FAQs
What is Companion Care?
Companion care refers to non-medical assistance provided to individuals, typically seniors or those with disabilities, who may require help with daily tasks or need emotional and social support. The primary focus is to enhance the quality of life, reduce feelings of loneliness, and ensure a safe and comfortable environment for the individual.
Benefits:
- Social Interaction: Providing conversation, companionship, and engaging in games, hobbies, or walks.
- Light Household Help: Assisting with meal preparation, light cleaning, laundry, or organizing.
- Monitoring Safety: Ensuring the individual is safe and comfortable at home, especially for those at risk of falls or isolation.
- Medication Reminders: While not licensed to administer medications, companions can remind clients to take prescribed medications at the correct times.
- Emotional Support: Companions spend time with individuals to alleviate loneliness, provide conversation, and build bonds. This can be especially important for seniors who live alone or are isolated.
Care is primarily provided in the individual’s home. Care is tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of the care recipient, fostering independence while providing much-needed support.
Who Benefits?
- Seniors who live alone or are at risk of social isolation.
- Individuals with mild cognitive impairments who do not require full-time medical care.
- People recovering from surgery or illness who need help with daily tasks.
- Families who need respite care for their loved ones.
Types of Services
- In-Home: Care is provided in the individual’s home to maintain a familiar and comfortable environment.
- Live-In: A companion lives with the individual to provide round-the-clock support and companionship.
- Hourly: Scheduled as needed, from a few hours weekly to daily assistance.
Companionship and personal connections are critical
Taking care of you and your loved ones' mental and emotional health dramatically impacts everyone's quality of life. Your frame of mind and outlook on life color all your experiences. That’s why paying attention to your loved one’s level of engagement with other people, inside and outside of your family, is critical to maintaining their sense of independence.
Without companionship and regular personal interactions, a senior (or anyone) can become isolated and experience feelings of loneliness. If not addressed, this loneliness can lead to depression, causing them to withdraw even further. Along the way, they may stop caring for themselves and their home correctly. If you feel your loved one isn’t getting the socialization required to be happy and healthy, address the issue quickly.