Loneliness, boredom and isolation can be serious health threats to seniors, increasing their risk of mortality. Home care agencies recognize this and have begun offering companion home healthcare services as a solution to help combat these problems.
Home companion care services from Visiting Angels offer companionship and protection while aiding with activities of daily living. Please visit your nearest office to discover more of these services.
Finding a Companion
Home companion services can be an ideal solution for seniors who find it hard to socialize due to medical or other restrictions, providing emotional support as well as helping with tasks like running errands and housekeeping. If you think an elderly family member could benefit from this arrangement, be sure to discuss their preferences for what duties their caregiver should fulfill before making your decision.
Families can hire home companions independently or through an agency, which will assign one based on client needs and desires. Some agencies even provide live-in companion care, with multiple caregivers on call 24 hours per day. When hiring through an agency, make sure it conducts background checks on its candidates; some insurance plans cover companion care; it’s advisable to check first with each provider. In certain states regulations restrict which services companions are allowed to provide; such as training in first aid and CPR certification for example.
Choosing a Caregiver
No matter if you opt for an agency or hire your companion directly, it is vital to do your research. Make sure they are qualified with excellent references before discussing their care needs with both you and their doctor.
Companion caregivers assist older adults by running errands, engaging in social activities and playing games that keep them active. They may also assist with light housework duties and cooking meals that meet individual clients’ dietary requirements.
Check that the home care agency you select offers client care plans, family meetings and replacement staff when regular caregivers are away or sick; this will give you peace of mind that quality of care remains consistent. At Visiting Angels, we can coordinate a free in-home consultation and use our Select Your Caregiver program to match you with the ideal caregiver.
Keeping Your Loved One Safe
Home companion caregivers assist seniors in staying safe by making sure they do not wander the house or fall. Additionally, they provide assistance taking showers and bathing safely as well as making sure medications are taken as prescribed on time. Furthermore, caregivers keep an eye out for signs of malnutrition by monitoring diet.
They can assist their clients in avoiding loneliness and isolation by encouraging participation in social activities, helping with errands and grocery shopping, reminding clients to take medications on time, as well as reminding them about medical appointments.
Families selecting a home companion care agency should look out for agencies that develop client care plans with family involvement and offer 24-hour services with replacement staff to fill gaps when regular caregivers become unavailable. Furthermore, contracts should specify non-medical and basic supervision services as part of the contract agreement.
Keeping Your Home Clean
Home care services companions play an essential role in keeping the house of their loved one clean. It can be dangerous to navigate a disorganized home alone, especially for someone suffering from medical, physical or cognitive challenges.
Caregivers can assist your senior in clearing away clutter and organizing their belongings, wash bedding, change window screens and vacuum out drains if necessary, take their pet for walks, clean their litter box and assist them in any other ways needed.
So that there are no misunderstandings, be specific with your home care services partner about what cleaning duties she should perform regularly to avoid confusion. If your expectations exceed her capabilities, a professional house cleaner might be necessary instead.