Growing old in your own home is most people’s dream. But the reality can be very different. Around a third of Irish adults experience some form of emotional loneliness which increases as we age. The benefits of companionship care include friendship and social support, giving older people dignity and independence as they remain at home.
What is companionship care?
Companionship care is a form of non-medical care that helps older people combat loneliness and isolation.
Our friendly carers will help with everyday tasks from shopping to a trip to the park and spend quality time assisting with hobbies or helping out in the garden. A companionship care worker is a friendly and dependable face that will brighten your family member’s day.
Why is companionship care important?
Loneliness and isolation can negatively impact an older person’s physical and mental health. Loneliness is associated with problems including poor sleep and high blood pressure. It could even put your family member at risk of developing dementia.
Healthy living is vital as we grow older. Regular companionship gives your family member support with everything from better nutrition to social interaction, helping them continue enjoying life in their own homes.
Full-time work or other obligations can make it difficult for you to be there when a family member needs a helping hand. A companion carer can make sure they get to a doctor’s appointment or out and about to see friends, ensuring your loved one enjoys a richer quality of life.
The benefits of companionship care
Does your family member need extra support to live independently? Or a friendly face to pop in for a regular chat? That’s where companionship care comes in. These are some of the benefits of companionship care for you and your loved one.
Practical assistance
From help with walking and personal grooming to trips to the shops and regular housework, a companionship care worker can offer a helping hand. Our care workers can help your loved ones with any health and mobility issues that may make everyday tasks more challenging.
Suppose your family member wants to stay in their own home but needs a little extra help around the place. In that case, companionship care could be the perfect solution.
Dignity and independence
Companionship care has some significant emotional benefits, not least in maintaining dignity and independence. Companionship care workers think holistically, offering practical and emotional support by acting as a true friend to your loved one.
In turn, that means your family member can enjoy greater independence and dignity, with the support of their companionship care worker, to live the life they choose. Older people who retain solid social bonds are less at risk from age-related conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular problems.
Companionship care can help your loved one retain those all-important social contacts, helping them live a self-sufficient, active, and fulfilling life.
Friendship and support
Isolation can trigger late-life depression, which can have a significant impact on health outcomes for older people. A great friend like a companionship care worker can offer the friendship and support that can elevate a loved one’s quality of life.
Playing games together, watching favourite TV shows, going on outings or simply enjoying a chat. A companionship care worker can improve your family member’s life in so many different ways. Seeing a friendly face can help to safeguard your loved one’s mental health and keep them engaged with all the hobbies and pursuits they love.
Living a more active and engaged lifestyle is liberating for an older person. We all love to fill our days with memorable moments, and the opportunity to share those moments with a friend can be truly empowering.
Preventative care
Companionship care workers can deliver a comprehensive range of preventative care. These services ensure your loved one’s continued good health. Exercise and nutrition can be a real struggle as we grow older, and malnutrition is a common problem.
A companionship care worker can plan and prepare healthy, nutritious and delicious meals. They can also assist with gentle exercise for endurance and mobility. This type of preventative care can protect your family member from losing muscle and gaining weight and make them stronger and less likely to trip and fall.
Peace of mind and respite care
If you’re caring for an older person, it’s crucial that you also look after your own mental health. Companionship care is the ideal way to improve you and your loved one’s health and wellbeing. You’ll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your family member is in safe hands while you recharge your batteries.
Companionship care for your loved one
At Caremark, we’ve been providing home care services including companionship care for over 25 years. Contact us today to book a free consultation and find out whether companionship care is suitable for your family.
