Loneliness can have serious detrimental health implications and is linked with depression, high blood pressure and dementia. Senior home companion services provide an effective means of fighting loneliness and isolation.
Hiring a senior care companion can be done independently or through an agency. Agencies typically screen and perform background checks on caregivers before offering them for hire.
Socialization
Elders who spend much of their time alone may suffer the adverse consequences of isolation. These effects include depression, stress, cognitive decline and even memory loss.
Senior companions provide seniors with both assistance and companionship when feeling alone or isolated, helping to keep them mentally sharp while also being alerted of potential safety hazards in their home or signs of elder abuse.
Families seeking an agency to provide an elderly loved one with trustworthy companion care should ask themselves the following questions when searching for an agency: inquire into caregiver training, experience and compassion before asking whether family members are included in client care plans.
Physical Assistance
Elders living alone without much interaction from family and friends may experience feelings of isolation that lead to health decline. Companionship services help elders reduce feelings of isolation through socialization opportunities as well as participating in hobbies or other activities they enjoy, which help alleviate loneliness while improving emotional well-being.
Senior care assistants may assist seniors with medication reminders and exercise regimens. They could even help them shop for groceries or run errands if they cannot drive themselves.
Assistance pets can also accompany senior loved ones on walks, religious events and other outings, which will keep them socially engaged while also helping with household tasks such as cooking, laundry and cleaning.
Transportation
Seniors who no longer drive need regular transportation in order to maintain both independence and social connections. Many communities offer public transit systems offering buses, rail and trolley lines.
Many transit systems provide services tailored to meeting the needs of those with disabilities, including curbside assistance or being able to accommodate mobility aids like wheelchairs before and during rides. Uber offers additional assistance through Assist and Health for seniors facing physical or cognitive challenges.
Area Agencies on Aging may provide transportation and home care services to seniors as part of their services, too. Contact your local office for more details.
Medications
Many seniors who require home care services take multiple medications at various points throughout the day. Medication management is a critical aspect of senior home care plans; professional caregivers are specially trained to facilitate care plans and create daily routines that assist a senior in adhering to his/her medication regimen.
Caregivers assist clients in compiling an accurate list of their prescription medication. This list should be reviewed regularly, particularly when new medicines are added or dosage or frequency changes occur.
Adherence to medication schedules can be challenging for seniors, making their day-to-day lives much simpler with pill boxes or other aids to stay on track with taking daily doses.
Meal Preparation
Caregivers provide senior clients with nutritious meals tailored to their food preferences, dietary needs and nutritional requirements. Caregivers may accompany clients shopping at grocery stores.
Professional cooks prepare meals ranging from breakfast, lunch and dinner through snacks for their clients every day, while making sure that they receive adequate nutrition. Some may pre-prep versatile ingredients like quinoa or washed vegetables which will feature in multiple meals throughout the week; thus reducing time needed to make each dish. They may also adhere to nutritionist-recommended menus when planning their menus.
Housekeeping
Home care services provide much-needed help for seniors struggling to keep up with housework, particularly those suffering from arthritis or other health conditions. In addition to cleaning and light yard work assistance, they may also offer meal preparation or medication reminder services.
When hiring a senior home companion, be sure to discuss both parties’ expectations beforehand. For instance, a senior who doesn’t like their pets being touched should let their provider know as this can prevent any miscommunication and ensure healthy dynamics between themselves and caregivers. Also make sure that background and reference checks are performed – most companies provide this service free of charge!