Not every senior needs constant help. Some just need a social outlet. As people age, their world becomes smaller, especially when a life partner dies or can’t communicate. Lack of socialization can cause anxiety and depression. That’s one reason companion care offered in Edmond and Oklahoma City is so vital. Companion care encompasses more than just a friendly face and companionship. They may provide transportation to appointments or for errands, do light housekeeping, or help keep the seniors active with walks.
There are two different types of companion care.
Companion care can include live-in or in-home companion care or short visits to check on the senior. People often use live-in companion care when someone has a chronic condition or dementia, and staying alone isn’t safe. Most people use in-home care with scheduled visits to the home. They often do tasks the senior no longer can do. If the senior no longer can drive, companion care workers drive them to appointments. They may check medications to ensure the senior takes them regularly and as prescribed. Unlike live-in companions, in-home companions are less expensive because they only visit as needed, not 24 hours a day.
Companion care can keep seniors connected to friends and activities.
The inability to drive or lack of ability to use public transportation can leave a senior isolated. They often can’t attend social functions or religious services that previously played a central role in their lives. While new technology can help people stay in touch, some seniors find it impossible to use because of a lack of knowledge or physical limitations. Isolation and loneliness can diminish the quality of life. It affects overall health and longevity.
Finding the right companion caretaker makes the difference.
Knowing a qualified caregiver is the best option, but one that doesn’t often exist. That’s why finding a service where caretakers are screened and interviewed, and undergo comprehensive background checks, ongoing training, and oversight makes a difference. Finding people with the proper work history, licenses, certification, and training can be difficult. When you select companion care from a qualified service, it makes the process seamless and easy.
- The consistency of a companion’s visits has as much to do with the benefits as the visit itself. It gives the senior something to look forward to that occurs on a predictable basis.
- Seniors who have changes in cognition or are frail can benefit from companion visits. Companions can also identify safety issues and help remove them to protect seniors further.
- It’s important to identify the needs of the senior or person receiving companion care. Using a service helps match the person most capable of handling the situation and can determine the hours required.
- Companion care can provide emotional support for the senior and respite for family caregivers. It can provide an opportunity for seniors to try new things and keep their mental functions sharp.