As we grow older, we can easily experience feelings of isolation and loneliness. For most aging parents, experts at Capital City Nurses, say that having companion care can provide social assistance, much-required companionship, and practical support with everyday activities.
Understanding Companion Care
The Department of Labor says that a companion is anyone who offers care for disabled or older adults by offering ‘fellowship.’ This may mean engaging them in mental, physical, or social activities. Generally, there are no specific certifications or training for companions, but people hired through home health care in Washington, DC agencies get CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and first aid training. The state regulates these home care agencies, and there might be rules and regulations specifically applying to your local region. Some agencies also offer specialized training on conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Benefits of Companion Care
We deserve a familiar and comfortable environment so as to age gracefully. For seniors, their home is more than just a place to live in. To them, it is also a symbol of life and a haven of good memories. So, it is important to build a good support system, personalized to the specific preferences and requirements of your aging parents. This, in turn, will ensure that your parents’ golden years are not only filled with warmth, but also comforts of home. Here are more benefits of companion care:
1. Practical Support with Daily Activities
Through companion care, you can offer support with routine ADLs (activities of daily living) in various ways. First, companion care provides guidance and a supportive hand to help seniors move about, sit, and walk around the house. Second, companion care offers help with dressing, bathing, and grooming. Last but not least, it offers driving services as well as support with chores, like light laundry, housekeeping, and meal preparation.
2. Emotional Support
Many seniors prefer talking about their emotions with a non-family member instead of speaking with a close relative. They don’t want to bother their closest relatives or adult children with a feeling of loneliness, depression, or anxiety. But here is where a companion caregiver comes in handy. After developing rapport, your aging parents will feel more comfortable talking to their companion caregivers. In addition, these caregivers are well-trained to draw out conversations, including what’s really bothering them.
3. Relieve Caregivers
Your aging parents might already have part-time or full-time caregivers in their lives for medical support and needs. Companion care and support will relieve other caregivers by letting them practice self-care, recharge, and rest so they may provide quality care.
4. Minimize Isolation and Loneliness
Feelings of loneliness and isolation may lead to mental health problems when they’re left unattended. A prolonged feeling of isolation and loneliness is often associated with anxiety and depression. Through companion care, your aging parents may stave off those feelings through social interaction and interaction. In addition, companion caregivers can accompany your aging parents to a social event with family and friends if they can’t walk or drive by themselves. Feeling like important people in the community can greatly improve your parents’ feelings of self-worth and mood.
5. Encourage Feeling of Independence
Although a companion caregiver isn’t a servant, they can provide support to your aging parents who are unable to do anything themselves. Rather than doing tasks for your parents, a companion caregiver will help them do those things. By interacting with a companion caregiver, the needs of your parents will also be met. This capability of a companion caregiver to accompany your parents on errands will improve their quality of life without making them feel helpless and old.
The bottom line is that loneliness and isolation can have negative effects on your aging parents, especially when they live alone. To avoid that, get help from a companion caregiver, and you will be sure that your parents will benefit immensely from the expert’s emotional and practical support.