CNA Heroes: How They Make a Difference in the Life of a Senior

National Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) Week is June 13-19, the perfect opportunity to celebrate the unsung heroes who dedicate their lives to helping others. At Right at Home, our CNAs are instrumental in enabling seniors to live independently by providing essential support with personal hygiene, nutrition, housework, and a host of daily activities. CNAs are not only caregivers but also companions and trusted friends.

Here are some examples of how CNAs can help seniors navigate the aging journey.

• CNAs help seniors start their day off right. Mary, age 80, needs help getting dressed for the day and eating a healthy breakfast. Mary’s caregiver helps her get out of bed, ensuring her safety if she is off balance, guides her to the bathroom for a refreshing shower, and assists with dressing. Then, it is off to the kitchen, where a nutritious breakfast is made. Mary is especially excited to see fresh strawberries on the menu—her favorite!
• CNAs assist with light housekeeping and laundry, along with providing companionship. For 85-year-old Ray, keeping up with housework is challenging. So, his caregiver tidies up Ray’s living room and kitchen, makes sure the laundry is done and bed linens are changed, and sweeps the porch. While folding clothes together, the caregiver asks Ray about his days in the Navy, and the two have a lively discussion, filling the room with laughter.
• CNAs help seniors with errands and get to medical appointments. For those who have chronic health conditions, such as Antwan, who is age 77 and has arthritis, having someone provide a ride to physical therapy appointments is so reassuring. Antwan’s caregiver ensures Antwan gets into the car comfortably, drives him to his therapy appointment, and waits for him to be done with his appointment. On the ride back home, the caregiver hears about Antwan’s session and provides reassurance that it seems to be helping him with his arthritis symptoms.
• CNAs are friends, providing companionship and helping avoid social isolation. Louise is an energetic 74-year-old who has mild cognitive impairment and craves social interaction. Louise’s caregiver spends afternoons with her, providing conversation and laughs, and assists with mobility exercises prescribed by Louise’s doctor. Louise and her caregiver play cards and chat about their families before heading out for a walk around the block. They relish their friendship and enjoy their time together.
• CNAs ensure seniors take their medications and follow prescribed diets for chronic conditions. Maria, age 88, is quite spunky but needs help preparing meals that follow the dietary restrictions provided by her doctor. Her caregiver ensures that Maria’s meals and the ingredients used to make them comply with the doctor’s orders. The caregiver also makes sure Maria takes all her medications as prescribed. They end the night watching Maria’s favorite sitcoms and laughing together before saying goodnight.

Celebrating Right at Home’s Caregivers

The assistance provided by Right at Home’s caregivers demonstrates the remarkable commitment they bring to their roles. “Empathetic. Dedicated. Passionate. Authentic. Sincere.” These are words that co-workers of Leon Church, the 2024 Right at Home National Caregiver of the Year, use to describe him. A 2024 Regional Caregiver of the Year recipient, Danielle Fuller, says she “always knew I liked helping people ever since I was a child. Helping people makes me feel good. It brings me joy.” These are very special qualities in today’s busy world.

CNAs provide much-needed support for the elderly, helping them live independently with dignity and comfort. During National CNA Week, we extend our deepest gratitude to the Right at Home team and all CNAs for the compassion and dedication they show every day. Your care transforms lives and strengthens families. Thank you for everything you do!

About Right at Home

Right at Home offers a wide range of in-home care services. Our insured/bonded caregivers can provide everything from homemaking and companion care to personal care and hygiene assistance. Some offices even offer some nursing services. Use our office locator to find your nearest location and schedule your free in-home assessment.

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