Close emotional bonds are crucial for every person because they give us a sense of belonging. Other people give us the warmth of communication, support, or an opportunity to have a good time. As we age, this need only gets stronger. After all, older people are usually quite vulnerable and sensitive. And the importance of companionship for the elderly gets higher.
But what should an older adult whose friends and spouse have already passed away do? After all, the person may be left all alone. It can be tough to make new friends because of their age and health problems—not everyone in old age can have an active life. Also, children may not always be able to devote enough time to caring for their parents. And an older person’s need for socialization will remain unsatisfied.
In this article, we want to talk about seniors, loneliness, and the benefits of companionship. We will talk about how home companion care can solve the problem of loneliness of the elderly.
Contents:
Importance of Companionship for the Elderly
What are the Benefits of Companionship for Seniors?
Find a Good Companion for Your Loved One in New York
Importance of Companionship for the Elderly
We perceive loneliness in old age as normal. As if getting lonely as we age is as natural as going gray or getting wrinkles. We wonder when a young person is lonely and has an isolated lifestyle. At the same time, no one is surprised when an 80-year-old retiree becomes lonely. But what does a real situation look like?
The importance of companionship among old people is as high as for young people. It doesn’t matter how old you are, 20 or 80. Communication improves the quality of life.
First, it creates new routines, thereby making life feel fuller.
Second, it improves physical and mental health. According to studies, a person with strong social bonds has a lower risk of developing age-related conditions. These people are less prone to Alzheimer’s disease; they have a lower risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of cancer when they are older. And as a result, socially active people usually have a longer lifespan.
Therefore, for an older adult, loneliness is not only an emotional problem but also a real threat to physical and mental health. Of course, some people like solitude and are happier reading a book alone at home than spending time surrounded by people. Still, there are fewer of these people. For most people, loneliness and feeling of isolation increase the risk of depression and may even lead to suicidal thoughts.
In addition, an older person with health issues can feel bad anytime. And if no one is around, and they do not manage to call and ask for help on their own for any reason, it can be a disaster.
That’s why companionship is essential for the elderly. And if there are no loved ones to take care of the seniors, you can use the services of a companionship agency. In the next section, we invite you to read about the benefits of companionship for seniors in home care.
What are the Benefits of Companionship for Seniors?
My home is my fortress. It is much easier to go through difficult moments at home: we observe faster recovery from illnesses, less stress, and a general feeling of happiness that comes from familiarity. A familiar and comfortable environment is vital for the elderly. After all, they built and furnished their home to their taste. Over the years, many valuable and pleasant memories have been associated with home. Moreover, it is quite difficult for older people to adapt to a new environment.
Here some difficulties can occur. People in old age are frequently left alone in the house. This happens when partners die and children start their own families and leave the parental nest.
Not all older people can take good care of themselves. Some have health so poor they cannot do basic daily routines such as bathing, dressing, and cooking on their own. It is also often quite difficult for the elderly to walk long distances, so a simple trip to the store becomes a challenge. Add memory problems and illnesses that require special medical care to that, and you can see why living alone can be quite dangerous for an older adult.
This is where licensed caregivers come in. These specialists come to the older adult’s home and perform various tasks. However, personal caregivers help with routine work and relieve the older person from a sense of loneliness and isolation, improve mental health, and give emotional support.
Read below about the main benefits of companionship for seniors at home.
Home companion care helps people who are isolated and lonely
Many older people who live in New York City don’t have family or friends nearby. Or maybe they have them relatively close, but can’t visit often, or don’t feel comfortable opening up to them about their problems. Furthermore, retirees don’t see coworkers anymore, which can all lead to isolation and create a detachment from the outside world. Loneliness and depression often go hand in hand—and depression can be deadly.
Home companion caregivers visit seniors in their New York homes. Companion caregivers talk with their clients, listen to their concerns, play cards or board games with them, and encourage them to stay in touch with family, friends, and the outside world.
Home companion caregivers can monitor the health of seniors who have neurodegenerative diseases
Companion caregivers can monitor the mental health of seniors who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Dementia patients often don’t need any special care in the months and even years after their diagnosis, but a companion caregiver can keep an eye on them and recommend when they think specialized dementia care might be necessary, which it likely will be at some point.
Home companion care makes the transition to protection against dementia easier, and this is also true for seniors who don’t have dementia but who need to transition to more general personal care.
Home companion care allows seniors to remain living in their New York City homes
Companion care is also available in senior care communities. While many seniors are happy in these communities, they can be quite expensive and many people would rather stay in their own New York homes. And it’s no wonder because nothing can replace the comfort of home.
Unfortunately, it is not always comfortable for an older person. Sometimes it can even be dangerous. First, the home may not be equipped for the new needs of a senior. Second, a person with health conditions may need skilled nursing and emergency care.
Also, being alone at home can negatively impact a person’s emotional well-being and, as a result, their overall health. You can take on the task of modifying the home to make it comfortable for your loved one. And a companion will take on the other tasks of caring for the senior. This allows your loved one to stay at home but feel dignity and independence from family members.
Home companion care helps people who live with disabilities
We pay so much attention to the benefits of elderly companionship care because home companion care is most often provided to seniors. However, younger people who live with disabilities experience many of the same problems that seniors do. A person with a disability that limits their mobility or ability to work outside their home is probably alone most of the time. Consideration companion care helps prevent and limit dangers of isolation and helps people with disabilities improve and maintain their mental health.
Home companion care provides seniors assistance with everyday activities
ADLs mean routine activities of daily living. This is the kind of support a senior can receive if they choose to age at home. Why is this important? Many simple tasks such as cooking, bathing, changing clothes, doing laundry, etc., becomes difficult in the golden age because of health conditions.
A companion helps the person move around the house, takes care of many household tasks, accompanies them on walks, and takes them to the doctor. You can have peace of mind because your loved one has a reliable helper.
Home companion care gives respite and relief for family members
You always want to give the best to the person you love. Provide them with the utmost care. That is why in many families, the care of an older adult is taken by their family members. And it is tough unpaid work. You can enjoy the benefits of senior companionship by hiring a home caregiver. While a professional cares for your relative, you can rest, recover, and devote time to your career or other family members.
Home companion care gives emotional support and friendship to an elderly person
We all need emotional support from time to time. An older adult who has already lost a spouse, friends, or left a job requires support especially badly. The advantage of companionship care is that the person gets help with routine tasks and the opportunity for trusting companionship.
Remember how nice it is to watch a movie together and then discuss it with someone, how valuable it is to take a walk in the park with pleasant companionship, and how much pleasure an interesting conversation brings? Companionship care enables an older person to continue to enjoy such delightful moments of life.
The list of benefits of elderly companionship could go on and on. After all, it’s hard to overestimate the value of confidence, companionship, and human warmth. Companionship care provides security and makes it possible to continue enjoying life at an advanced age.
Find a Good Companion for Your Loved One in New York
In this article, we wanted to explain why it is so important not to leave an older person alone. And we hope our arguments were convincing enough. Now you know what problems can arise from isolation. We also talked about the benefits of companionship for senior care. We hope this information has been helpful to you.
Each of us wants to give the best to our loved ones. And our company, Galaxy Home Care, understands this very well. And we are ready to help you take care of your elderly relatives. We are a company based in New York City and have been in the home health care business for many years. We can offer you a full range of in-home services such as:
- Personal care;
- Companionship care;
- Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care;
- Skilled Nursing Home Care.
So if you need to care about your loved one, don’t hesitate to contact Galaxy Home Care. You can reach us via our website or call us at 718-247-8300.
FAQ
How much does home companion care cost?
Companion care costs may vary depending on which state you live in. This price ranges from $3,813 to $5,529 per month.
There is also an option to pay by the hour for these specialists. In-home care costs an average of $23.50 to $24.00 per hour.
What is the difference between personal care and companion care?
If you have decided to choose a care assistant for your loved one, you should pay attention to two types of practical assistance: companion care and personal care. The task of companion care is to provide companionship for older adults and to involve them in social activities. These professionals do not provide medical care. Personal care can provide essential medical services.
What is companionship support?
One of the main benefits of companionship for seniors is a sense of social belonging. An older adult does not feel lonely and isolated, thanks to the family caregiver. The companion spends time with the client and engages them in various everyday social activities.
