Home health care provides services that assist individuals with keeping their independence when they are less able to care for themselves due to age or declining health.
What Is Independence?
One meaning of independence is the United States Independence Day, which is celebrated as the Fourth of July. Perhaps even more important to an individual is personal independence. Pegasus Home Health Care professionals are dedicated to helping seniors stay independent.
Personal independence means that you have the ability to make your own decisions and choices. Sometimes age and declining health steal away your independence bit by bit. Home health care helps you retain as much independence as possible.
Although independence is often expressed through action, your personal independence begins as an internal process. You don’t have to give it up when you accept home health care. Good home care professionals don’t come in and take over your life.
Home care specialists such those at Pegasus help you evaluate how much or how little assistance you need. They encourage you to do as much as you can yourself. They respect the decisions you make regarding your health and well-being.
A health care professional helps you live in your own home by assisting you with:
- Exercises to retain mobility
- Taking needed medications correctly
- Food shopping and preparation
- Complying with dietary restrictions
These are all things which can improve and maintain your ability to be independent.
Celebrating Independence
Needing help with some things won’t stop you from celebrating the Fourth of July. A home health caregiver can assist you with arranging a get-together with family and friends. If you prefer to go out, a caregiver can accompany you if needed.
Some of the ways in which you and your community celebrate Independence Day include:
- Picnics
- Concerts
- Parades
- Political ceremonies
- Fireworks
Choosing an event to attend or watch on television is an affirmation of your ability to make your own decisions.
Your level of activity is up to you when you have help from Pegasus Home Health Care professionals. They have the training and expertise to meet your needs, from companionship to 24/7 medical care. They coordinate your care with doctors and therapists, but always keep your individual needs foremost in their minds.
Accepting home health care benefits your family members as well. They may be giving up their personal or job opportunities to care for you. A professional caregiver lets them have time off without worrying about your safety or security.
Benefits Of Home Health Care
Individuals receiving care in their own homes generally are healthier and happier than those in facilities. Home is where they are most comfortable regardless of their physical or mental issues. Home health care can prevent or delay admission to a nursing home for many seniors.
A home care aide can help you with daily activities such as:
- Housekeeping chores
- Laundry
- Pet care
- Transportation
- Personal hygiene and grooming
Their services are generally non-medical in nature.
You can also receive the services of skilled professionals such as:
- Physical therapists
- Speech therapists
- Nurses
- Case managers
These experts are licensed and able to coordinate your care with other medical providers.
Whatever the level of care you may need, you will receive personalized assistance. All caregivers strive to help you remain as independent and safe as possible. They also provide counseling for you and your family members when needed.
Additional benefits of home care include:
- Family or friends can visit on your schedule
- You retain your freedom
- Modifications/equipment to prevent injuries
- Less expensive than hospitals and facilities
- Faster recovery times if you’re sick or injured
- Your personal choices are given priority
Most importantly, you keep your dignity and privacy.
Home Care Can Help You Stay Independent
You may think of home health care services as necessary only when you are infirm. Research shows otherwise. Living at home with assistance can prevent or delay physical or mental decline.
You will discover improvements in your:
- Mobility
- Pain levels
- Ability to breathe
You potentially have fewer medical emergencies and immediate medical care is available if needed.
Having help with your physical issues can also lead to improved mental health. Many seniors become isolated and depressed. Caregivers provide needed companionship, but they also enable you to participate in social activities.
Independence also means that you have the ability to do the things you enjoy doing. Being able to live at home, even with help, gives you the freedom to choose how to spend your time.
Caregivers can help with activities that are fun for you such as:
- Going out for meals or entertainment with friends
- Visits to local venues like museums
- Attending church
- Attending seminars
- Attending sports events
- Participating in events at senior centers
The choice of where to go or what to do is always up to you.
The United States won its independence by fighting the Revolutionary War against Britain. Pegasus Home Care can help you fight the chipping away of your personal independence. Fireworks, cake and ice cream, singing, parades, and politics—celebrate your Independence Day your way.
