Companion Care

There are several choices that you can make when choosing elder care services for a loved one, such as companion care or personal care. There is a significant difference between the two kinds of services, which is why it is important that you understand them.

Often, the duties of a home care companion will include activities like doing laundry, preparing meals, and assisting with errands, among many others. It is important to note that this type of care does not include assistance with physical activities such as dressing, bathing, or toileting.

Personal care may be a requirement for senior citizens who require advanced medical care or physical assistance to be comfortable at home. As part of personal care services, non-medical assistance can also be provided to those who have chronic illnesses like diabetes or Parkinson's disease. A part of providing personal care is providing companionship and physical assistance to those who need it.

What is Companion Care?

Companion care is a non-medical form of home care offered to elderly or disabled people. Unlike companion care, personal care aides (also known as home health aides) typically provide similar services as companions but may also help with bathing, dressing, and medication management, according to state requirements. A companion's primary role is to provide emotional support and socialization; however, they may also help with a range of activities, such as:

 

What are the benefits of Companion Care for your loved one?

Seniors who live alone and find it difficult to leave the house benefit from companionship in a few ways, but companionship itself may be the most important aspect of companionship. Companions provide companionship and conversation to older adults living independently, take them out for walks and play games with them like card games and board games, or simply provide a listening ear and company.

In addition, by transportation older adults to senior centers, clinics, and other activities, companions allow them to stay active and engaged while receiving essential healthcare services.

Those with disabilities and older adults may also encounter mobility issues, which make it hard to do everyday tasks like washing dishes and doing laundry. A companion can alleviate a great deal of burden from care recipients by taking care of chores like light housekeeping, which improves their quality of life.

 

Do You Need Companion Care for a Loved One?

Individuals who live independently in their own homes may find it harder to manage everyday household tasks as they grow older. If a person experiences a loss of mobility with aging or cognitive decline from the onset of Alzheimer's disease or dementia a companion care service is often the first step a family will take to enable them to live in the comfort of their own home as they grow older.

When other family members are working full-time or have other obligations, it can be difficult for a family member to be available 24/7 to transport a senior loved one to their regular doctor appointments and assist them with other errands, like shopping. There are many seniors who can benefit from companion care, specifically if they do not drive anymore and do not have access to convenient transportation. Furthermore, older adults who live alone and don't have many friends or family members who visit on a regular basis will also be able to benefit from a companion's socialization.

There is no doubt that companion care is an important benefit to older adults who are unable to manage daily household chores, are at risk of isolation, or need assistance getting to appointments and other places. Companion care is one of the most helpful services to enable your aging loved one to age in place, ensuring that they can remain independent, in their own home for as long as possible.

Here at Home Care I Trust, we are committed to assisting individuals of all ages, those with disabilities, and those suffering from acute health conditions to live a fulfilling life at home by assisting them in the search for the right professionals. Our goal is to provide the highest quality of service to our clients and to refer them to a caregiver who is responsible, understanding, dependable, and always respectful You will be able to maintain your independence for as long as possible while receiving the care you need in the privacy and comfort of your own home.

To get started on the road to beginning in-home care for your loved one we will ask a few simple questions regarding your location and your loved one's care needs. Home Care I Trust will then provide you with a list of top-quality, locally based providers in your area at no cost to you.