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Caring for Older People at Home in France

Help an elderly client through the morning, keep an eye on their health and keep the family and nurse in the loop.

In France many older people stay at home with help from an auxiliaire de vie or aide à domicile, often part-funded by the APA (allocation personnalisée d'autonomie) from the département. Carers help with washing, meals, walks and company, but injections and medical care are done by an infirmière libérale who visits separately. A cahier de liaison left in the home lets carers, nurses and family pass on notes, and many clients wear a téléassistance alarm bracelet. You say vous to clients and use Monsieur or Madame with their surname unless invited otherwise.

A young volunteer offers support by delivering fresh vegetables to an elderly gentleman indoors.
Photo: Kampus Production on Pexels
  1. 1

    Bonjour monsieur Roux, vous avez bien dormi ?

    Good morning Mr Roux, did you sleep well?

  2. 2

    Je remplace Sophie cette semaine.

    I'm covering for Sophie this week.

  3. 3

    Comment vous sentez-vous aujourd'hui ?

    How are you feeling today?

  4. 4

    Vous avez pris vos médicaments ?

    Have you taken your medicine?

  5. 5

    L'infirmière passe à midi pour la piqûre.

    The nurse comes by at noon for the injection.

  6. 6

    Je vais vous aider à vous lever.

    I'll help you get up.

  7. 7

    Appuyez-vous sur moi.

    Lean on me.

  8. 8

    Prenez votre temps, rien ne presse.

    Take your time, there's no rush.

  9. 9

    Vous préférez une douche ou une toilette au lavabo ?

    Would you rather have a shower or a wash at the sink?

  10. 10

    Attention à la marche.

    Mind the step.

  11. 11

    Qu'est-ce qui vous ferait plaisir pour le déjeuner ?

    What would you like for lunch?

  12. 12

    Il faut que vous buviez un peu plus d'eau.

    You need to drink a bit more water.

  13. 13

    On va faire un petit tour ?

    Shall we go for a little walk?

  14. 14

    Vous avez bien votre bracelet de téléassistance ?

    Have you got your alarm bracelet on?

    Tip: It calls for help at the push of a button.

  15. 15

    Je le note dans le cahier de liaison.

    I'll write it in the logbook.

  16. 16

    Il a l'air plus fatigué que d'habitude.

    He seems more tired than usual.

  17. 17

    Il n'a pas beaucoup mangé depuis hier.

    He hasn't eaten much since yesterday.

  18. 18

    J'appelle sa fille pour la prévenir.

    I'm calling his daughter to let her know.

  19. 19

    Vous voulez que j'appelle le médecin ?

    Do you want me to call the doctor?

  20. 20

    Je repasse demain matin.

    I'll be back tomorrow morning.