The Secret to a Long Life? Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches. HHAs Share Favorite Things They’ve Learned from Clients.  

Every month since the start of this year, the Personal Care team has been asking Home Health Aide team members to share things about themselves. Questions have included “What’s a little thing you do to brighten your client’s day?” and “What social activities do you like to do with your clients?” Each month, three responses are chosen at random in a raffle and those three HHAs each receive a $200 gift card.

In October, the Personal Care team asked, “What is your favorite thing that you’ve ever learned from a patient or client?”

The responses our HHA team members submitted were terrific, ranging from heartfelt to practical. To see for yourself, here are just a few… 

Boiling water for coffee

“I learned that as soon as the water boils it still isn’t ready for coffee (you would get a white film), but when you wait about 10 minutes after you pour the water in, there is no film…only the coffee,” writes Patricia Baker.

How to speak French

“My client taught me French,” notes Zoe Brown Morant. “She always reminded me that I should like what I do and do what I love. She also reminded me that I should not worry, but rather be happy. And for that I am a better person than I used to be.”

The secret to living a long life

“From one of my patients who is 108 years old, I’ve learned to be respectful, never complain, always ask questions, and always be careful what you say, because your mouth can either hurt or help someone. And she told me the secret of living a long life is eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches,” says Natalla Bryant.

How to make grits

“I learned how to make grits!” says Nancy Gooding. “I always struggled to make grits, but she told me the key is to keep stirring. I have to keep mixing more than anything else. Now, I eat grits often, and the ones I make are amazing.”

Potato salad

“We were talking about potato salad, and my client told me that whenever I was making it, I should mix a bit of vinegar and olive oil and add it along with everything else. Since then, that’s exactly what I do, and the difference it makes is amazing. It has remained with me ever since, and I will never forget her,” states Judith Johnson.

The importance of living in the moment

“My favorite thing I’ve learned from a client is the importance of living in the moment and enjoying life while you can. Many have told me, ‘Don’t get old,’ which is a reminder to stay young at heart and make the most of each day,” writes Grace Reece.

A new crocheting stitch

“My favorite thing I learned from a client was a new crocheting stitch,” says Tonitra Taylor. “I already loved crocheting and came in daily with my yarn. She was so excited and told me she hadn’t knitted in years, so I let her try, and she showed me a new technique that I still use to this day. Thank you, ma’am.”

Each visit to my patients is a different life lesson for me.

“Each visit to my patients is a different life lesson for me,” writes Greyza Monasterio Prado. “I leave their homes sometimes with a broken heart and other times with a strengthened heart.”