history of caregiving experience and has taken care of many clients. She consistently goes above and beyond what is outlined in her care plan. She often stops by the clients’ homes on her off times to bring them a homecooked meal, bring them items from the grocery store that they’ve run out of, and just to check in to make sure they are doing well and provide a smile. A client was admitted to the hospital and Mickey went (on her off-time) to help the client’s husband pack a bag, and then she delivered the items to the client in the hospital. She often provides a listening ear to clients’ families when they are feeling down or overwhelmed. She has a heart of gold and she genuinely loves her clients. The office feels blessed to have Mickey on the team!