Home companions provide emotional support and socialization to adults who don’t require daily medical care. Additionally, they assist with basic tasks like meal prep and running errands.
Home care agencies typically hire companions; individuals looking for individual companions may use referrals, Craigslist or social media pages.
Emotional Support
Home companions may help older adults combat feelings of loneliness and isolation by spending quality one-on-one time at their homes, playing games or taking walks together, as well as providing transportation for social events or healthcare appointments.
Karpilow says caregivers may also provide memory support by reminding individuals to take medications at the appropriate times, and provide educational materials on aging-related issues to clients.
Families may elect to hire home companions independently, although most opt for agencies which specialize in finding caregivers tailored specifically to each family’s needs and conduct background checks on caregivers assigned through them. Some individuals hire independent companions after getting a referral from friends or family who have used them before; in these instances families pay directly; if insurance coverage is involved then an agency will bill the insurance provider on regular intervals.
Social Interaction
Many seniors spend long stretches of their day alone at home. Without interaction or companion care services to socialize them, loneliness and isolation may set in, which has an adverse impact on mental health. Companion care has therefore become an increasingly sought-after service option.
Companions offer social interaction and enjoyable company, alleviating feelings of loneliness for seniors. Furthermore, companions can facilitate engagement outside the home by accompanying seniors on outings or to community events.
Senior care facilities can also assist their residents by helping improve nutrition by providing meals and reminding them to eat. Furthermore, they can encourage physical activity through walking with them or suggesting physical activities tailored specifically for them – something especially helpful for elderly care facilities where residents might not get much opportunity for socialization with others.
Physical Assistance
At home companions can provide emotional and social support, as well as physical assistance, to seniors who may require care in the form of cooking, running errands, grocery shopping, bathing and more.
Companions may help monitor their loved one’s health and safety by reminding them to take medications, ensuring a nutritious diet is being eaten, engaging in plenty of physical activity and following doctor recommendations. They can also be trained in more advanced home care options like personal care that provides more hands-on assistance in areas like dressing, toileting, bathing and grooming.
Home care companions who are hired independently or through an agency must undergo training that includes first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), home health aide certification or medication administration certification, payment through long-term care insurance or directly by family (in which case W-2 or 1099 documentation will need to be issued to them).
Transportation
Companions provide not only emotional support, but can also transport patients safely to healthcare appointments and other appointments. This service can be especially important for elderly adults who no longer drive safely – family may not always be available to take this responsibility on themselves; professional home companions can step in.
Home care agencies typically conduct background checks and employment screening on companions hired through them prior to commencing work. Some agencies offer special training for dementia or conditions impacting cognitive function while others provide first aid/CPR certifications for their companions.
At home companions can provide invaluable assistance to seniors who require extra assistance with everyday life, whether that means grocery shopping, running errands or joining loved ones on social outings or community events. Such services can make an immense difference for older adults feeling isolated at home.