Taking care of elderly patients

**rebecca** · 11-21-2004, 07:08 PM

I used to take care of older paitents in their home. Made decent money. On holidays and weekends they would pay $2.00 more. Was not really hard work. Would love to do this instead of house cleaning, but would do it on my week-ends off, but this would be the only time I would be able to do something with the girls. So, it did cut in my time with them. That is why I no longer take care of people in their home. I really miss it though. You really learned alot from them. With my one daughter working and the other in sports I am their chauffer (sp) now. Most of this was word of mouth. Renee

**matt&roxy** · 11-23-2004, 04:46 PM

I think that is a good way to earn some extra money and to learn from others. I have always wanted to go visit some nursing homes and talk to the elderly, but am way to shy to go. I am afraid I wouldn't know what to talk about and would just sit there in silence.

**rebecca** · 11-23-2004, 05:01 PM

matt&roxy, Don't be worried about what you would talk to them about. Ask them how they are doing, how many brothers and sisters they had, where did they grow up, what is their favorite memory of their childhood, what did they do for a living, how many children did they have. They would just love to have your company and visit them. You can do it. Before you know it you will have a wonderful friend. But, one thing I will tell you that you do get attached to older people and when they pass away it can be hard at times. Just remember the good times you had and how you made them happy just by being their. You will get as much enjoyment and they will. Renee

**matt&roxy** · 11-23-2004, 05:07 PM

Thanks for the "starter questions". It's funny, sort of, but I would never have been able to think of one question on my own once I had gotten there. I was also worried about growing close to them and then them passing, but I know that is life and I would deal with it accordingly......Thanks.....Roxy

**rebecca** · 11-23-2004, 05:20 PM

Usually once you say hi to them they usually beam up. If you haven't done this before and been around older people in a nursing home it would be naturally hard to wonder what to ask them. Give yourself credit. Been doing this for about 28 yr. Gosh, I hate to admit that.

Good luck.

**COUNTRYBUMPKIN** · 11-23-2004, 06:08 PM

Two of my closest friends are elderly ladies who are sisters. They are 89 and 84 years young and both live independent in their homes. I have so much fun with them and sometimes we get to laughing so hard, we have actually wet our britches

They are just so much fun, and I love them to peices. It is going to be rough when they pass, as I am sooooooo attached to them.