Many services for seniors focus on medical care or activities of daily living but fail to address emotional wellbeing. Unfortunately, loneliness among seniors has been linked with depression and high blood pressure rates.
Companion care services help alleviate feelings of isolation while also relieving family caregiver stress. Learn more about what kinds of senior home companion services are available.
Socialization
Loneliness and isolation can be an everyday struggle for seniors living alone in distant areas, and visiting friends or family may not always be possible. A home companion can provide companionship services while making life easier at home for them.
Companions for seniors are trained to engage in conversations and activities with them, such as reminiscing, playing games, and going on excursions. Such socialization helps keep brain cells active while potentially staving off dementia, Alzheimer’s, or any other form of cognitive decline.
Senior companions can be hired either independently or through home care agencies. Agencies usually conduct background checks before matching clients with compatible companions who share similar interests. Both in-home and live-in companions are available nighttime or daytime assistance depending on what the senior needs. They provide familiar faces to look forward to seeing and someone they can count on, while providing transportation to and from medical appointments or errands.
Transportation
Reliable transportation is essential for seniors who must attend doctor’s appointments and grocery shopping, but when their family members work full-time or live far away it can be challenging to arrange rides for them.
Many communities offer special, non-profit and volunteer-run transportation programs designed specifically to transport seniors. These may be free or low cost services that offer door-to-door service; check your county’s Area Agency on Aging to see what options exist in your community, or use online tools like ElderCareLocator and GoGoGrandparent to find and book transportation services.
Uber or Lyft may offer special concierge services designed specifically to provide rides for seniors – these may include “Ride for Seniors.” A driver will arrive promptly, at an affordable cost compared to hiring private taxis – though make sure they feel comfortable using this form of ride-hailing first!
Meal Preparation
Fresh, delectable meals that fit dietary needs and preferences are an absolute necessity for older individuals. While it can be daunting to shop, prepare, and clean up after cooking on their own – especially for those struggling with mobility issues, vision impairment, or hearing impairment – meal preparation services provided by home care companies come in very handy in these instances.
Home caregivers can offer freshly cooked meals to aging loved ones as well as accompany seniors on errands to stock the refrigerator and pantry with foods that meet nutritional requirements and preferences.
Agencies often provide backup care if one companion is unavailable on any given day; however, when hiring private caregivers directly it comes with its own set of responsibilities such as employee screening, background checks, workmen’s comp insurance and payroll taxes – so be sure to do your research and check references first before making your commitment.
Housekeeping
Many elderly individuals need assistance with daily household duties, especially if family live far away or have other jobs. Home companions can assist seniors by doing laundry, grocery shopping and picking up prescriptions as needed; grooming/bathing/showering services; as well as helping get ready and dressed each morning.
Elder home care services may also offer light housekeeping and meal preparation, including vacuuming, dusting and mopping floors; cleaning bathrooms and kitchens including sinks, tubs, counters and stovetops; laundering clothing/linens or laundering them before folding/putting away; helping with laundry by washing/drying/putting away clothing/linens as needed and even reaching interior windows that can be reached without ladders.
Senior home care services may be an ideal solution for loved ones in need of emotional companionship but not direct medical assistance. Reach out to the nearest Visiting Angels office to discover all available services in your area.