It’s companion care month and we’re highlighting the caregiving support that FirstLight Home Care offers. The need for social and emotional support doesn’t diminish as individuals age. It’s just as important for those who are elderly – and even those who have special needs – to be social; however, it’s harder to achieve this due to challenges ranging from mobility and fatigue to a lack of transportation.
Yet, when individuals are isolated for too long, studies show a dramatic increase in health complications. Loneliness and isolation can lead to issues including dementia, stroke and heart disease. There’s also an increase in hospitalizations and visits to emergency rooms for those who are socially isolated. We’re trying to minimize these potential issues for in your loved ones by sharing important information during Companion Care Month.
Companion care services can be a lifeline for seniors and other adults, providing them with the necessary and healthy social interaction they need to maintain their overall sense of well-being. This can include anything from sharing meals and playing games to simply sitting and chatting. Companion care services can also provide practical support, such as help around the house, transportation and assistance running errands.
Understanding Companion Care
Companion care needs are not always as obvious as personal care needs like bathing and hygiene. It’s about creating a true connection to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life every day. Having professional caregivers around can have a positive effect on their mental health. From companionship activities like sharing a conversation to reading a book together, companion care offers emotional support and friendship to people who don’t necessarily require medical services.
A wide range of companion care services is offered at home, in the hospital or in healthcare facility settings. Whether you need senior care services or 24-hour care for a loved one, there are overall happiness and quality of life benefits for your entire family when adding personalized care plans to your day-to-day life:
- A companion care provider can handle daily needs such as light housekeeping, errands and keeping seniors, veterans and other adults safe from harm.
- They can help with medication: making sure it’s taken on time and that your loved ones adhere to their specific treatment plans.
- They can focus on your loved one’s nutritional needs. They can do everything from grocery shopping and meal planning to meal preparation and cleanup.
- A companion caregiver can provide social interaction and keep your family member or loved one engaged while at home, attending a social event or even a special occasion.
- They can provide respite care for the family caregivers so they can have a break from their caregiving responsibilities. This break allows the primary caregiver to regroup, refresh and take care of their own personal needs.
- Companion care providers can help you or your loved one get out and about by providing transportation to the grocery store, library, health club or to meet up with their friends.
- They can help your elderly parent, veteran or adult living with a disability to live and feel independent while giving you peace of mind.
FirstLight Home Care: Your Trusted Companion Care Provider
Whether your loved one is in their own home, living with you or in a senior living community, our professional caregivers can provide the right level of companion care. We’ll work with you and your family to personalize a schedule that fits for your loved one, whether it’s on a part-time or full-time basis. We can even provide live-in services on a temporary or more permanent basis, if needed. Some of our companion care services include:
Offering Comfort & Conversation
Just the opportunity to have a friend and confidant to talk with can make a world of difference for your loved one, especially if they’re living alone. This gives them something to look forward to and it provides the social and emotional support they need. With companion care, caregivers can play games, cards, bingo or participate in other recreational activities your loved one enjoys.
Preparing Healthy Meals
A healthy diet is critical to your loved one’s overall well-being. If they’re having trouble keeping up with cooking and eating nutritious meals, our caregivers can help. We’ll prepare regular, healthy meals and can even handle all the clean-up afterward.
Helping with Light Housekeeping Chores
If your loved one doesn’t have the energy or mobility to maintain their household, our companion caregivers can provide assistance. This includes tidying rooms, removing trash, lightly cleaning kitchens and bathrooms, vacuuming and more. We can also wash, dry and fold clothing, including towels and bed linens. Their home will feel fresher, cleaner and more comfortable.
Offering Medication Reminders
Many individuals become forgetful as they age. However, when taking important medications for issues like high blood pressure or dementia, this can put their safety and health at risk. Our caregivers can remind your loved one to take their medications, and we’ll notify you if we see any new side effects or concerns regarding your loved one’s medication.
Providing Transportation
If your family member can no longer drive, it can be difficult to get to appointments or run errands. Our companion caregivers can help by driving them to appointments, to get groceries, or pick up prescriptions or dry cleaning.
Organizing Paperwork & Bills
We’ll make sure your loved one’s mail and paperwork are organized. We’ll keep track of bills and other important messages, as well as maintain an efficient system for paperwork. We can also help your loved one open and read mail if they have issues with their vision or difficulty opening envelopes.
Companion Care Month with FirstLight Home Care
When a loved one is struggling to live independently, it can put stress on you. It’s why – in addition to companion care services – we also offer respite breaks. These will give you and other family caregivers some much-needed space and freedom, whether it’s to spend time at home, manage work obligations, go on vacation or simply go out to dinner. We know caregiving is a challenging role, and we’re here to help you get the time off you need.
If you’re interested in companion care for your loved one, contact your local FirstLight Home Care today. We can provide comfort, support and help through our compassionate caregivers.