Rise in Companionship Care for Seniors

Humans not only need the basic necessities like food and shelter, but emotional well-being is also equally important to thrive. Socialization in the form of companionship is increasingly important in the older adult population who have become isolated especially during the pandemic.

When a person moves closer towards retirement, companionship becomes more important for mental health and emotional wellness. Losing social bonds and physical connections can make life more challenging in the aging process.

Like getting wrinkles and going gray, loneliness has also become an inevitable part of aging for many kupuna. Life after retirement may become more isolated due to a lack of social interactions but living alone does not mean that older adults are destined to be lonely. To fill the void, companionship care services can help.

Although you can remain connected to the world digitally, in-person human connection is irreplaceable. Companionship care is on the rise and a practical solution for seniors living alone at home.

What is companionship care

Companionship care comes under home support that revolves around seniors’ wellbeing and it differs from medical assistance. The purpose of companionship care is to provide:

• Social connection
• Emotional support
• Mental wellbeing
• Feeling of belonging

The purpose of life is not just surviving but living to the fullest. Companionship care empowers older adults and enriches their emotional lives. Under it, the companion takes care of the seniors and assists them in various home activities, social interaction, and physical exercises.

Whether it is about simple home chores like washing dishes or indulging them in their hobbies like gardening, a companion keeps the client engaged and stimulated while offering help in daily chores. Meaningful conversations and mentally stimulating activities contribute to a rewarding life.

On the flip side, companionship care does not replace those who need medical caregiving. For those with medial issues, it’s important to have trained caregivers with medical knowledge care for a loved one. Companionship care caters to older adults who need emotional support and may need a little help in their daily activities.

What does companionship care entail

Companionship care involves a holistic approach to looking after the mind, body, spirit and wellbeing of older adults. It focuses on providing emotional support, socialization and friendship. Activities under companionship care can include:

• Engaging and entertaining through meaningful conversation
• Mental stimulation by listening to music and watching movies together or playing games
• Preparing a meal and spending time together over meals
• Spending quality time outside like going for a walk or to a park
• Doing laundry and light housekeeping
• Assisting in everyday jobs like grocery shopping
• Transporting to and from appointments or social events
• Medication reminders, personal care, and grooming

Companionship care is not limited to in-home activities but outside the home too. Companions can accompany their clients to the shopping mall, watch a movie or drive them to their doctor’s appointments. Inside the home, they assist with household chores like washing dishes, doing laundry, preparing meals and personal grooming.

Benefits of companionship care

As life slows down with age, interacting with people who care makes life meaningful and rewarding. Companionship care can help older adults continue to lead a dignified life. Seniors can reap many benefits from the right companionship care like:

• Emotional support and mental wellbeing
• Better physical health
• A sense of belonging
• Decreased risk of mental health issues like depression or dementia
• Positive outlook towards life
• Inspiration to work on healthy routines
• Increased empathy for others
• Chance to meet new people and expand social circle

When it is about improving the quality of life, companionship care is a blessing for older adults. It can provide a new outlook on life with purpose and positivity.  

Companionship care can fill a gap for lonely older adults when family and friends are not there to share in their lives. Long term loneliness can pose health concerns and living in solitude may lead to depression which is concerning among older adults. Those living in solitude are more prone to depression as they feel uninspired and unenthusiastic. Over time it may trigger the onset of diseases like high blood pressure and dementia. Therefore, developing a positive routine, indulging in activities that one enjoys and developing friendships become a part of the solution to battle loneliness and depression.

Arcadia Home Health Services

Companionship care is available through Arcadia Home Health Services requiring no contracts or long-term commitment. As part of the Arcadia Family of Companies with over 50 years in experience in older adult care, Arcadia Home Health Services companion service is available throughout the Honolulu area. Schedule your appointment today by calling (808) 983-5900.