Elderly Companion Care: How to Hire In-home Help
Loneliness is now considered an epidemic in the U.S. According to USA Today, feelings of isolation and loneliness in older Americans are on the rise. While loneliness may not be at its peak as it was during the pandemic, it’s still a serious health concern. Companion care for seniors and elderly adults can help ease these feelings. Navigating the process of hiring in-home help can be overwhelming at first, but with this guide, you’ll be able to make the right decision so your elderly loved one receives the best possible support.
What is Elderly Companion Care?
Companion care is a personalized service designed to keep seniors engaged, socially active, and supported within their own homes. Senior home companions aim to provide emotional support, companionship, and assistance with non-medical tasks to seniors who wish to stay in the comfort of their own homes. Unlike traditional caregiving services that may focus more on medical or personal care needs, companion care emphasizes emotional support and companionship. Services can include assistance with daily activities, light housekeeping, meal preparation, medication reminders, and transportation, as well as engaging in social activities.
Companion vs. Caregiver: Understanding the Difference
While the terms “companion” and “caregiver” are often used interchangeably, there are some stark differences. A companion typically focuses on non-medical support and social interaction for seniors. This means their roles are great for seniors who are fairly independent but may need help with some activities of daily life (ADLs), such as light housekeeping, changing, etc. A caregiver usually provides more extensive personal care services, including medical support, which may require a higher level of training.
The Role of Companion Care
Companion care for the elderly plays an important role in several aspects of life. The Institute on Aging says companionship is one of the most important types of care for seniors as it helps with physical and mental health. Research has even shown that having companionship and a community helps people live longer.
As a family member or friend, being the sole provider and caretaker of an elderly loved one can be a taxing and hard role. It’s never easy to see our loved ones age, but as they do, maintaining their independence and quality of life becomes a priority. When these caregiving roles reverse, elderly companion care becomes a valuable solution and a needed asset to do just that. Having help can reduce the stress you may feel, and the presence of a companion can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation among seniors.
Companion care can be as equally helpful to seniors as it is to their family members and loved ones. Knowing your senior family member is being taken care of can give you great peace of mind. The care gives seniors a positive outlook on life, a boost in mental and physical health, and the ability to stay within their own home longer.
Hiring a Care Companion for Your Loved One
Many companies can provide companion care, but you’ll want the right kind of care for your loved one. While looking for senior home companions, be sure to consider:
- Needs: Before getting any care, it’s imperative to know what the care is for. Know what you’re looking for in a companion, considering your loved one’s interests, personality, and level of independence. Will they need help with chores, or do they just need someone to stop in once a week?
- Expectations: Open communication is the key to any successful relations, and companion care is no different. Be clear about the tasks and activities you expect the companion to engage in with your loved one.
- Providers: Look for reputable agencies that specialize in elderly companion care, like CareBuilders at Home. Be sure to check online reviews, ask for references, talk with other friends and family, and ask about background checks for their employees.
- Compatibility: It’s important that the person you’re hiring for your senior loved one gets along with them. If a meet-and-greet is possible, try to do that. See if they have similar interests or personality traits to your elderly loved one.
Costs of Hiring a Companion
The cost of elderly companion care can vary. Costs depend on how often care is needed, the type of care desired, where you’re located, and more. In general, companion care is billed hourly, with rates reflecting the non-medical nature of the services. Typically, this type of care is not covered by insurance or Medicaid. The real cost of companion care is the investment in your loved one’s quality of life. While it’s important to think about your budget, it’s also important to consider the cost of your loved one feeling isolated and lonely.
It’s a good idea to discuss pricing and packages with reputable providers like CareBuilders at Home to understand the specific costs involved.
Find the Right Companion at CareBuilders at Home
Elderly companion care can offer a wonderful blend of support, companionship, and independence for seniors wishing to age gracefully at home. CareBuilders at Home provides compassionate care for seniors across the U.S. Our caregivers and companions are trained to take care of a variety of needs, and we always background check our employees to ensure your loved ones are in good hands. We offer exceptional care with:
- Companion care(which can include housekeeping, meal prep, medication reminders, pet & plant care, and enrichment activities)
- Specialized careassistance (specifically for those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, physical or mental disabilities, and for veterans)
- Personal care assistance for help with ADLs
- Transportation services
- Hourly and overnight 24/7 care
- Live-in services
- Holistic wellness program
We also enhance our care with these innovative programs:
- Personal assistant services
- Virtual caregiver
- Brain health and fitness
With the right companion or caretaker with CareBuilders at Home, seniors can enjoy their days from the comfort of their homes. Contact us to find a companion for your loved one today.
