A growing trend among seniors who live alone in their homes is seeking companionship from other adults. While many seniors choose to remain alone as they age, others seek companionship and assistance with everyday activities. Companion care is a growing segment of the senior community. Whether you are looking for a live-in aide, a personal care aide, or a companion to provide companionship for the elderly, you can usually find someone who wants to make you feel at home.
Live-in aides are specially trained individuals, often having a nursing background. They provide assistance with activities of daily living (ADL), such as bathing, dressing, eating, and exercising. Live-in caregivers do not receive health benefits, but can be reimbursed for services provided. Most agencies that offer this type of service are private, non-profit organizations. You should check with your local Medicare or Medicaid agency to determine what their reimbursement rates are.
Senior citizen companions are not limited to helping seniors with ADL activities. Many caregivers are specialized in caring for those who may need additional assistance due to physical disabilities, illness, or disease. Some senior caregivers specialize in dealing with specific medical conditions. For example, there are certified nursing assistants (CNA) and certified home health care aides (CHHAs) who work with patients with diabetes and other serious medical problems. Some senior caregivers work in private homes and operate private homes as well. Regardless of location, most CNA and CHHAs live in apartments or private gated communities where they are responsible for the care of only one patient.
Living alone can be challenging for the elderly individuals that live alone. They may have trouble getting up the courage to get out of bed, let alone perform simple tasks like bathing or getting dressed. Many seniors are too embarrassed or afraid to admit that they are unable to care for themselves. Some even fear that living alone is a step toward death. This is not a reality for everyone. With the right companion by their side, many seniors can live happy healthy lives even if they do experience some challenges.
Living with a companion also provides seniors with companionship. Many seniors live alone in retirement homes or nursing homes. Many times a caregiver is needed by a senior to assist with tasks that require a lot of physical effort such as bathing, dressing, or grooming. Companion care provides these senior caregivers with the extra assistance that they need to continue living a self-sufficient lifestyle.
There are many areas across the country that offer companionship care services. These services can be offered by a private home care provider, or they can be offered by an assisted living community or nursing facility. In addition to providing companionship care services, these facilities are also available across the nation to provide basic services to those who need them. These services range from shopping to meals to medical monitoring and assistance with housekeeping.
The goal of most companion care services is to provide a safe, loving environment for seniors who are living alone. By offering supervised visits to senior homes, many seniors who live alone can be visited by their own caregivers. When a caregiver arrives, the senior has the comfort of knowing that someone is there who will watch over them. This reassurance helps to promote a sense of well being and security in the senior. It also allows the senior to pursue their hobbies and interests, knowing that someone is there to keep them safe.
Companion care provides seniors with a safe, secure environment to live alone. This helps to promote the overall health and recovery of the elderly individual. As most seniors begin to notice changes in their appearance, this transition can become a frightening one. However, companionship can make this transition more comfortable and enjoyable.