May is Older Americans Month and this year they have chosen the theme, “Age Out Loud”. Pegasus Home Health Care is dedicated to helping you age with optimal health for your stage of life and fitness.
Home Health Care Is a Key to Senior Independence
Independence is highly valued by people of all ages. As individuals age, their ability to care for themselves starts slipping away and quality of life declines for many. Taking advantage of home health care allows seniors to live in familiar surroundings while receiving help that increases their fitness.
Sometimes an elderly person doesn’t want to allow a stranger in their home. They prefer to cope by themselves or rely on family for help or support. That can lead to discord or resentment among those made responsible for caregiving.
Caregiving is stressful, physically exhausting, and emotionally draining. Seniors also sense negative feelings in their family caregivers. They often are less than forthcoming about their needs or express dissatisfaction with all efforts made on their behalf.
Stress weakens immune systems and leaves people vulnerable to disease. Knowing they have professional help when they need it reduces stress for elderly individuals. Their stress levels are also reduced because they don’t feel like a burden to their family and friends.
Family members who are unavailable, either because of distance or work, worry and feel guilty. Home health care professionals ease the concern of relatives as well as helping their clients stay healthy and fit. Their goal of increasing senior independence is a win/win situation for everyone.
Living at Home Comes With Many Benefits For Seniors
Statistically, the majority of older adults would prefer to age in place as opposed to senior housing. When elderly individuals receive enough help to remain safely at home, their health and independence increases.
Research shows that home health care services improve a client’s:
- Mobility
- Personal care ability
- Pain levels
- Ability to breathe easier
Clients do not need urgent medical attention as often when they are professionally cared for at home.
Safety Concerns
Living at home has many benefits for most individuals. Despite that, it can sometimes be an unsafe environment for some seniors. A home health care professional can help maximize safety and security.
Aging in place can require safety modifications, such as:
Installing grab bars and safety equipment
Widening passageways and doorways
Changing rooms so that everything is on the first floor
Professional health care managers will evaluate the safety of a client’s residence and implement any needed modifications.
Falling is a primary cause of home accidents that can destroy senior independence. Home health care helpers assist their clients in standing or walking when necessary. They’ll also help with exercises that improve strength and balance to minimize falls.
Personalized Levels of Care
One big advantage of home health assistance is the personalized care clients receive. Services are customized to fit individual needs. Clients receive one-on-one attention and companionship that can reduce their feelings of isolation or depression.
Home health care can include accompanying the clients to performances and events. Other social activities that the client enjoys are arranged. Clients that aren’t able to leave their homes are helped outside for fresh air and the healing power of nature.
Some clients need help only with basic household tasks to live independently. A home health aide can assist with such chores as:
- Cleaning
- Laundry
- Light yard work
- Shopping
Avoiding the stress and fatigue of trying to cope with these jobs can immensely improve a client’s health.
Others need help with meal preparation. Home health service includes aiding with meal planning, grocery shopping, and preparation. Good nutrition is essential if seniors are to remain strong and healthy enough to live independently.
Meal preparation includes assisting clients who must adhere to restricted diets. Clients are also encouraged to consume adequate amounts of water or other liquids. It’s also important to ensure that medications are taken as prescribed, whether with food or between meals.
Senior independence requires movement to stay healthy and fit enough to live at home. A health care professional will help with gentle exercises and activities geared to the client’s abilities. Pain levels or any discomfort are carefully monitored, and physical safety is the top priority.
Clients with reduced mobility may need help with personal care for things like:
- Shampooing their hair
- Shaving
- Showers or baths
Personal care can also include assistance with getting dressed.
Staying Healthy
Care at home helps maintain senior independence because a professional monitors a client’s vital signs, including:
- Blood pressure
- Pulse
- Respiration
- Temperature
When necessary, the home care professional coordinates information with physicians and therapists.
Those who need it can receive skilled nursing care at home.
Such care includes:
- Cleaning and dressing wounds
- Injections and intravenous medication
- Supervising serious health issues
Having skilled care at home helps clients recover sooner and need fewer hospitalizations.
Older adults may experience disease or disability that weakens them. Living at home helps reduce the effects of aging and strengthens their ability to resist further decline. Pegasus Home Health Care helps senior independence and increases their ability to age in place.
