The senior community in Long Island has been given another benefit by New York’s Senior Citizens Protective Association (SCPA). As part of a nationwide initiative, SCPA is committed to eliminating senior health problems through a comprehensive senior citizen companion program. According to the National Association of Home Care Providers (NAHCPC), there are approximately 25 million senior citizens nationwide that are neither mobile nor independent. These seniors often have a difficult time getting around, cooking and bathing, dressing, or even moving to the comfort of their own homes to tend to their daily needs. With the help of a professional senior care companion, these senior citizens can improve their quality of life and increase their mobility.
Senior Citizens Protective Association of Long Island, Incorporated (SCPA LI) helps provide elderly citizens with the highest level of medical care and compassionate care. Since 2021, Seniorcare Companions has provided top-notch, state-of-the art care to our clients. In addition to receiving the services from licensed and skilled nursing and medical personnel, SCPA provides complimentary and private senior home care services as well. As a result of this comprehensive program, many senior citizens in the area have found a companion to help them maintain their independence and stay in their homes. Since most senior citizens require at least one person to assist them in daily living activities, it pays dividends to select the most appropriate companion for each individual.
When considering assisted living facilities, you’ll want to consider the type of environment that will be most beneficial to your elderly loved one. It might be helpful to speak with a few of your choices to find out which programs they offer and if they have a specific type of environment, style or setting that might be beneficial for your beloved companion. The following are some considerations to keep in mind when selecting a senior companion care program: -What types of activities is the facility offering? -How are medications and treatments provided?
-How are diet plans worked out? -What types of social activities can my companion caregivers engage in? -How do you provide medical and other assistance? -Is there adequate transportation available?
A number of facilities provide senior care assistance through a live-in companion. As you explore senior care options, look for a senior care assistant (PCA). A PCA may be part of a large, integrated senior care team or serve on a self-funded basis. A PCA’s duties may include cleaning, laundry, medical monitoring, shopping and light housekeeping. A reputable assisted living facility will work closely with their PCAs to ensure the needs of their senior loved ones are met.
If your senior family member is not well enough or does not have the ability to stay in a standard residence, you may wish to consider the option of a companion care provider. You will want to make sure that the companion you select has appropriate skills for caring for an elderly loved one. A professional, licensed, companion care provider has the knowledge, experience and skills needed to provide basic and necessary care. You should interview several providers to select one with whom you feel comfortable working.
If you or another family member are not well enough to live in a standard dwelling but need companionship, you may want to consider obtaining CDPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. This technology will provide continuous positive airway pressure for your elderly loved one, allowing him or her to breath easily and sleep through the night. This is a great choice for people who suffer from a condition such as sleep apnea that can be severely debilitating. A certified quality specialist can help you decide if this is the right choice for your loved one. Your family member will need to remain regularly monitored throughout the course of the CDPAP treatment, so it is important to choose a company with a highly trained and experienced staff.
A final consideration is whether your companion needs assistance with daily meal preparation. It may be beneficial for your family member to be assigned one of your adult children or a close friend to assist with preparing meals. It is important to remember that senior citizens often find themselves less mobile than younger people, so having someone else to help in this area can greatly improve the quality of his or her life. Ask for details on the training and experience of your chosen companion to discuss your options with a trained advisor.