Elderly companion care is a unique service that provides emotional support and friendship to seniors who are living at home but need more socialization and interaction. It is a popular choice for seniors who are aging in place independently but would like to benefit from the company and assistance of another person on a regular basis.
Companion care recognizes the importance of companionship as a way to combat social isolation and loneliness among the elderly. Whether just a few hours or a few days per week, companion care can fill a critical void in your elderly loved one’s routine. Let’s take a look at what companion care is, why it’s important, and how your senior could benefit from this service.
The Dangers Of Isolation & Loneliness
Growing older is often an isolating experience. Think about it: children grow up, retirement begins, friends relocate, and spouses pass away. Seniors who were once running bustling households while pursuing careers can suddenly find themselves alone more often than in the presence of other people.
And it turns out, being alone too much is not healthy.
Research cited by the National Institute on Aging has shown that social isolation and loneliness over time can have a serious detrimental effect on seniors’ physical and mental well-being. They are at a higher risk of suffering from a weakened immune system, obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, cognitive decline, anxiety, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease.
What’s more, isolated seniors often eat less, give up their hobbies, and don’t take as good care of their overall health.
Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control reported that recent studies show that “social isolation significantly increased a person’s risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.” Perhaps even more alarming, social isolation was also associated with “about a 50% increase in dementia.”
All of which is to say that the health risks to seniors from isolation and loneliness are very real. If you think your loved one needs more social interaction and companionship, keep reading to find out how companion care services can bridge the gap.
What Is Companion Care For Seniors?
Companion care improves your senior’s way of life through emotional support, friendship, and physical assistance. This type of care is best suited for seniors who are relatively healthy and independent. A professional, non-medical caregiver visits the home, develops a relationship with the senior, and becomes a trusted friend and ally.
Depending on the needs, a companion caregiver can engage with the senior on a multitude of levels. Some activities might be based purely on social interactions while others might help accomplish tasks. Either way, the senior is interfacing with another person, participating in an activity, and enjoying companionship—as opposed to being in lonely solitude.
There are many easy, fun social interactions your loved one can do with a caregiver such as:
- Play cards
- Watch a favorite television show
- Complete a puzzle
- Go to the movies
- Take a walk
- Share a meal
- Play a board game
- Any other activity your senior enjoys!
Even if they are fairly independent, sometimes seniors would like to help in executing everyday tasks. A companion caregiver can step in and help them with:
- Light housekeeping and laundry to ensure a clean and safe environment
- Menu planning, grocery shopping, and meal preparation
- Home organization
- Pet care
- Letter or email writing
- Medication and exercise reminders
- Errand running
- Transportation to doctor’s appointments, religious services, or social events
Having another person help with basic activities adds a critical social element that can give your loved one an emotional lift. It might also make them look forward to completing the tasks, as opposed to dreading them.
In short, elderly companion care helps seniors do more, engage more, and achieve more—which enriches and improves their quality of life.
Other Benefits Of Companion Care
Seniors greatly value their independence and should be able to live independently for as long as possible. Companion care helps them achieve this goal by providing the emotional support and basic assistance they need to age in place gracefully.
Additionally, companion care gives seniors a heightened sense of self-worth and a renewed spirit, knowing they have the help they need to continue living in their home, in the manner they are accustomed to.
Lastly, when your own obligations and commitments interfere with your ability to give hands-on support, companion care offers you the peace of mind that your elderly loved one is being well-cared for in your absence by a competent, kind, and dependable caregiver.
Choose North River Home Care For Your Elderly Companion Care Needs
At North River Home Care, we spend time getting to know your senior’s personal circumstances, interests, habits, and lifestyle. This enables us to match them with a caregiver who has a similar disposition and outlook, which then lays the groundwork for a meaningful, lasting relationship.
Not all agencies devote this kind of time upfront. But since our goal is to give your loved one the support and companionship they need to stay in the comfort and security of their own home for as long as possible, we feel it is a critical component of creating a customized elderly companion care plan.
Our dedicated team is ready to partner with you to help your elderly loved one live a better life. We are proud that our companion care services are the best in the industry—learn more by clicking below.
Since 2007, North River Home Care has been providing Massachusetts families with exceptional in-home care. Honored to be among the top 5% of agencies in the nation, we pride ourselves on our commitment to compassionate care. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you with our extended array of in-home care services.
