Why Companion Care Is Essential For Seniors Living Alone

Research shows the overwhelming majority of seniors prefer to age independently in place rather than transition to a senior community or independent living facility (USC School of Gerontology). 

However, once that decision is made, plans to integrate companion care are essential for seniors living alone. Unless a responsible, dedicated family member chooses to live with them, companion care becomes essential to keeping aging loved ones safe, active, and socially engaged.

5 Benefits Of Companion Care For Seniors

Many of the most common age-related signs of decline go unnoticed in the early stages. So, without regular check-ins from a licensed caregiver companion, seniors who live alone are far more likely to experience a dangerous trip/slip/fall accident or to demonstrate signs that they need extra support that isn’t obvious during phone calls or FaceTime check-ins.

Companion is a small word when you consider what it encompasses - a wide range of services, depending on what clients and their families want or need. 

In addition to providing social company and sharing in activities the client enjoys, companions can also provide other caregiving services as needed. This includes:

• Transportation/errand running.
• Meal planning/preparation.
• Taking loved ones on general outings or to seasonal events.
• Sharing meals together at home or in the client’s favorite restaurants.
• Light housekeeping.
• Changing bed linens and towels.
• Making arrangements for routine home maintenance (that goes beyond what the companion can safely attend to).
• Supporting general hygiene tasks from doing the laundry to helping out with bathing/showering, hair styling, putting on accessories, etc.
• Medication reminders.
• And so on.

Here are some benefits of integrating a companion into your loved one’s long-term care plan.

Care and versatile companionship customized to their needs

Contrary to what people think, companion care is very versatile. While there are typically caregiving shift minimums (typically around three to four hours), you can have a companion come by as little as once a week.

The companion’s job is to get to know their client and then let the client lead the way in planning what to do when it’s time for their shift. Some days, this might be as simple as gardening together, safely walking pets, heading to a favorite restaurant or outing, reading aloud, organizing or perusing old photos or scrapbooks, listening to music, playing cards or a board game, teaming up for some exercise, etc. 

For many seniors living alone, companions are some of the only non-clinical attention they receive, especially if they are using in-home palliative care or hospice services. And, this is especially true if they live in an assisted living facility, where staff caregivers are typically overworked and cannot provide the level of care that was promised (see #5’s note regarding companions in assisted living facilities).

Keeping a finger on the pulse of a loved one’s well-being

Our licensed caregivers are often the first to spot red flags indicating that a client’s well-being is compromised. We know how to notice the most common signs that more support is needed, such as:

• Their decline in keeping the house tidy or clean.
• Indications that their attention to daily hygiene is slipping.
• Bare cupboards and refrigerators.
• Unusual weight loss.
• Atypical lack of energy or lack of interest in doing what they love.
• Changes in their personality.
• Memory lapses that are beyond normal age-related brain changes.
• Etc.

We keep close communication with our clients' families. We’ll let you know and then create a plan to ensure your parent or grandparent has access to what they need, whether that be a trip to their general physician or an increase in their in-home support services.

Ensuring they're properly nourished

Most people don’t realize that, regardless of income, seniors are in one of the highest risk brackets for potential malnourishment. There are several reasons for this, one of the most significant being the amount of effort it takes to grocery shop and prepare foods that taste good and honor any health-related dietary restrictions.

This leads to seniors who eat an unhealthy diet of processed foods or who skip meals altogether. Hydration is another concern, as senior dehydration takes its toll on the body, but also creates dementia-like symptoms that can be misdiagnosed or cause unnecessary stress.

Companions can use their shifts to shop and prepare delicious, healthy meals that are easy for loved ones to heat up on their own. Or, they can stay and share a meal with them, so mealtimes become more fun than lonely.

Taking them on outings or to their favorite social gatherings

In some cases, this may not be possible. However, once a senior has to give up their keys- or is afraid to drive- living at home can become a recipe for involuntary isolation. Lack of social stimulation is known to contribute to or escalate the symptoms of common senior mental/emotional health issues like depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Hiring a companion for seniors who live alone allows them to participate in anything they want in the outside world. They can attend their regularly scheduled meetings, social engagements, and appointments.

Their companion can also take them to visit their favorite sights or places to visit, or accompany them on weekend getaways or vacations. Many of our companions engage in community volunteer opportunities with our clients, which means our clients have a sense of purpose and feel like they’re making a difference.

Minimize the risk of fall accidents or progressive illness

Our companions are trained to look for common fall risks in our clients’ homes (or facilities*). When they’re at home, they can help reorganize, declutter, secure cords or area rugs, and make the main living spaces more senior-friendly. We can also help schedule appointments with local contractors or handy professionals for other tasks as needed (always with client/family approval), like adding railings and grab bars, building ramps, and other features that increase safety.

Also, we can tell if a cough or fatigue needs further attention, ensuring your loved one can get to their doctor or urgent care before an accelerating illness or injury leads to more serious outcomes.

*Our companions can work in clients’ homes or in their assisted living facilities, providing a personal touch and eyes-on-the-ground awareness that’s proven to ensure your loved ones receive better care than those who are left without visitors or regular companions.

Learn More About HomeAide Home Care Companion Services

HomeAide Home Care provides licensed caregiving and companion services throughout the Bay Area. After more than two decades of serving our clients, our longevity is proof of the high-quality, compassionate care we offer our clients and families.

Are you interested in learning more about how a companion can support your loved one to remain safe, independent, and fulfilled without leaving their beloved home? Contact us to learn more about our services or to schedule a free, no-obligation home assessment. Our team is dedicated to helping clients thrive, and companion services are a significant first step to achieving that. Let us bring joy into your loved one’s life.