Safety And Independence Are Among The Benefits Of Home Care And The Health Of Your Senior Loved One
Many seniors like to age in place. Pegasus home healthcare services in Granada Hills and elsewhere makes independent living possible for them. The information we have compiled in this article can clarify several home care benefits you should know about.
Home care is meant to help individuals live independently and safely at home. The goal is to help individuals stay as healthy as possible. That can include preventing debilitating conditions such as malnutrition or infection.
Patients also receive the assistance they need to recuperate from an illness. In-home care can often reduce the need for hospitalization. It can also keep them at home rather than being admitted to a nursing home.
Some individuals undergo a gradual decline in health and require increasing care services over the years. Others may become incapacitated due to an accident or sudden condition like a heart attack or stroke. They may only need help temporarily, or a lesser level of assistance as they recover.
Home Health Care Is Customized To Meet Individual Needs
Home care encompasses a variety of services customized to fit individual needs. It can include any of the following:
- Companionship
- Household chores
- Injections
- Managing IVs, catheters, and similar devices
- Meal planning and preparation
- Medication management
- Monitoring health status
- Occupational, physical, and speech therapy
- Skilled nursing care
- Social activities
- Transportation
- Wound care
All services are coordinated with the individual’s primary care physician. The care can be as comprehensive as needed. There is no one-size-fits-all level of care.
Due to temporary or permanent disability, some individuals need assistance with the activities of daily living. These usually have to do with personal hygiene or mobility. Examples are:
- Ability to use the toilet, including getting on or off and cleanliness after using it
- Bathing
- Being continent (able to control bladder and bowel function)
- Dental care
- Eating
- Getting in or out of bed or a chair without help
- Getting dressed
- Grooming
Home care assistance helps individuals keep their dignity when they have difficulty with these activities. That leads to improved quality of life.
In-Home Health Care Professionals Focus On Safety
Family caregivers do the best that they can, but few have medical training. Home health caregivers are trained professionals. They also have quick access to medical specialists and emergency services when needed.
Research shows that when individuals leave a hospital or care facility, they often are confused about follow-up care. Doctors, nurses, and other staff have been providing a level of care that’s no longer available. Sometimes patients receive contradictory instructions about what to do at home.
Another issue can be the fact that the hospital or facility staff is unaware of the home environment. They may also misjudge the individual’s ability for self-care. A person’s recovery can be compromised.
A home healthcare professional consults with medical providers as well as family members. They ask questions until any confusion is resolved. They also assess the home for safety.
They will make recommendations to improve safety if needed. They will also ensure that any necessary home medical equipment or supplies are obtained. Home health care includes providing necessary instructions for using any medical device or supplies.
Educating individuals and their family caregivers is a big part of in-home health care. The more that a person can care for themselves, the more independence they have. And independence is an essential component of good health.
Individuals Retain Personal Freedom With Home Health Care
Regardless of their physical or mental condition, people who can live at home generally have a higher quality of life. Sleeping in their own bed is important to many. People are happier in familiar surroundings, and that can improve their health.
Family and friends can visit when their schedule allows, rather than “visiting hours.” Patient privacy is greater with home care than it is in a facility. It’s important for individuals to retain control over their activities.
Rather than following a facility’s schedule, individuals can make personal choices. They decide when to eat or to take a shower, for example. A home caregiver can ensure that everything is done while allowing the individual to keep their personal freedom.
Home Health Care Professionals Are There When Family Can’t Be
Family members frequently want to care for those who need help. Sometimes they live too far away. Younger members have obligations like jobs and children and can’t always “be there” for seniors.
Home healthcare professionals are there when and as often as needed. They also provide respite care for family and friends. Respite care gives family caregivers a break for as long as they need it to avoid burnout.
One of the biggest benefits of home care is the fact that care is provided in the home. Individuals don’t have to travel somewhere for medical assistance. They aren’t exposed to contagious diseases in waiting rooms.
Pegasus is a licensed Home Care Organization and a Joint Commission Accredited Home Health Care organization. Our specialists in Granada Hills and our other locations are dedicated to improving the quality of life of others. Our home care services are tailored to meet the needs of you or your loved one.
