The Importance of Companionship for Elderly

Home Care Powered by AUAF specializes in senior care for your loved ones. That care recognizes the importance of companionship for the elderly. The main goals of companion care include social and emotional support. But, that doesn’t mean that’s all elderly companion caregivers provide. For example, there can be a range of tasks that elderly care companions provide. This includes light housekeeping, medication reminders, aiding in grooming and bathing, and more.

Some of the most important effects that companion care can have on the elderly is clear in new research by The National Institute on Aging. According to the 2019 study, there is correlation between loneliness, social isolation and adverse health effects. These adverse effects include high blood pressure, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and more (NIH, 2019).

Seniors are at higher risk for loneliness and social isolation due to immobility and the loss of family members. That is why companion care is gaining traction as a viable way to battle the loneliness and isolation of seniors.

The Benefits of Companionship for Seniors

The National Institute on Aging goes on to describe the benefits that come from engagement of older adults to deter loneliness and social isolation. These benefits include longer life expectancy, better quality of life, boosted mood, and even potential for improved cognitive function (NIH, 2019). Beyond the positive mental and physical health benefits, in-home care or companion care has another key bonus. It allows seniors to age in their own homes while receiving care and attention. Social interaction and companionship are known reasons for otherwise independent seniors to move into nursing homes.

Thus, with companion care there is all the more reason to have seniors continue aging in their homes without the risk of being isolated or lonely.

The Importance of Companionship for Elderly

The Caregiver Side of Companion Care

At Home Care powered by AUAF, we offer companion care as a part of our regular in-home care services. Our personal care aides are trained to provide both social engagements and support of daily living activities. That means our caregivers provide more than just companionship as a part of their daily tasks.

The day in the life of one of our senior companions can include interacting with clients on varying levels. This can include assistance with daily housekeeping throughout the day to engaging with seniors in brain games and activities in the afternoon.

Providing Companionship Care for an Elderly Loved One

Home Care powered by AUAF also offers the opportunity for family members to become caregivers to provide companion care to their elderly loved ones. We understand the barriers to care in many different communities. Beyond that we know importance of providing the option for family members to provide formal care.

Elderly Companion Salary

At Home Care powered by AUAF, our in-home care aides are offered a competitive rate of $15 an hour. This rate is dependent upon performance. Successful performance is completion and submission of monthly task sheets and timely punch in and out.

Caring for Our Elderly

Companion care is becoming an increasingly important part of how our society cares for the elderly. Companion care provides a viable solution to deterring the negatives impacts of social isolation and loneliness of seniors.

The prevalence of deterring isolation and loneliness in seniors is so widespread that there are now even elderly companion volunteer groups and companion programs around the United States.

We at Home Care Powered by AUAF follow the latest research in home care and the elderly so that we can provide you or your loved ones with the best service.

If you have any questions for us give us a call at 773-274-9262.

References

NIH. (2019, April 23). Social isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks. Retrieved from National Institute On Aging