Senior Sitters for Elderly: What Is It & How Does It Help Seniors Stay at Home?
You might not realize how much time senior citizens spend at home. While some older adults suffer from health conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease that make going out overwhelming or difficult, more stable seniors may just so happen to find themselves without anywhere particular to go during the day.
Without mental stimulation or regular human interaction, anyone can regress or become bogged down by loneliness. This is especially true for senior citizens whose adult children are busy or those who have lost a spouse.
Even elderly people who live with family can become lonely, resulting in depression and other concerning health conditions.
Fortunately, there is a service that provides senior companions. Commonly known as senior sitters, these non-medical caregivers are committed to being engaging companions for senior citizens.
What Are the Duties of a Senior Sitter?
On the most basic level, a senior sitter is hired to spend time with seniors. When family members are working or otherwise unable to keep their loved one company, a senior sitter is there to be a companion and a helping hand.
Every senior citizen will have different needs. A sitter for elderly people can have a wide range of responsibilities depending on the mobility of their client.
The most able-bodied seniors are often just in need of someone to keep them company while their family is busy or on days their caregivers aren’t coming by. These seniors need mental and emotional stimulation in the form of friendly conversation, games, or bonding over a shared hobby.
A few services that senior sitters provide may include:
- Brief strolls around the neighborhood
- Medication and mealtime reminders (without dispensing the medication)
- Accompaniment to a class or gathering for the elderly
- Planned activities, including appropriate-level exercise
Some senior sitters take a more active role in their clients’ everyday lives. They may complete household tasks or help their clients get to their weekly appointments.
A more hands-on senior sitter might do the following:
- Go to the grocery store, collect packages, and run other tiring errands
- Provide meal planning and preparation
- Help with household cleaning
- Drive their client to appointments or meetings
A senior sitter who provides these services may charge more, but they are priceless to those who truly need them.
Why Are Senior Sitters Such a Good Idea?
Senior sitters do everything except the tasks that require a medical caregiver. Medical caregivers can administer medicine, have physical contact with patients, and make medical recommendations for their patients’ meals and activities.
Sitters for elderly at home, on the other hand, are there for companionship. The emotional and mental well-being of seniors is just as important as their physical health.
Family members of seniors can rest easy knowing their loved one is being taken care of and supported in their absence. According to scientific findings, senior citizens who have companionship and are being stimulated mentally may recover more quickly from injuries and become less prone to depression and early-onset dementia.
Hiring a senior sitter for your loved one is beneficial both mentally and emotionally. Look into senior sitter services and see how they can fit your family’s needs.
If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.
Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California including: Campbell, CA, Roseville, CA, San Marcos, CA, and San Mateo, CA.
