Many older adults wish to age in place. Though preferable, however, this approach may leave elders feeling isolated. Companion care can counteract loneliness and help seniors maintain a high quality of life at home. Serenity Home Care is a family owned, comprehensive in-home care agency in Oregon that provides clients with personalized, compassionate services. Here, we explore what companion care is and the benefits it can offer to seniors and their families.
The Problem of Loneliness
Loneliness is a common problem among seniors, especially those aging in place. Decreased mobility, vision and hearing impairment, and chronic health issues can interfere with a person’s social life. As a result, interactions become rarer. Many seniors do not experience daily contact with another person.
According to a National Academies report published in 2020, approximately one-fourth of seniors aged 65 and older are socially isolated. Loneliness isn’t only a feeling, either. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls social isolation a serious public health risk that leads to significantly decreased mental and physical wellness. It is also associated with severe medical conditions, including:
- Higher rates of obesity
- 50% increased risk of dementia
- 29% increased risk of heart disease
- 32% increased risk of stroke
- Higher rates of depression and anxiety
Unfortunately, families are not always equipped to counter this problem. Loved ones have their own lives and obligations, and long travel times may make visiting difficult. While a care community may mitigate loneliness, many seniors prefer not to sacrifice independence and the familiarity of home.
Combating Loneliness With Companion Care
Companion care is an in-home service designed to counteract the effects of loneliness while assisting with daily activities. It relieves a burden on families, allowing their elderly loved ones to age at home while maintaining an excellent quality of life. In-home caregivers visit daily, providing much-needed social contact while performing a range of services, including:
Household Tasks
It can be difficult for seniors to keep up with the work of running a household. Companion caregivers help out with light housekeeping, including laundry, cleaning, and meal preparation. With assistance, seniors can enjoy a comfortable home environment and a rewarding sense of accomplishment for getting important chores done.
Pet Care
Pets can provide much-needed companionship. Loving, playing with, and caring for a friendly cat or dog can help seniors feel less isolated at home. Unfortunately, pet care is also a strenuous responsibility that older individuals can’t always keep up with. In-home caregivers assist with pet care so seniors still have a companion when the caregiver isn’t there.
Transportation
In-home caregivers can also assist with transportation. Your loved one’s caregiver will drive you to important appointments and errands, helping them overcome mobility impairments to stay healthy and secure basic needs. They will also provide transportation to social engagements. This lets seniors connect with friends and stay active in their community.
Fellowship
Finally, one of the most important benefits of companion care is fellowship. Daily visits from a compassionate caregiver provide frequent social interaction, helping alleviate the effects of loneliness. Many will foster a relationship with their seniors. Companion care isn’t just in-home assistance; it can also be a rewarding friendship for all parties.
What Makes Companion Care Different?
Comprehensive in-home care agencies like Serenity Home Care offer many types of in-home services. Each service is designed to take care of different tasks of daily living and accommodate a variety of unique needs. In addition to companion care, Serenity Home Care also offers the following:
- Personal care: This is an option for seniors who need extra support. In addition to housekeeping and companionship, this type also helps with bathing, hygiene, and medication management.
- Nursing care: Seniors with health conditions may benefit from nursing care. This type of care focuses on medication management, including reminders and healthcare coordination.
- Memory care: For seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia, Serenity Home Care also offers specialized services intended to address the unique challenges of memory failure.
Each of these care types is specialized to meet certain needs, such as increased support, medication management, or Alzheimer’s. In contrast, companion care is ideal for any senior who lives at home and would benefit from extra interaction and support.
Choosing an Agency
Companion care provides peace of mind while enabling an enriched life for elders at home. When selecting a provider, it’s important to keep these benefits in mind. Proper licensing and compassionate caregivers will help your loved one get the most out of their care.
Serenity Home Care is licensed by the Oregon Health Authority, Health Care Regulation, and Quality Improvement. We comply with Division 536 of Oregon Administrative Rules as a Comprehensive In-Home Care Agency. In addition, many members of our staff are Certified Nursing Assistants or have received state training. We hire caregivers for their kindness and compassion, and our low turnover enables consistent care and long-term relationships between caregivers and clients.
Based in Beaverton, Oregon, Serenity Home Care serves seniors throughout the state with companion care and other in-home elder care services. Contact us to learn more or to connect with a caregiver.
