Our Ask An Angel correspondent is Arlene Petersen, Certified Senior Advisor and Life Care Navigation Specialist in the area of senior home care.
Q. My wife recently passed away. As my health began to decline, she became my caregiver and she helped me tremendously. I want to retain my independence, and I am skeptical about asking for outside help. What can I do to help myself?
A. First, I must commend you for being open and realistic in understanding your needs. When it comes to retaining independence, most people shy away from calling in outside help. The daily chores and tasks that are necessary to run a household can be difficult. If family is unable to help you, contracting with a home-care agency can help with the basics to help you stay independent and keep your home in order.
I have found that when people take an honest look at their needs, they can tackle the issues before them and move on to enjoy life. With a little helping hand, people can actually thrive and retain their independence at a higher level than they expected. Home-care services provide an array of help in many categories. Simple housekeeping, like cleaning and dusting or doing someone’s laundry can help with daily chores. Assistance with hygiene and grooming, meal preparation, and even medication reminders are fundamentals that help with one’s health and dignity. A home-care service provider can assist in this regard, and in addition to aiding in one’s overall care, this can boost morale which is very important for someone’s well-being and happiness.
Many times an individual is capable of living on their own in their homes, but it would not be possible without the help of home care. An experienced caregiver offers assistance to people in their homes to aid with their daily chores and miscellaneous activities. Take a personal inventory and then wisely research the right home care that would be perfect for you. The goal of a quality caregiving agency should be the same as your personal goal, “to help you remain safely in your home.”
Have a question for our angel correspondent? You can send our angel an email to apetersen@visitingangels.com or send your question via mail to Ask An Angel, 65 Woodbury St., South Elgin, IL 60177.
