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Inflammation provides a necessary function in the human body, as inflammation is a natural reaction of the immune system when battling infectious agents and removing damaged cells. Though inflammation is necessary for healing the body, too much inflammation can also pose a problem. Particularly, inflammation is a concern when the body “overreacts” or instigates inflammation even when there are no harmful pathogens present, as characteristic in many autoimmune disorders, such as celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. Too much inflammation in the body can lead to discomfort, including redness or stiffness of the inflamed area, rashes, heat, pain, and swelling (1). Furthermore, long-term chronic inflammation has also been linked to increased risk of heart disease, Alzheimer's, and certain kinds of cancer. Some foods contain components that promote inflammation, while others reduce inflammation. Consumption of these foods below containing anti-inflammatory agents may help alleviate the symptoms and discomfort of inflammation, as part of a healthy diet.

1. Carrots

Vitamin A deficiency can increase the body’s inflammatory response and a sufficient intake of vitamin A is beneficial both in the prevention of disease and as a potent anti-inflammatory agent (2). Vitamin A is also essential in curbing night blindness and needed for proper immune system function. As carrots contain high amounts of vitamin A, eating just a small amount of carrots is sure to fulfill your recommended intake for the day. In fact, just 1/4 cup of chopped carrots contains the recommended daily value of vitamin A! However, although sufficient amounts of vitamin A are essential for proper health, it is important not to get too much. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin and excess amounts are stored in the liver. Detrimental effects caused by acute or chronic vitamin A toxicity include cracked fingernails, ulcers, respiratory infections, liver abnormalities, and intense headaches.

2. Ginger

Ginger contains components that can reduce inflammation, as has also been known to decrease nausea and alleviate upset stomachs. It’s a great choice due to its versatility - it can be seeped in tea, cooked in soup or with fish, incorporated in salad dressings, and much more.

3. Broccoli

Broccoli is rich in the antioxidants flavonoids and carotenoids, which work in the body to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress to cells. Reducing or delaying oxidative stress caused by free radicals is important because it causes damage to cells, DNA, proteins, and genes. In order to retain most of broccoli’s nutritional value, avoid steaming or boiling it for more than 4-5 minutes.

4. Flaxseed

Apart from the necessary inflammation present in the immune response, a large imbalance of omega-6 consumption versus omega-3 consumption contributes to an internal environment optimal for inflammation. This is because foods containing high amounts of omega-6 are generally pro-inflammatory, while those containing omega-3 are mostly anti-inflammatory. Flaxseed (as well as fatty fish and walnuts in particular) contains high amounts of omega-3 that are necessary in combatting inflammation.

5. Basil

Basil contains eugenol, a volatile oil capable of blocking the activity of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX-2) (3). COX is part of the pathway that produces compounds called prostaglandins, which is perceived by nerve endings as pain in the human body. Thus, suppressing the activity of COX is particularly beneficial to those with rheumatoid arthritis or joint aches.

6. Spinach

Spinach contains flavonoids, which also can decrease the activity of the COX-2 enzyme. Furthermore, it contains vitamin E, which functions as an antioxidant. As a tip, dark leafy vegetables generally contain more vitamin E than vegetables with light-colored leaves. Spinach can be easily incorporated in the diet by baking it as part of a low-fat quiche or adding a half cup of spinach into a fruit smoothie.

7. Cinnamon

Used as a traditional medicine in ancient times, cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and contains antioxidants called polyphenols, which are useful in preventing oxidative damage. Cinnamon has other therapeutic effects - it has been used as part of a remedy to treat diabetes, Alzheimer’s, gastrointestinal disorders, and has some antibacterial and anti-fungal properties (4). Sprinkle cinnamon in a hot cup of tea for a kick of flavor or bake halves of pears with honey and cinnamon at 350°F for 20 minutes, or until soft.

8. Turmeric

Turmeric is an herb that originated from Southeast Asia and has been used in India both as a spice and as part of religious ceremonies for over 4000 years (5). Its therapeutic properties of being anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial have been discovered more recently, within the past 25 years, and have been used for rheumatoid arthritis, colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and wound healing (5).

Your body depends on water to survive.  Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to work correctly.  Your body uses water to maintain temperature, remove waste, and lubricate joints. It is important to drink throughout the day to replace the water your body loses.  Water makes up more than half your body weight.  You lose water when you go to the bathroom, sweat and even when you breathe.  You lose water even faster when the weather is really hot, when you are physically active, when you have a fever, if you are vomiting or have diarrhea.  If you don’t replace the water you lose, you can easily become dehydrated. Signs of dehydration are:

• Dry mouth
• Sleepiness or fatigue
• Extreme thirst
• Little or no urine, or urine that is darker than usual
• Headache
• Confusion
• Dizziness or lightheaded feeling
• No tears when crying

Don’t wait until you notice symptoms of dehydration.  Be proactive by drinking plenty of water.  The elderly are at greater risk of becoming dehydrated, because as you get older, you don’t have the same urge to drink.  Therefore, it is important for the elderly to drink throughout the day, even if they say they are not thirsty. The average recommendation for daily water intake is 6-8 eight ounces of water a day.  Some people may need a little more, some a little less In addition to water, fruits and vegetables contain water as well.   The top fruits that contain approximately 90% water per volume are watermelon, strawberries, grapefruit, cantaloupe, and peaches.  The top vegetables containing water are cucumbers, lettuce, zucchini, radishes, celery tomatoes and cabbage.   Here are some helpful tips for keeping properly hydrated:

• Keep a bottle of water with you during the day.
• If you don’t like the taste of plain water, try adding a slice of lemon or lime to your drink
• Be sure to drink water before, during and after a workout.
• When you are feeling hungry, drink water. Thirst is often confused with hunger.
• If you have trouble remembering to drink water, drink on a schedule. You should drink water when you wake up, at every meal, and before you go to sleep.  If this does not work for you, schedule to drink a small cup of water every hour.

When we prepare for our retirement and old age, we worry about things like money, future living situation, kids, grand kids, friends etc. What many of us forget to take into account is how boring life age can become. In our older age, kids are busy in their own lives and our friends live in different parts of the city or country. Slowly, boredom and loneliness creep in. With in-home care, there are daily interactions between the caregiver and the patient and this somewhat alleviates the boredom. But slowly, caregiving also falls into a routine and we are back to square one. However, we can prevent this mind-numbing boredom with help of companionship and spontaneity in our lives. With July being the National Anti-Boredom month, let’s take a look at some solutions which will remove boredom for both the caregiver and the patient:

1. Get a pet:

Pets are a wonderful source of companionship, whether it is for the caregiver or the patient. They bring fun and joy in our lives. Playing with them is so entertaining and if it works for you, you can also take them out for walks. Dogs are amazingly loyal and social and will always be there with you. If you prefer a little more solitude, cats will be a good choice for you. They are very low maintenance pets who prefer to wander and give space to their humans.

2. Try gardening:

Gardening doesn’t always means being out in the garden, on your knees with your hands in the dirt. You can always get some potted plants indoors or on window sills and look after them as they grow. Watching something grow (like plants, pets or kids) and taking care of it is a very emotionally rewarding experience. Both patient and caregiver can take part in this and watch the plants grow.

3. Video Games:

Video games are exciting and provide a stimulating experience to our brains. In the past decades, these games have made impressive progress. Most of these games can now be played while sitting or lying down. You can play them alone or with partners. Try games from Wii, Nintendo, PSP, X Box etc. These games are not only fun, they give you a sense of achievement, exercise your motor skills, and stimulate your brain.

4. Internet is a wonderful thing:

Internet, one of the most useful inventions ever, is a wonderful thing. It can open the doors of a whole new universe for you. You can watch interesting or funny videos on YouTube, TV shows and movies on Netflix, use sites like Reddit, StumbleUpon to discover new things etc. If you feel uncomfortable in using a desktop or a laptop, I would suggest trying an iPad or any similar tablet. They are lightweight and easy to hold and you can surf the internet with ease. Both the patient and the caregiver can keep themselves entertained on the internet.

5. Learn a new language:

To avoid boredom, it is important to stimulate our minds. Learning new things is an excellent way to do this. When you are older or caring for an elderly person, learning a new language is a great option as it doesn’t requires physical exertion. You can use websites like Duolingo and iTalki to learn new languages for free.

6. Start a book club:

This is a great way to regularly meet up with your friends and loved ones. You can organize a biweekly or monthly book club meeting, where the members of the club meet at a fixed spot and discuss books, stories etc. You can meet at each other’s house, in parks, in cafes etc. Through book club meetings, you catch up with your friends, see them on a regular basis and get to read some new books which keeps your mind engaged.

7. Bird Sanctuary in your backyard:

The caregiver and the patient can work together to set up a small sanctuary for birds in the backyard. You will need things like feeder, birdbath, and a shelter where they can escape to in case of storms, cats etc. Once the birds start coming in, you can sit back and watch them through the windows. Bird watching is a very relaxing hobby. You can also take pictures of birds to identify their breed. It’s a fun way to spend time.

8. Puzzles and crosswords:

Activities which stimulate our brains are a great way to keep boredom at bay. Solving puzzles and crosswords are good examples of such activities. The caregiver or the patient can buy some puzzles and then they can try to solve it together. Same goes for the crosswords published in newspapers and magazines.

9. Journaling:

Getting older has one huge benefit. You now have lots of stories to tell! These stories are experiences and knowledge you have acquired over the years and it would be a shame to let it all go to waste. You can try journaling to write down your thoughts, your feelings, your experiences and your stories.

Caregivers do more than just look after their patients and attend to their needs. They nurture, and foster a bond that makes them almost a part of the family. Sometimes, they provide more than what is required of them. Many patients spend a majority of the last years of their lives with their caregivers, so it is important for families to find home health aides who will treat their loved ones like their own. These are some of the important qualities that one should look for in a capable caregiver.

a good caregiver knows how to empathize.

To give the patient the best care possible, it is important for a caregiver to have a personal understanding of and connection with what his or her patient is going through. Being able to empathize allows the caregiver to put himself or herself in the patient’s shoes, and identify and ease the patient’s fears or discomfort.

a good caregiver is patient and flexible.

Patience and flexibility are qualities that every person in the caregiving industry must possess. There’ll be many hurdles along the way--the patient is being stubborn and uncooperative, the schedule doesn’t go as planned, or difficult situations arise. A caregiver who is very rigid will find it challenging to deal with these circumstances in a positive way.

a good caregiver is passionate about what he or she does.

What makes caregivers good is the passion for what they do. This means that they are not only in it for the compensation but genuinely care for people in need. A passionate caregiver tries to prepare for possible difficulties that his or her patient might experience and takes the necessary measures to make things easier. Caregivers who are passionate about their jobs are happy with what they do, and this becomes evident in how they deal with their patients, who in turn will respond positively to their enthusiastic and lively attitude. Moreover, these caregivers are constantly looking for ways to improve how they perform their jobs, and ultimately, to make the lives of their patients better.

a good caregiver is attentive and responds to situations in a timely manner.

A patient, especially the elderly, needs constant care and attention. It’s the caregiver’s job, therefore, to be attuned to those needs even if the patient doesn’t or is unable to communicate them. Paying close attention to the patient’s needs is also crucial because in many cases, the patient is unaware that they require help from their caregivers, and with little or no warning, the caregiver must respond to those needs to avoid untoward events.

a good caregiver puts the needs of his or her patient first and is able to take charge when necessary.

A good caregiver knows that it is her or her role to make sure that the needs of the patient are met. But, there are times when circumstances and even people, including the patient’s family, make it difficult for the patient to receive the care he or she needs. When this happens, the caregiver must put the patient’s welfare first and he or she should be able to take charge and do everything possible for the patient to receive the required attention.

a good caregiver is a good communicator.

Good communication is key in all successful relationships and this is especially true when it comes to the relationship a caregiver has with his or her patient and the patient’s family as well. Being able to communicate crucial details regarding the patient’s care in clear and simple terms fosters understanding and trust. This helps the caregiver perform his or her job better.

a good caregiver is creative and innovative.

Engaging the attention of patients is not easy if they are given the same activities day in and day out. Therefore, it is necessary for a caregiver to be creative in the activities he or she comes up with. The activities should be creative enough to keep the patient interested, involved, and excited. It’s also essential for the caregiver to be innovative because each patient is unique. A technique that works on one may not work on another.

a good caregiver is committed and dependable.

Commitment to one’s job means that you can be depended on by the patient and the patient’s family. These are crucial traits because more often than not, the patient is left entirely in the caregiver’s hands.

a good caregiver is supportive and encouraging.

Every caregiver should be able to identify the kind of support the patient needs and to provide them. It’s also important for the caregiver to be encouraging because this is necessary in helping patients achieve more than what they think their capabilities allow. This is particularly helpful for older patients who need to perform regular physical and mental exercises so they can stay in shape.

a good caregiver is honest and trustworthy.

Honesty and trustworthiness are indispensable qualities in a caregiver, particularly with the live in ones who are entrusted with not only the patient’s health care but also the patient’s home and resources.

a good caregiver is able to maintain confidentiality.

Part of a caregiver’s job is to be privy to a lot of information about the patient and the patient’s family. A good caregiver knows how to keep things to himself or herself unless divulging the information is essential for the safety, well-being, and protection of the patient.

a good caregiver has a sense of humor.

Having a sense of humor is a good indicator that a caregiver is able to tolerate and deal with difficult situations, which is essential because caregiving involves conditions that more people would find hard or challenging. A caregiver with a sense of humor also makes the atmosphere around the patient light and comfortable and this helps with the overall well-being of the patient and the caregiver as well.

a good caregiver is capable of being emotionally tough.

As humans, it’s very difficult for caregivers not to be emotionally affected by their patients. It’s also natural for a caregiver to form a genuine bond with his or her patient, which helps the caregiver perform his or her job better. However, this bond could be a downside, especially if the patient is suffering from a severe disease or is dying. The caregiver needs to maintain a strong outward attitude despite his or her emotional sufferings for the ultimate benefit of the patient.

a good caregiver should be physically fit and have a strong constitution.

Patients that caregivers look after are often too frail to do everyday things on their own so it is important for a caregiver to have the physical strength or stamina to assist his or her ward when it’s time for a bath or if the patient needs to move from one room to another. Additionally, a major part of caregiving involves dealing with the patient’s bodily functions, which are sometimes uncontrollable. A good caregiver accepts this part of his or her job with patience, dignity, and respect for the patient.

a good caregiver is able to perform light housekeeping.

Preparing nutritious food, cleaning, doing the laundry, and running errands are some of the things that a caregiver needs to do as part of his or her responsibilities to the patient. Some caregivers even go beyond the call of duty performing tasks, such as taking care of their patient’s grandchildren who visit or looking after their patients’ plants or pets.

a good caregiver is experienced in monitoring a patient’s vital signs, temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and respiration.

Knowing how to monitor and interpret a patient’s vital signs is an essential skill, especially if the patient is suffering from a particular medical condition.

a good caregiver is able to keep track of the patient’s medication and when medicines should be taken.

Patients often forget to take their medicines or they forget which ones to take so it’s the caregiver’s job to make sure that his or her ward is drinking the right medicine at the right time.

a good caregiver is a consummate professional.

Caregivers are not robots so it’s normal to expect that they will have “off” days due to a variety of reasons. However, it’s important not to let personal issues get in the way of their professional responsibilities. While this may be very hard, especially if the personal problem is serious and difficult to ignore, a caregiver’s first responsibility is to see to the needs of his or her patient. If the caregiver feels that he or she cannot perform his or her duties without personal emotions getting in the way, then proper arrangements need to be made so the patient will not be negatively impacted by the circumstances. Being a qualified caregiver involves more than just having adequate training and experience because many capable caregivers have had little or no formal education or background in the field. They, however, possess the qualities in this list and the sincere desire to help their patients to the best of their abilities.   References:

Good Qualities of a Caregiver: 
http://work.chron.com/good-qualities-caregiver-9470.html

10 Things That Make In-Home Caregivers Stand Out: 
https://www.caring.com/articles/best-in-home-caregiver-traits

Important Traits Every Caregiver Should Have: 
http://sonetosoftware.com/important-traits-caregiver/

Characteristics of Good Senior Home Care Providers: 
http://www.visitingangels.com/characteristics-of-good-senior-home-care-providers-article_65

The Top 10 Qualities of a Great Live-In Caregiver: 
http://www.liveincareforseniors.com/the-top-10-qualities-of-a-great-live-in-caregiver/

Characteristics of a Good Home Caregiver: 
http://careminderstucson.com/tucson-arizona-caregiver-characteristics-of-a-good-home-caregiver/

10 Personal Qualities Required for an Aged Care Worker: 
http://myihna.hubpages.com/hub/Personal-Qualities-Required-for-an-Aged-Care-Worker

Eating right plays a huge role in maintaining good health, which is especially crucial for the aging population, where malnutrition is associated with a weaker immune system and slower healing. But with all the foods out there and all the commotion over one vitamin supplementation over the other, which are the ones we should pay attention to? The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs), a report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, emphasizes “nutrients of concern”, or nutrients that are generally consumed in amounts less than recommended, which can pose a health risk. The purpose of the report is to provide information to encourage healthy eating, to promote healthy weight and reduce the risk of diet-related chronic illnesses, and functions as the primary source of information for policy makers and nutrition educators. As discoveries in the scientific field are constantly being made, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans is republished every five years to reflect new, emerging evidence and the implications it may have on our health. Thus, it is important to keep an eye on these “nutrients of concern” as consuming these in their recommended amounts is beneficial for overall health. Check out the following list of 10 foods, which contain significant amounts of these nutrients, and others, to promote good health in seniors and the aging class:

1. Low-Fat Yogurt

Yogurt is a great source of calcium, with one cup providing a whopping 300-450mg of calcium. It is recommended that women over the age of 50 and men over the age of 70 consume 1200mg of calcium per day. Men between the ages of 51-69 should consume 1000mg of calcium per day (1). Calcium is essential for bone and teeth health, as it plays a vital role in bone mineralization. Maintaining a proper consumption of calcium is necessary to prevent loss of bone density and reduce risk of osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak and porous bones, caused by a long-term low calcium intake. Yogurt also contains probiotics, or “good” bacteria, that help maintain proper gut flora in the human body and aids in digestion. For those wishing to reduce their intake of added sugar, opt for a plain, unsweetened brand of yogurt. Top off one cup of yogurt with one tablespoon of organic honey and 1/4 cup of your choice of chopped berries for a kick of vitamin C.

2. Dry Roasted Sunflower Seeds

Vitamin E, found in sunflower seeds, functions as an antioxidant in the human body. Antioxidants are capable of repairing damage in the human body and protects lipids, proteins, and DNA. Vitamin E is also essential during the formation of red blood cells. Good sources of vitamin E also include: almonds, spinach, and pumpkin.

3. Salmon

Fish is a great source of omega-3. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends consuming about 8 oz. more fish per week, as increased consumption of omega-3’s in fish and seafood is associated with less cardiac deaths. While some people are worried about mercury levels in seafood, salmon is one of the species that contain relatively low levels of mercury. Other species include trout, anchovies, Atlantic mackerel, and oysters (2).

4. Tofu

Tofu is a versatile food, made from soybeans, that contains high amounts of protein and calcium. Protein is one of the macronutrients essential for life. Not only does protein provide energy (calories), but it is also used in repairing tissues, forming enzymes necessary for chemical reactions inside our bodies, and much more. Tofu is also an excellent source of calcium. Though it varies from brand to brand (check the label!), a half-cup of tofu can contain approx. 400 mg of calcium, or the same amount as one cup of yogurt!

5. Bananas

Potassium, found in bananas and other fruits, is another one of the “nutrients of concern” to look out for. Potassium functions in fluid balance in cells and works as an electrolyte. Having a low intake of potassium may be associated with elevated blood pressure, as well.

6. Guavas

Fiber, a component in many fruits and vegetables, has two main functions depending on which type of fiber it is - insoluble fiber or soluble fiber. Guavas contains higher amounts of insoluble fiber, which aids in bowel movement by speeding up the passage of waste through the digestive tract. Getting enough insoluble fiber in the diet can reduce risk of a condition called diverticulitis, which is inflammation or infection of pouches in the wall of the colon.

7. Lentil Soup

Lentils are seeds in the legume family that contain a high amount of soluble fiber. Consuming enough soluble fiber, as part of a healthy diet, can decrease the risk of coronary heart disease by lowering the level of cholesterol in the body. Soluble fiber achieves this by binding to circulating cholesterol throughout the body. This cholesterol then leaves the body through waste, thus lowering the amount of cholesterol still present in the body.

8. Mushrooms

Vitamin D, found in mushrooms, works hand in hand with calcium to promote bone health. Although not much is known about vitamin D at this point, emerging research hints at vitamin D having a possible role in chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.

9. Whole Wheat Breads

Apart from providing more fiber than refined bread, whole wheat products contain more B vitamins, vitamin E, zinc, iron, magnesium, and copper than refined grains. This is because during the refining process, the bran (outer layer) and the germ of the whole wheat grain, which contain these nutrients, is removed.

10. Spinach

Spinach contains high amounts of magnesium, which is needed for proper nerve and muscle function. Magnesium is a cofactor in the chemical reactions in the body and also functions in control of blood sugar levels. Low levels of magnesium have also been linked to: high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, migraine headaches, and cardiovascular disease (3).   References (1) http://iom.nationalacademies.org/~/media/files/report%20files/2010/dietary-reference-intakes-for-calcium-and-vitamin-d/vitamin%20d%20and%20calcium%202010%20report%20brief.pdf (2) http://www.fda.gov/food/foodborneillnesscontaminants/metals/ucm115644.htm (3) https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/#h3

Heat stroke is most likely to affect older people who live in apartments or homes lacking air conditioning or good airflow. Other high-risk groups include people of any age who don't drink enough water, have chronic diseases, or who drink excessive amounts of alcohol. Symptoms of heat stroke include:

• Core body temperature above 105 degrees Fahrenheit
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness and light-headedness
• Lack of sweating despite the heat
• Red, hot, and dry skin
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat; strong or weak
• Confusion, disorientation, or staggering
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness

If you suspect that someone has a heat stroke, call 911 immediately, and initiate first aid to the patient.

• Fan air over the patient while wetting his or her skin with water from a sponge or cloth
• Apply ice packs to the patient’s armpits, groin, neck and back. These are areas with a large amount of blood vessels close to the skin, cooling them can reduce body temperature.
• Give patient a cold shower or place the patient in a cool tub of water.

To lower the risk of heat strokes during the warm months, stay in an air-conditioned environment.  If you must go outdoors, wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat.  Use sunscreen, and drink plenty of extra fluids.

Physical activity provides long-term health benefits for everyone! By being active, you will burn calories that you store from eating throughout the day and—it can be as easy as walking the dog or as rigorous as running a marathon.   It's never too late to jumpstart a healthy lifestyle. Regular physical activity can produce long term health benefits. People of all ages, shapes, sizes, and abilities can benefit from being physically active. The more physical activity you do, the greater the health benefits. Being physically active can help you:

• Increase your chances of living longer
• Feel better about yourself
• Decrease your chances of becoming depressed
• Relieve Stress
• Increase your energy level
• Sleep well at night
• Move around more easily
• Have stronger muscles and bones
• Stay at or get to a healthy weight

When you are not physically active, you are at a greater risk or developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and stroke. Being active increases the amount of calories burned. As people age their metabolism slows, so maintaining energy balance requires moving more and eating less. There are different types of physical activities that can be done at all levels.  If you are not comfortable doing aerobics on land, you can always do aerobics in a pool.  Muscle strengthening can be done with varying weights.  There are weights beginning at 1 lb., so people of all ages can do these exercises.    Balance and stretching exercises help stability and flexibility, and can reduce risk of injuries.  Gentle stretching, dancing and yoga are a few ways of achieving this goal. Remember, always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.  

Aging, disabilities, and chronic illness make it difficult and challenging for individuals to care for themselves.  That’s where we come in……health aides can help.  Health Aides improve the quality of life with hands on care and kindness.  For many, Health Aides become trusted friends. Family membrs may be worried about a loved one recovering after surgery or who is weak and forgetful, and they turn to us to provide excellent and reliable care.  We may be needed on a full time basis, or just be helping hand from time to time.  Our responsibility is a great one.  We are being entrusted with someone’s loved one; a parent, sibling, child or friend. As with many issues in health care, communication is key.  If your patient suddenly becomes rude or stubborn or starts acting differently from the way they normally do, this kind of behavior can actually be masking health problem. If this occurs with your patient, it is very important that you contact your agency, physician and family members.  Remember, communication is key.