Elderly Companionship Care: Key Information on Distinguished Services

Companionship care for the elderly is about providing emotional support to older adults who are generally healthy but need a little extra help to remain independent or stay connected with people. Seniors benefit from having someone to talk to and share experiences with on a regular basis. Companions can also offer valuable household help that enables older adults to remain in their own homes as they age.

Did you know...

 that maintaining a social life can improve an older person's health? According to the available data, social engagement and seniors' wellbeing are strongly correlated. In fact, one of the fundamental ideas that can help people live healthier and longer lives, according to the Blue Zones, is social connectedness.

What Is a Senior Care Companion?

A companion carer eases a senior's life by helping around the house and engaging them in conversation. While some elderly individuals only need a friend to hang out with, others need help with household chores like cooking or laundry. Someone dropping over a few times a week to chat, go for a walk, play cards, and clean the kitchen is an illustration of a companion service. Some companions offer respite care, which gives spouses or other family members who are carers a much-needed break.

Companions can perform a wide range of non-medical services, such as:

• Shopping for groceries
• Preparing meals
• Providing transportation to appointments and social outings
• Reminding seniors to take medications (but not actually administering them)
• Helping seniors write letters or pay bills
• Taking care of pets
• Changing sheets and making beds
• Washing and folding laundry
• Watering plants
• Making small repairs, such as changing lightbulbs
• Planning social activities
• Reading out loud to seniors
• Participating in games and hobbies
• Picking up prescriptions
• Taking out garbage
• Dusting and vacuuming

In some cases, companions can also assist with personal care activities such as bathing and grooming.

Essentially, a distinguished senior companion is an individual who connects seniors with their community, lifts the burden of everyday household tasks, and improves the quality of life for older adults.