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Companion care is a service offered through most home care agencies. It’s a wonderful, rewarding service, but many people are still unsure of what it entails and how it can benefit their loved one. Let’s discuss what senior companion care really is so that you can make informed choices when it comes to your family member.

What is Companion Care? What Does it Include?

Senior companion services are offered to individuals who require nonmedical assistance with daily activities but prefer to lead an independent lifestyle. These services may be offered on a regular basis, or when transitioning from a hospital to home. Anyone can request these services – either you or your loved one. And, the services within this sector are very open. They include:

  • Housekeeping
  • Preparing and cooking meals
  • Medication reminders
  • Grocery shopping
  • Scheduling and keeping appointments
  • Encouraging and planning social activities
  • Entertaining with hobbies and games
  • Encouraging exercise
  • Interacting with family and friends

Who is a Good Fit for Companion Care?

If your loved one prefers to be independent but requires assistance with grooming, running errands, preparing meals or walking balanced, a companion can be a wonderful addition to their life – and yours. You can’t be there all of the time, but you may not be ready to transition your parent to an assisted living community just yet.

A companion will provide your loved one with the attention and assistance they need to safely get through their day. Elders typically find that they are happier and more fulfilled since they can keep their independence and remain in the home without compromising their safety or care. However, if your loved one requires medical assistance, they will need more than traditional companionship services.  Most home care providers can also assist with medical care, or personal care as it is frequently called.

Making Companion Care Work for Your Family

If you decide that your loved one can benefit from companion care services, your next step is choosing a home care agency that provides medical and nonmedical services. The nice thing about companion care is that it can be modified to fit your parent’s needs. This means that you don’t have to pay for more than you need to, and you can arrange the services based on your schedule.

For instance, if you only need care a few days a week or a few hours at a time, that’s fine. Companion services can be adjusted easily, so you can add more or less as needed. By utilizing senior companion care, you can keep your loved one independent, stay within a specified budget and improve the quality of life for everyone.