What Does a Companion Caregiver Do?
When given a choice, most seniors want to stay in their homes and age in place instead of moving to a retirement village. Unfortunately, many older adults develop health issues that require the kind of intensive medical care skilled nursing facilities provide. However, there is a middle ground.
Seniors who are still healthy and active but need a little help may consider hiring a companion caregiver. Companion caregivers aren’t home health aides. They don’t provide personal care such as bathing or grooming, and they don’t provide medical care. Companion caregivers provide the extra assistance and companionship that makes life more manageable for aging adults.
Typical Duties of a Companion Caregiver
If you’ve noticed your parent or other loved one struggling to keep the house or yard tidy, or if you’re worried they are missing meals or feeling lonely, companion care could be the answer. The essential duties provided by a companion caregiver can improve a senior’s quality of life and help them remain independent as long as possible.
Shopping and Errands
Even healthy seniors can find it difficult to take care of routine errands. Driving can become a safety issue for many older people, and even those who still drive may find shopping and other errands too exhausting to keep up with.
A companion caregiver will do the grocery shopping, pick up medication at the pharmacy, stop by the post office, or take care of any other errands a senior needs.
Meal Preparation
Too many seniors skip meals or rely on snacks and convenience foods because they don’t feel like cooking. Not only will a companion caregiver make sure the fridge and pantry are stocked with the items their client enjoys, but they can also cook full meals and clean up afterward.
A caregiver will make sure to follow the doctor’s instructions about providing low-sugar and low-fat restrictions. Having healthy, pre-prepared meals ready to go can make a big difference in managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Appointment Scheduling and Transportation
Keeping track of doctor and dentist visits, haircuts, social activities, and special occasions can be overwhelming for some seniors. Companion caregivers help keep track of all essential activities, and they remind their clients about upcoming events.
They assist with scheduling and can also provide transportation to help ensure seniors don’t miss important medical appointments or social events.
Housekeeping
There are many reasons a senior might not keep up with housekeeping like they once did. Poor eyesight, a lack of energy, or the inability to bend and stretch like they used to could be causing household chores to pile up. Companion caregivers can reduce the chore list and assist with daily tasks like laundry, washing dishes, or keeping floors swept and clean.
Emotional Support
Isolation is one of the biggest threats to an older adult’s mental health. The loss of a spouse or lifelong friends can leave seniors feeling lonely and depressed. A companion caregiver is more than just someone to run errands and make a doctor’s appointment — they are also a friend who provides much-needed social interaction.
A caregiver is someone to talk to, play card games or engage in hobbies with, or go for an afternoon walk with. On some days, a person’s companion caregiver may be the only cheerful face they see.
Would Your Loved One Benefit From Companion Care Services?
It’s not always possible for an adult child or other relative to meet all of their aging parents’ needs. Even if you live close by, your work, children, and other responsibilities make it difficult for you to care for a parent who prefers to stay in their own home.
Your loved one may eventually need more help than a companion caregiver can offer, but until that time comes, hiring a caregiver can improve your parent’s quality of life.
If you are concerned about your loved one’s nutrition or their lack of social activity, consider the services of a companion caregiver. Caregivers not only help with daily chores but also provide the friendship and social interaction older adults need to stay healthy and happy.
Companion caregivers wear many hats. They help seniors stay in the homes they love and feel comfortable in. The services provided by a companion caregiver can help your loved one stay healthy, safe, and happier as they age in place.
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.
