Injury, illness, surgery, or other aspects of aging can make you less socially and physically active over time. This can lead to a sense of isolation with increased mental and health risks. As a result, you may suffer from obesity, anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline.
In such cases, companion care may be a helpful option for those faced with isolation or declining activity levels. Click here to learn more about companion care services that enable you to come out of your shell!
Understanding companion care
Companion care is a service provided by a trained professional who provides care for an older adult or disabled younger person.
It provides:
- “Fellowship” which means the professional will engage you in social, physical, and mental activities.
- “Protection” which means monitoring your safety inside and outside of your home.
The companion can also help you in routine activities like bathing, dressing, or meal preparation. They spend most of their time keeping you company or making sure you are safe in your home.
Types of Companion Care
There are two types of companion care:
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In-home companion care
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- You may choose a companion who will live with you in your house.
- The companion will be provided with a set of tasks that need to be performed.
- The companion’s services will be provided only to the person receiving care, and not the other family members.
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Live-in companion care
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- There could be instances when you or any other family member would need a round-the-clock companion, especially in case of dementia.
- Such requirements would need a person to stay with you even at night.
- They may also be available for you at night.
- However, round-the-clock may not always be practical thus it is essential to set boundaries and expectations before hiring a live-in companion to provide them with a time off.
Difference between companion care and home nurses
A companion can help you with all the routine and basic chores such as bathing, eating, meal preparation, dressing, going out for walks, or grocery shopping. However, they do differ from home nurses because a companion is not medically trained.
Whereas a home nurse is a trained, and licensed professional who can help you with routine chores, and also provide medical treatments (like intravenous medicine administration, wound care, and so on).
So it is essential to discuss your needs and requirements before hiring a professional for home care, whether a companion or a home nurse.
Wrapping up
Having a companion for yourself during illness, or surgery, or any older family member can be beneficial to help with routine chores. A companion can also greatly help prevent feelings of loneliness, depression, and isolation.