Elderly family members with pets that require walks or litter box cleaning can find comfort knowing a caregiver is available to them. Long term insurance policies covering home health services like physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy could also benefit from in-home care options.
Find a Companion
Home companion services provide seniors who require non-medical assistance at home with non-medical services available through agencies or independently. It may also benefit those experiencing memory loss, depression or loneliness in general. Families should check if an agency creates client care plans, provides background checks and involves family in the care process as part of its service offerings.
Home Companion Services provide regular visits by care partners who offer emotional support, run errands and grocery shopping on behalf of the individual they care for, take them to doctor’s appointments as needed and monitor their health and safety.
Families may wish to explore home companion services if their loved one feels isolated, is having trouble managing daily errands or chores around the home, or needs support running errands and keeping up with household duties. Families should inquire if an agency provides replacement staff in case their caregiver must leave for vacation or another reason; home companion services may also be offered in nursing homes, assisted living communities or group homes as an additional paid service.
Make a List of Needs
Home companion services typically consist of helping with housework and personal care tasks, such as grooming, bathing, dressing and running errands. A visit may also include reminders to take medication as well as assistance during short-term rehabilitation after surgery or hospitalization. Companions also offer mental health support by visiting with families and friends or playing games and other activities together.
Home caregivers from trusted agencies can be invaluable resources in terms of monitoring emotional and physical well-being for loved ones living alone, alleviating pressure for primary caregivers who work or have families to care for. Furthermore, these homecare workers keep other healthcare professionals updated on how their client is faring.
Many aging adults suffer from loneliness or isolation in their own home, regardless of whether family is nearby. Home companions can help reduce this feeling and promote independence; visiting daily or several times each week with interaction, social activities and encouragement to stave off depression while encouraging physical activity with potential health benefits.
Look for a Reputable Companion
An experienced companion can give your loved one greater peace of mind about their safety and wellbeing. To find one suitable, it is important to interview/select them through an interview/selection process that takes the interviewee through all necessary steps such as experience and certification to perform any and all duties requested from them by you or your family member. It should also be determined whether they would prefer working alone or through an agency.
Associating with someone, playing games together, going for walks together or simply being there for someone is proven to help boost self-esteem and mental wellbeing, and stave off loneliness. Home care agencies can arrange for companion visits weekly or daily depending on the needs of your loved one; some services even offer live-in companion care with 24-hour shifts provided by team of caregivers – this option may be more costly but great if your elderly loved one suffers chronic illnesses; long term care insurance typically covers this form of home care; asking family who already use such services for referrals would also work!
Look for a Caregivers Job
Home companion services provide much-needed socialization for elderly individuals. A home companion can play games, take walks and prepare tea and light snacks; take them to the cinema/theatre/meals etc and assist with shopping and housework – but remember they do not cover nursing/carer duties which require specific training and are outside of their remit.
Find a home caregiver can be accomplished in many ways, from using direct-hire agencies that charge one-time fees and have prescreened workers, to searching through an extensive pool. They may even be able to match you with one who speaks your loved one’s second language, shares hobbies or common interests and is available when needed.
Some state health departments provide publicly accessible registries of certified home care workers that you can search by name. If you choose one of these registries, ensure the agency offers liability insurance.