How One Home Health Aide Made All the Difference

See how the right home health aide helped Phillip stay independent, safe, and connected.

It’s always rewarding when we learn about a home health aide and a client connecting well. But it’s especially gratifying when it’s close to being a perfect match, as in the case of Phillip and Maurice.

Phillip had a serious fall on his stairs a few years before he turned 90. He was determined to maintain his independence and stay in his home, but he knew he’d need help to lower the risk of future falls.

Following the accident, he began to get support from Maurice, a VNS Health home health aide — and that evolved into a relationship that endured long afterward.

Personalized Home Care After a Fall

Initially, Maurice provided what could be called typical home health aide support: He helped Phillip with bathing and personal care, and made sure Phillip was using his walker correctly.

As Phillip’s recovery progressed, Maurice accompanied him on walks in the neighborhood. He helped Phillip navigate uneven or narrow sidewalks and heavy pedestrian traffic.

Maurice was aware of Phillip’s physical limitations and kept a close eye on his movements. “Maurice was very attentive,” Phillip notes. “He watched what I did, and if I showed any sign of wobbling, he was there to help immediately. He made it possible for me to walk independently without needing a walker and really understood my physical limitations and mobility issues.” Maurice also had the physical strength that gave Phillip confidence in taking longer walks. Eventually, Phillip and Maurice would walk as far as a mile!

Why Trust Matters in Home Care

Sadly, Phillip understands from his own and others’ experiences the dangers of mobility issues. “I know numerous people who’ve fallen, had broken bones and all the rest. My brother and brother-in-law both died after falling. It’s a real peril.”

Even with stakes this high, many older adults or families hesitate to start home care. They may be reluctant for a stranger to come into their home, or struggle to admit they need help.

And this is where trust comes in. When clients feel comfortable with their home health aide, they’re more likely to accept support. Without that trust, help can feel intrusive.

Also read: Home Care for Parents Who Resist Help

How the Right Caregiver Match Makes a Difference

That’s where the power of the right match comes in. In Phillip’s case, he saw right away that he could trust Maurice. “I can’t say enough about how helpful and serious and useful his services were,” he says.

As Phillip’s relationship with Maurice grew beyond physical care into a meaningful connection, the two men developed a rapport. On their walks they would stop for coffee from time to time, where their conversations ranged from discussions about their families to politics. “We talked quite a bit about Haiti — it’s his native land,” says Phillip. “We also talked about financial matters and current events. He became almost a friend. About 20 minutes of every visit, we’d just sit and talk over coffee.”

Confidence & Companionship at Home

Companionship is another benefit that the right home health aide offers, and Phillip’s experience reflects that. He began to look forward to his time with Maurice. “I wasn’t looking for companionship,” Phillip explains, “but it was a bonus. If you can’t talk and connect, it becomes a turn-off, but this was the opposite.”

One of the surest signs of a great match is when the client requests the same aide. Phillip no longer needs an aide for day-to-day support, and he doesn’t go out for walks in the winter. But when the weather improves, he looks forward to getting out — and to seeing if Maurice is available.