Some seniors simply require someone to share time with, while others need help with household duties. Companion caregivers also serve as respite care providers, offering respite for spouses and family members in the form of respite care relief.
No matter the form of caregiver you hire – whether through an agency or as an independent companion – it’s vital that your family secures one with an excellent reputation. Ask for references and review online reviews prior to making a selection decision.
Socialization
Home companion services aim to provide seniors with enjoyable company, stimulating conversations, and social interactions to boost mental health and prevent loneliness. This may take the form of short-term visits for those just returning from hospital care or longer-term assistance as needed for living independently.
Companion caregivers go beyond providing basic in-home care by engaging older adults in simple activities, like card or board game playing or simply walking outside. They can even accompany them on errands or visits to family and friends to ensure they remain connected with society.
If your family would like more information about home companion services, reach out to Visiting Angels to talk with one of their care coordinators and arrange a complimentary in-home consultation. Their coordinator will meet with your loved one and assess their needs while answering any queries and offering recommendations for care.
Transportation
Seniors living alone often suffer from loneliness and isolation that can compromise both physical and mental wellbeing. Reliable transportation options allow these seniors to reconnect with friends and family, participate in social activities, and attend important healthcare appointments more easily.
Private options like ride-hailing services offer flexible scheduling and accessible vehicles that make transportation accessible for people who struggle with mobility issues or cannot rely on public transit. Furthermore, these services may even assist passengers getting in and out of the vehicle.
Families may consider hiring a home companion as a means to give their loved one some respite from full-time caregiving and give them time to recharge their batteries, particularly when facing burnout or working longer hours. Home companions can step in for short or longer-term periods as necessary and even take care of family pets to ensure they receive enough love and exercise to thrive.
Meal Preparation
Diet is essential to healthy aging. Unfortunately, as mobility and strength decreases, preparing nutritious meals at home becomes more challenging; seniors may resort to frozen dinners or pre-made ready-to-eat meals which do not offer sufficient nutrition.
Caregivers can take the strain out of meal preparation for their loved one by shopping and cooking fresh, nutritious meals right in their home. Caregivers can even accommodate for special dietary needs like diabetes and heart disease more easily than frozen or pre-made foods can do, offering companionship at meal times while helping ensure food remains within easy reach in the refrigerator; this could save lives as it reduces risks such as falling and injuring themselves in the kitchen, as well as provide effective protection from loneliness or depression.
Housekeeping
An immaculate home is essential to senior health and wellbeing. An untidy environment increases the risk of tripping and falling, which could be especially dangerous for those with mobility issues. Many senior home companion services offer regular or deep cleaning; their professional cleaner will scrub frequently-neglected areas, disinfect bathrooms and kitchens, straighten closets and drawers, vacuum floors mop floors and take out trash to maintain safety for senior residents.
Helping someone manage household chores can reduce stress for your loved one and free up more time for other activities. Plus, doing it yourself may save money over hiring a professional housekeeper!
Talk with your loved one about the advantages of receiving assistance with housework. While this topic can be uncomfortable, involving them in this process will reduce anxiety and fear that they are seen as burdens. Caregivers can even walk their pet(s) and clean out its litter box if applicable.