Through illness, injury or other aspects of aging, some older adults become less socially and physically active over time. Resulting feelings of isolation can lead to increased mental and physical health risks, such as high blood pressure, obesity, anxiety, depression and cognitive decline, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA). Fortunately, companion care may be a helpful option for those faced with isolation or declining activity levels.
According to the Department of Labor, a companion is someone who provides care for an older adult or disabled younger person by providing “fellowship,” which means engaging them in social, physical or mental activities, and “protection,” which means monitoring their safety inside and outside of the home. While the companion may also assist the client with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as dressing or bathing, they spend most of their time keeping them company or making sure they’re safe in their home.
There’s no specific training or certification for companions, but individuals hired through home care agencies may receive first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. Home care agencies are generally regulated by the state, and there may be regulations specific to your locale regarding training. Additionally, some home care agencies may provide specialized training on topics like dementia. Family members or clients hiring independent companions can use their companions’ first shifts to make sure they know what’s expected of them, including the client’s routines and what to do in case of an emergency.
While a companion’s specific duties depend on their client’s individual preferences and needs, there are several tasks they might perform, including:
Live-in companion care is usually provided by a home care service. It involves 24-hour shifts by one or more person. This type of service is ideal for keeping a senior in their home as long as possible and usually involves many types of services from meal preparation and house cleaning to grooming, bathing, and transportation to appointments.
This type of service typically involves shorter visits with specific goals such as meal prep, assistance with bathing, or transportation to an appointment or for grocery shopping. There is also well-person checks that occur when friends, family, or other members of the community stop in on a regular basis. Such support can come from a local church, neighbors, or from a paid service.
Hospice provides companion care through a variety of means. A hospice has volunteers who stop by to visit and to help. A hospice volunteer might run errands for the senior or help them to appointments. Hospice also provides Home Health Aids for personal needs and respite visits. Hospice is a dynamic organization and other senior companions include social workers, clergy, and nurses.
which is often available through many religious groups such as Christian companion care, Catholic companion care, etc. If the senior has been part of a religious community, begin the search within that group. Familiar faces make great companions. If not, most religious groups are happy to help and many non-denominational religious groups are available too.
Martin Beardsley (Son of client)Quite simply a very well-run company. Their caring staff have always gone the extra mile in looking after my Mum and Dad, helping them stay together in their own home. Before my Mum died, they made her as comfortable and happy as possible and supported my Dad after her death, but despite everything he followed Mum in a couple of months; he just didn’t know how to live without her. The continuity of the carers that visited both of them and then only him, helped a great deal. They showed such care and attention. I definitely made the right decision in choosing these home care services. Manchester is lucky to have them to call on in times like this.
Carole Bartlet (Daughter of client)We have used Homecare Services for the past six months and never had any issues, always turning up, helpful carers and the management are good . They initially gave my mother the personal care and friendship she needed in the early stages of her dementia, and throughout the whole time the service has been used they have kept us updated on the signs of progression that they are seeing in her illness. I imagine that as time goes by we shall be looking to them for the more specialist dementia care that she may need. They have proved their worth in every way to my mum and our family.
Emily Barnes (Daughter of client)When my dad needed more personal care in the home six months ago as he was no longer safe to be showering without help, and even dressing on bad days was also difficult, he was determined to stay at home and not go into care in a residential home. Being a very private person, he found it difficult to accept this kind of help, even from the family. I had a hard job to persuade him and then to find a care company I felt I could trust. I was recommended Homecare Services and thankfully, they have been the right answer for us. Their compassion and consideration showed no bounds, he soon became used to his regular carers and they helped in so many ways in the house, also fetching prescriptions etc. Such care shown to my dad went above and beyond the call of duty. There was a real bond. He never wanted to be in a care home, and these carers were with him when he suddenly died of a fatal heart attack. I am so grateful that he was not alone. Thank you to everyone especially his primary carer!
Anne Cummings (Daughter of client)Using this care agency was so easy, they were efficient and very pleasant to deal. We required live-in homecare with almost immediate effect to allow hospital discharge to happen for my mother. They understood the need for immediate assistance so clearly and found a carer who started the following day, living in and backed up by the care plan arranged by the hospital. They worked with the other agencies involved, professionally delivering on an easy transfer home and two weeks of live-in care. We were very impressed with the whole service.
Alan Murray (Son of Client)My wife and I cannot thank the manager and her dedicated team enough. My father was on palliative care, and during those last 3 weeks the care and empathy shown to him by the team was second to none. They truly cared for him. End-of-life care is draining on everyone and they must be very special people to be able to do this with such love and empathy. They made this distressing time a little easier to bear. We will always be grateful to everyone at Homecare Services for taking such good care of my dad and enabling him to spend his final days at home. Thank you all.
Stella Armitage (Daughter of client)I had previously had doubts about carers, so I was a little apprehensive about looking for companionship care for my mother who is now housebound. However, Homecare Services in Manchester have proved to be a godsend, not only giving me back trust in this sector (there are worrying stories out there)and giving me my own life back, but my mother looks forward to their visits. I found the manager helpful and supportive, answering any questions and concerns. The two carers that visit Mum are such hardworking and considerate people. Everyone in the family felt comfortable with all the arrangements from the start. Thank you
