Companion Care
Companion care is a type of home care that is not intended for clinical or medical purposes. Companion care is used to provide social and emotional support; however, they can help with many tasks around the home. This can be a great opportunity for those with difficulties leaving the house to interact with others and feel more included in their community. When this service is pursued by a home health care company, such as Senior Shield Home Care, you can expect to get a staff member who is friendly and able to assist with light housekeeping.
Some of the tasks a companion may be able to help with include:
- Doing light laundry, such as washing clothes or sheets and putting them away
- Running errands in the community, such as getting groceries or prescriptions as needed
- Assistance with scheduling appointments
- Transportation to community outings, social events, or medical appointments
- Finding creative ways to engage socially with the community and explore the interests of the person
- Working with the family or support system to discuss likes and dislikes to implement them in a creative way
- Cooking and preparing meals ahead of time to help someone have dinner when others may not be around. For example, preparing sandwiches or snacks that can be eaten throughout the day or making dinner
- Washing dishes, sweeping, vacuuming, or tidying up
A companion is not someone who exclusively does tasks like a "housekeeper" but serves to help an individual maintain their quality of life in their own home while keeping them company. Visits usually occur several times a week or daily. This is a good way to not only have someone look forward to socializing but also ensure they are safe and taken care of in their own home. It is an excellent alternative to long-term care and is more cost-effective.
Companions often are creative individuals who encourage socialization and community outings. Many of them have ties to the local areas and can find exciting things for you or your loved one to do. If they have mobility issues, companions are educated on how to safely transport them and can push them in a wheelchair if needed. Activities like going to bingo, getting groceries, going to lunch, senior centers, or exercise programs are encouraged and can be customized based on the interests of the individual.
If you or your loved one are having difficulties managing things around the house, companion care may be a good option for you. Family members often cannot support their loved ones full-time due to their obligations with work or children. It can seem overwhelming and impossible to accomplish. Utilizing companion services can give you peace of mind that someone is checking in with your loved one and that they are getting their needs met. Someone will be regularly monitoring them for any changes, helping assist with household tasks, and encouraging them to get out in the community to socialize.
Popular Questions
Absolutely! We would be happy to provide a caregiver to keep your loved one company. Caregivers can have a meal with them, assist them with a home project, or simply watch their favorite show with them.
Yes! Caregivers are happy to provide the support you need wherever your loved ones call home.
Yes! companion care services are available whenever you need them, subject to any minimum requirements. Our goal is to always be flexible to your needs.