Caring for a loved one can take a lot more time and energy than we initially realize. Even if your relative lives in their own home, it can be hard to find enough time in the day to make sure they’re taking their medication correctly and staying active. You might even start to notice that they need help with more tasks, like preparing meals, watering the plants, and running errands — all the things you may not have enough time to do for them yourself. Thankfully, there are in-home care options like companion home care that can cover these daily tasks and alleviate stress for family caregivers.
What is home companion care?
Home companion care is non-medical care for seniors provided in the comfort of their own home. Home care companions typically charge an hourly rate, so your loved one can receive however much help they need — whether it be for a few hours throughout the week or for several hours each day.
How does in-home companion care differ from other home care options?
Companion care differs from other home care options in its social aspect and services. Understanding the specific differences between companion care and other home care services, like personal home care and home health care, can help you decide which option is best for your loved one.
Companion home care vs. personal care
There may be some overlap in basic care duties when comparing personal home care and companion care. For example, both personal care aides and home care companions may help with light housekeeping and meal preparation. However, in addition to these basic tasks, personal home care offers hands-on assistance with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing, whereas companion care does not.
Companion home care vs. home health care
There are some key differences between companion and home health care. Companion care only offers non-medical services and is available to anyone. Home health care, on the other hand, offers skilled services that are medically necessary for short-term treatment of an illness, injury, or medical condition. Home health care is typically prescribed by a physician.
Only licensed health care professionals, such as nurses and therapists, can provide home health care services. In-home care companions don’t have to be licensed, but some companion care agencies may require specific training to help ensure your loved one receives the best care possible.
Read: Differences Between Home Health Care and Non-Medical Home Care Services
What services are included in home companion care?
Home care companions primarily focus on providing aging adults with emotional support, opportunities for socialization, and assistance with instrumental tasks of daily living, like making appointments or coordinating social interactions. Social interaction and companionship are some of our most basic human needs, especially as we age. Regular socialization may help relieve mental and emotional distress, and it can even help support a senior’s physical health.
Companion care can help your loved one with things like:
- Planning social activities with family and friends
- Exercising
- Practicing hobbies
- Playing games and puzzles
- Medication or vitamin reminders
In addition to conversation and companionship, home care companions also offer other homemaker services, including:
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Meal preparation
- Transportation
- Help with errands and shopping
- Scheduling medical appointments
- Communicating with family members and other care team professionals
Who can benefit from in-home companion care?
Seniors who want to remain independent in their own home but need non-medical assistance or socialization may benefit from companion home care. If your aging loved one has difficulty running errands, completing household tasks, or remembering to take their medication, companion home care may be just what they need.
Older adults who live far away from their family and friends may benefit from a home care companion. Additionally, long-distance caregivers can rest easy knowing their loved ones will have regular in-person assistance and socialization.
Read: 5 Benefits of Home Care for Seniors
What if companion care isn’t right for you?
Older adults who need more assistance may benefit from other types of home care. There are many different home care options that are designed to help your loved one live at home for as long as possible.
With so many services available, it may be difficult to choose the right type of care for your family. If you’re not sure where to start, consider reaching out to a Care Advisor. They’ll work with you to help you find local home care providers that fit your loved one’s current needs and capabilities.
The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal, or financial advice or to create a professional relationship between AgingCare and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney, or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; AgingCare does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.