Various Factors Tell You When It Is Time To Get Outside Help and Home Healthcare For Your Senior Loved One

Are you worried about the safety of an elderly loved one? Are you considering hiring outside help and wondering where to start? Home healthcare in Highland Park offers the solutions you need.

Seniors, like nearly everyone else, value their independence. They aren’t always going to tell you they need help. You have to rely on observing the small things they say, do, or stop doing.

As individuals age, small infirmities start to add up. They might not hear or see as well as they used to. They get a little weak as they lose muscle mass.

Arthritis and osteoporosis take their toll. Any of these by itself may not hamper a person’s ability to care for themselves. But it’s a different story as all the little losses accumulate.

There are also major health issues that can destroy independence. Individuals might need help with the activities of daily living. They can become depressed, which only worsens the situation.

Everyone is Different

What are some of the less obvious issues that let you know your loved one needs help? Symptoms vary, but you can start by looking for changes in their normal lifestyle. For example, if the person has never been social, refusal to go out isn’t a cause for concern.

But if your loved one always enjoyed an active social life, refusal now to go out can be a warning. The person might be depressed. Or perhaps they are afraid to drive or ride a bus.

Other symptoms to watch for include:

• Unexplained weight loss – they might not be eating well, due to inability to shop, cook, or loss of appetite
• Bruising or injuries – they are falling, due to balance problems, clutter that’s tripping them, declining vision, or an undiagnosed medical problem
• Missing appointments or activities – they have erratic sleeping habits, confused about the time, or forgetful due to cognitive decline
• Unkempt appearance – they aren’t taking regular showers, neglecting personal hygiene and grooming, or not putting on clean clothes, possibly due to depression or to cognitive decline

Some individuals will try to explain away their symptoms and may resist accepting assistance.

Accepting help is not an indication of failure. In fact, accepting home healthcare can increase their quality of life. In-home care goals are to help individuals:

• Live at home safely
• Improve their physical and mental well-being
• Avoid hospitalizations or institutions

Studies have shown that individuals “significantly improved” when cared for at home.

Pegasus Home Care Provides Outside Help For Highland Park Seniors

Needing assistance doesn’t mean you have to put your loved one in a facility. Pegasus provides the care needed to keep individuals safe in their homes. Our clients are cared for where they are most comfortable.

Our home healthcare professionals have the training and expertise to meet individual needs. We provide the level of assistance required, from companionship to 24/7 medical care. Your loved one receives receive one-on-one attention.

The care and attention we provide can help seniors:

• Be more active
• Improve their memory
• Strengthen their immune system
• Increase their energy

An improvement in one category often leads to improvements in the others.

Outside Help Enables Seniors To Live Safely At Home

Outside help from Pegasus professionals encourages your loved one to do as much for themselves as they safely can. Our caregivers offer assistance without infringing on an individual’s independence.

Whatever the need, in-home care provides professional help for your loved one. Our caregivers can help with:

• Dietary advice
• Obtaining supplies or equipment
• Ensuring that medications are taken correctly
• Improving lifestyle habits
• Getting appropriate amounts of exercise
• Monitoring changes in mental and physical health

They also assess the home environment for safety hazards.

Regardless of their condition, every individual is treated with dignity. Their privacy is always respected. Our services are customized to fit their personal needs.

Family members often function as caregivers. Doing so is often stressful and exhausting. Arranging for outside help can give a family caregiver a much-needed break.

As part of their care, our professionals fulfill an educational function. They can teach your loved one safe ways to care for themselves. They will also show you less stressful ways you can help.

Pegasus is Here For You

Pegasus is a licensed Home Care Organization and a Joint Commission Accredited Home Health Care organization. Since 1994, we’ve helped individuals remain safe and independent in their home. We’re recognized as an industry leader because of the consistently high-quality care we provide.

As a nurse owned and operated company, we understand the healthcare needs of our clients. Our team of experts is dedicated to improving the life of others. We’re here for you when the time comes for you to obtain outside help for your Highland Park loved one.