A Guide to Home Care: Companion Care and How It Can Benefit Mom or Dad
Most adult children grow concerned about their parent’s ability to live independently as they grow older. They worry about Mom or Dad’s capacity to cook healthy meals, keep up with housework, stay connected socially, or care for their personal hygiene. These concerns become amplified when Mom or Dad lives alone.
Fortunately, there’s a solution that ensures Mom or Dad continues to thrive in the comfort of their own home and gives their adult children peace of mind. That solution is companion care provided by Visiting Angels Chesterfield-Richmond. Here’s a little more about companion care and how it can benefit Mom or Dad.
What is companion care?
Companion care refers to the type of home care that combines assistance with activities of daily living with companionship. The professional caregivers at Visiting Angels Chesterfield-Richmond foster a meaningful relationship with their clients, providing emotional and social support. While our caregivers assist with laundry or help prepare healthy meals alongside their clients, they simultaneously engage their clients in conversation or challenge them to a friendly game. Although companion care is often a part of our overall home care services, it can be provided as a service in itself.
What are the benefits of companion care?
There are several benefits of companion care, starting with social support. Many seniors live alone or have a dwindled social network. Companion care is rooted in assisting the whole person, not just caring for their physical needs. Our compassionate caregivers provide friendship and social support for their clients. They can provide transportation to programs for older adults offered by Chesterfield Parks and Recreation so that Mom or Dad can meet new friends. They can also go on outings one-on-one, play games at home, watch a movie together, or help Mom or Dad engage in a favorite hobby.
In addition to social support, companion care also supports the physical and mental well-being of seniors. Our professional caregivers ensure the safety and well-being of their clients. They can provide a supportive arm and guidance to help their clients walk and move about the house. They offer assistance with showers and getting dressed, they help with light housekeeping, and they can provide guidance with meal planning and preparation. These basic tasks of living can become challenging for older adults, especially if they live alone. With the help and support of our companion caregivers, seniors can age in place while enjoying a higher quality of life.
Companion care is also beneficial to the family. It gives peace of mind to concerned children. Once companion care has begun, many families report feeling relieved. They can once again focus fully on their career or personal responsibilities without worrying that Mom or Dad is lonely or unsafe. For children who have assumed the role of family caregiver, a companion caregiver can provide that respite that you need. It can help you return to your role as a daughter or son instead of always playing the role of family caregiver. Our companion caregivers can assist with the hands-on care, giving you the time to actually visit and converse with Mom or Dad.
Visiting Angels Chesterfield-Richmond understands the challenges seniors face, especially those who live alone. Our companion care services offer the social interaction and support Mom or Dad needs to remain safe, comfortable, and content in the comfort of their own home. We work with each client to create a personalized care plan that addresses their unique care needs. We schedule care based on your routine and preferences, working diligently to meet the demands of your schedule while remaining within your budget. Should Mom or Dad’s care needs change over time, we can adapt their care plan to accommodate their changing needs. Let us shoulder some of the caregiving responsibilities for you and give you peace of mind that Mom or Dad is thriving at home. To learn more about our exceptional companion care services, please contact us today by calling 804-423-6500.