Seniors may become isolated for various reasons. Perhaps physical changes have limited their mobility or friends may have moved away, all increasing feelings of isolation.
Companions provide your elderly loved ones with essential companionship to stay happy, healthy and motivated. Plus they can assist with medications and medical appointments.
Companionship
Companionship can often be taken for granted. Be it family and friends, coworkers, the mailman, neighbors or the postal worker; but as we age or become sicker it becomes harder for older adults to connect with people around them – people may move away or pass away and physical limitations can limit activities which used to be routine for us all.
Consistent companionship helps seniors manage feelings of loneliness and isolation more easily, and can serve as motivation to continue doing activities they enjoy.
Knowing they can rely on senior care companions gives caregivers peace of mind, giving them time to take a breather or focus on other obligations. Companion care also offers protection in case health issues require professional treatment.
Personal Care
Assisting loved ones who require assistance with personal care tasks such as bathing, toileting and dressing can be distressing to witness; having an in-home caregiver provide relief by offering sensitive yet respectful one-to-one service for individuals needing support.
Elders may find it hard to accept that they require assistance with tasks around the home, but this issue can often be overcome with help from a trained home care aide. By giving elders access to such assistance they will enjoy greater dignity and independence whilst reducing risks such as infections and illnesses.
Home care for the elderly can be an economical alternative to residential care homes. Furthermore, this allows an individual to remain in their own environment with familiar routines that they have enjoyed over years – an especially helpful option for those living with dementia who might struggle to adapt in a new environment.
Transportation
As people age, their ability to drive can become diminished – an unfortunate reality that can wreak havoc with independence for many seniors who rely on family or friends as rides. Without reliable transport options available to them, their independence could quickly disappear and their mobility severely diminished.
Lyft, Veyo and iTNAmerica provide ride services tailored specifically for seniors. These affordable options may make using public transit less daunting for older adults.
Regular conversations can keep the brain active, slowing the mental decline associated with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, while simultaneously decreasing loneliness and improving quality of life.
Housekeeping
Many elderly individuals struggle with keeping their homes tidy and free of clutter. Clutter makes it hard for them to locate items, while it also poses serious safety hazards, particularly for those using walking aids or wheelchairs. Housekeeping tasks like dusting, vacuuming, and scrubbing bathrooms can help them remain cleaner; to customize these tasks according to health needs and limitations is recommended – for instance avoiding strenuous cleaning such as standing for extended periods and cleaning the kitchen/bathroom which could put their health at risk.
Hiring home cleaners can also provide them with social interaction and potentially friendships as they get to know the caregivers that come into their homes, helping them feel more secure about retaining independence.