What is companion care and who can benefit from it? Companion care describes services that are usually nonmedical but beneficial. Using a companion care service can make a big difference in your life or the life of a loved one. Companion care service is not the same thing as hiring a home nurse whose focus is administering medical attention; companion care is focused on companionship and assistance with everyday life. The services can even provide a level of care that includes monitoring which can elevate care to a medical professional or facility, if or when needed. If your parents or parent live alone, they may be more likely to have their needs or even their emergencies go unnoticed until much later. That’s why companion care is so important for so many families.
Accepting help can be difficult for older adults. However, recognizing these signs may help you determine what works best for your family. Finding a home care agency that puts your needs first can help make the transition a seamless one. Companion care can increase your loved one’s quality of life and make the time you spend together more memorable as you focus on cherishing each other, not on their care needs.
Increased Hospital Visits
As adults get older, they may begin visiting the hospital more frequently. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 17% of all people 65 and older had one or more hospital stays per year. When your loved one lives alone, their need for the hospital could get overlooked. A companion caregiver can not only take note of when they need to go to the hospital, but also transport them to the hospital.
Memory Issues
Memory issues are not always a sign that a person is suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia, but they remain problematic. When a person has memory issues, they can forget everything from their bills to the medications that they’re meant to take. A companion caregiver may be needed to aid an individual whose memory is failing.
Unexplained Injuries
Older adults, as they age, may not always immediately accept the assistance that will improve their quality of life. They may not admit it, or know they need help, which means that you’ll have to take note of unspoken issues that can signify their need for help. If your loved one has unexplained bruises, or perhaps even sprains or broken bones, they may be experiencing mobility issues. A companion care service can offer much-needed assistance.
Loneliness
Some people benefit from companion care services simply because they need that companionship. It’s especially beneficial for those that have recently lost their partners. If your loved one has noted a level of loneliness, talk to them about companion care service.
At Montcordia, our Concierge Companion professionals are patient, friendly and willing to provide companionship and social engagement to you or your loved ones in activities such as gardening, crafts/games, social outings, errands, and assist in more serious concerns like the ones mentioned above. To get started, contact a professional at Montcordia today at 240-331-5627.