More than 30 million older Americans do not require round-the-clock nursing care; they could benefit from home companion services instead. When hiring one either through an agency or independently, be sure to get work and personal references as part of the contract process.
Your loved one will spend much time with their partner, so it is crucial that they get along and connect well.
Help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Home health aides typically devote approximately 20 percent of their time assisting with ADLs such as bathing and dressing; in contrast, companions tend to focus more on providing protection and friendship than ADL assistance.
Seniors living with dementia can find great comfort from home companion care services. Instrumental activities of daily living (iADLs), like cooking, shopping and cleaning may become difficult as dementia progresses – it is vital that family members recognize when these tasks no longer pose a danger.
If a senior is no longer capable of dressing or bathing themselves, they require assistance. A checklist from Visiting Angels may be used to assess their level of need; for more information regarding companion care services contact your local agency.
Social Interaction
Home companion care offers seniors who live alone a vital source of social engagement, helping boost their mood, emotional health and reduce feelings of isolation – an issue often faced by senior living alone.
Companion care may include reminders for medications or appointments, which can help avoid health issues like falls. They will also have someone they can share meals and enjoy conversations with while doing daily tasks.
Companion caregivers tend not to require much in terms of additional training or qualifications, making them an economical solution for providers seeking to expand their services. Furthermore, companion caregivers offer families much-needed relief from their own hectic schedules so that they can focus on responsibilities like jobs and family obligations more easily.
Help with Meal Preparation
Home caregivers assist clients who require assistance with meal planning, shopping and preparation by creating meal plans from scratch and stocking groceries correctly. Homecare gives clients a reliable source of nutrition.
Caregivers also assist their clients with any other dietary restrictions they may have, including making sure fresh food is available and checking expiry dates.
Senior citizens who find themselves alone at meal time may benefit from having someone sit with them at meals to offer friendly conversation and prevent feelings of isolation; this also makes enjoying their food much simpler. In-home caregivers provide such companionship for senior clients.
Transportation
Accessing reliable transportation can make a world of difference to seniors looking to attend community events, run errands or visit healthcare providers. Highly-trained Comfort Keepers caregivers offer more reliable and cost-effective elderly transportation solutions than taxis or ride sharing services.
Many communities offer reduced cost or free transit services tailored to seniors and people with disabilities, including paratransit vehicles that can accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
Miner notes that some long-term care (LTC) insurance policies cover home companion care services; however, eligibility criteria often restrict them. He advises reaching out to your LTC provider to learn more about its coverage options.
Companionship
Companion care can be an invaluable service for individuals who feel isolated in their home environments. In contrast to home health aides who primarily provide medical tasks like medication reminders or blood pressure monitoring, home companion caregivers specialize in social interaction and activities designed to boost mental and physical wellness.
Families should ensure their chosen agency assigns caregivers according to individual client needs, and works together with clients on creating care plans. Furthermore, families should enquire as to whether backup staff exists so as to maintain continuity in care should their regular caregiver be unavailable or sick.
If you would like more information about in-home companion care for an elderly loved one, reach out to a home care agency in your area today. They will arrange a complimentary consultation and tailor recommendations specifically to the individual’s individual needs.