5 Benefits of Companion Care for Seniors
As our loved ones get older, they need extra help and company.
That’s where companion care for seniors steps in.
This type of personal care ensures our seniors live comfortably and happily throughout their golden years.
It’s not just about having someone to chat with; it’s about having a friend who can offer social and physical assistance when needed, from helping with household tasks to ensuring they don’t feel lonely.
Let’s dive into the many perks of having a companion for our aging family members!
Approximately 24% of community-dwelling Americans aged over 65 deal with social isolation.
Table of Contents
What is Companion Care?
Companion care is akin to having a reliable friend for our aging loved ones needing extra help or just someone to chat with. It’s all about ensuring that older folks battle feelings of loneliness and have support in their daily lives.
Companion care providers spend time with seniors, performing activities like:
- Playing board games
- Reading books
- Going for walks, or
- Having a meaningful chat about life
Companion care services are not always about medical needs or chores; sometimes, they’re just about having someone there to share a laugh or listen to a story.
3 Types of Companion Care for Seniors
In-Home Companion Care
In-home companion care is where a caregiver visits a senior’s house to spend time with them. It’s like having a friend over for a visit, someone to watch movies, cook meals together, or just chat with. The goal is to make older adults feel less lonely and give them company in their cozy space.
Live-In Companion Care
Live-in companion care is more full-time. Instead of just visiting, the companion caregiver lives with the senior. This way, there’s always someone around to help out, chat, or even share breakfast with. It’s excellent for older adults needing more support day and night.
Companion Hospice Care
Companion hospice care is bespoke to seniors who might have little time left. The focus is on making them comfortable and ensuring they have a friendly face around. It’s all about providing emotional companionship in a tough time.
Who is Best Suited for Companion Care Services?
Companion care is about providing emotional support to older adults plagued by loneliness or isolation.
First off, we’ve got seniors. As we age, we lose close friends or partners, while our families could live far away. Having a companion around will brighten your day, give you someone to talk to, and connect you to the world.
Next, you have patients recovering from surgeries or illnesses. Being stuck in bed sows the seeds of boredom and loneliness. Companions are there to chat, read books, play games, or sit by their side. It makes the healing process feel less isolating.
Furthermore, patients with specific disabilities or conditions that limit their social interactions benefit from senior companion services. They may find it hard to get out of the house or communicate. A companion helps bridge that gap, providing friendship and a link to the outside world.
Lastly, life’s vicissitudes, like losing a loved one or going through a tough time, can make anyone feel isolated. During such periods, enjoying a companion’s presence provides much-needed emotional support.
5 Benefits of Companion Care for Seniors
Limiting Social Isolation and Feelings of Loneliness
As we age, our lives undergo an unavoidable transition. Friends move away or pass on, family gets busy, and even simple things like going to the store become challenging. Such changes make seniors feel cut off from the world. It’s called social isolation, and it’s not a positive feeling at all.
Constant loneliness isn’t just sad; it can harm one’s health. Studies have shown that isolation leads to depression, anxiety, and even heart problems.
Companion care helps bust that lonely bubble. By having a dedicated person to spend time with, seniors can once again enjoy the simple joys of conversation, laughter, and company. It’s like having a friend ready to chat, listen, and share stories.
But it’s not just about talking. With companion care, seniors enjoy activities they love or even discover new hobbies. Whether it’s watching movies, playing board games, going for walks, or just enjoying a cup of tea together, it all helps break the cycle of loneliness.
Providing Transportation for Seniors
There are tons of places seniors might want or need to go: doctor’s appointments, grocery stores, hair salons, or to catch a movie or meet a friend for coffee. These simple trips become insurmountable challenges without a car or the ability to drive. Options such as buses and taxis can be expensive, unpredictable, and sometimes uncomfortable and unsafe.
Enter companion care. One of the big perks of having a companion is that they also double as a personal chauffeur. But it’s more than just having someone who drives. It’s about having a trustworthy person who understands your schedule, personal needs, and preferences. No more waiting in the rain for a bus or trying to figure out complicated taxi apps on a smartphone.
Providing Recreation and Exercise Opportunities
When we think about older adults, we might not instantly picture them heading out for a jog or playing a game of basketball. But staying active and having fun isn’t just for the young ones; our seniors need it, too.
Having a companion around means seniors have someone to encourage them to move, stretch, and have a good time. Staying active isn’t just about doing intense workouts. It can be as simple as walking in the park, doing light stretching exercises at home, or even dancing to some golden oldies!
Companions can introduce seniors to new recreational activities. It could be a game of checkers, a painting class, or a fun local museum trip. These activities keep the body moving, spark joy, and keep the brain sharp. Plus, it’s way more fun when there’s someone to share these moments with.
Having a companion also means there’s a buddy to laugh, share stories, and make memories with. They may chat about the good old days or learn about the latest dance moves. It’s all about creating those beautiful moments and keeping life vibrant and full of zest.
Observing Signs of Aging
When there’s a companion around regularly, they can keep an eye on small changes that might pop up. These aren’t always the “Oh no!” type of changes, but the little signs that come naturally with age. Maybe Grandma needs to remember where she put her glasses, or perhaps Grandpa isn’t as steady on his feet as he used to be.
A companion is there to notice these things, offer support, or even chat with family members about what they’ve noticed.
Furthermore, having someone around means older adults aren’t facing these changes alone. They’ve got a buddy by their side, cheering them on, lending a helping hand, and ensuring they’re doing alright. It’s like having an extra pair of eyes and ears, always looking out for them.
Taking the Burden off Loved Ones
We all love our older family members to bits. But there are times when taking care of them can be a lot, especially when we’re juggling our own lives.
Bringing in companion care to help out is like giving ourselves a little breathing room. While taking a little break, you’ll know that your family members are in good hands. They’re in the company of someone trained to make their day brighter and safer.
It’s like having a trusted friend come over to help out!
By having a companion around, you may also focus on making your moments with your older family members special. Instead of always being in charge, you can sit down, share stories, and create memories without the constant worry.
How Much Do Companion Care Services Cost?
The price of companion care varies wildly, depending on where you live and the services you’re looking for.
Prices will be higher in a metropolis than in a smaller town. And if you’re looking for someone to assist your loved one 24/7, it will be pricier than someone coming over for a few hours a day.
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $37-$39 per hour for companion care. But this is a broad average. Certain agencies or caregivers charge more, especially for specialized services. Others charge lower rates, especially if you book them for longer periods or multiple days a week.
Always check what’s included in the cost. Are meals covered? What about transportation? By grasping the whole picture, you’ll get the best bang for your buck.
Senior Care Will Assist Your Loved One With Safety and Compassion!
Always Best Care provides quality senior services tailored to your specific needs and abilities. Contact us today at (760) 848-0427 or visit us at 45150 Club Dr, Indian Wells, CA 92210, to schedule a care consultation and learn how we can assist your loved one in safely and comfortably aging in place!
References
- “Elderly Companion Care.” Visiting Angels, www.visitingangels.com/elderly-companion-care. Accessed 18 Oct. 2023.
- Goldy-Brown, Sarah. “Companion Care for the Elderly: Senior Companion Care Services.” SeniorLiving.Org, 28 June 2023, www.seniorliving.org/companion-care. Accessed 18 Oct. 2023.
- “Hourly Wage for Elderly Companion.” Salary.Com, www.salary.com/research/salary/posting/elderly-companion-hourly-wages. Accessed 18 Oct. 2023.
- Sharma, Tanya, et al. “Loneliness and Social Isolation: Determinants of Cardiovascular Outcomes.” Current Cardiology Reviews, vol. 17, no. 6, 2021, https://doi.org/10.2174/1573403X17666210129101845. Accessed 13 Oct. 2023.
- Stringfellow, Angela. “What Is Companion Care? Here Are the Costs, Duties and More.” Caregiver Support and Resources, 1 Aug. 2023, careforth.com/blog/what-is-companion-care-companion-caregiver-costs-duties-and-more. Accessed 13 Oct. 2023.
- Summary – Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults – NCBI Bookshelf, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557972/. Accessed 18 Oct. 2023.
- “What Is Companion Care? Types and Benefits.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 24 Aug. 2023, www.forbes.com/health/senior-living/companion-care. Accessed 13 Oct. 2023.
- “What Is Companion Care for the Elderly?” Companions For Seniors, 21 Oct. 2019, companionsforseniors.com/2019/10/what-is-companion-care-for-the-elderly/. Accessed 13 Oct. 2023.
