Companion Care Services in Hendersonville, NC

Companion care is a valuable form of support for older adults. Though many of the activities associated with companion care may seem simple, this type of interaction and assistance can have a profound impact on the patient's life. Dedicated and compassionate companion care can dramatically improve the patient's well-being and enhance their quality of life. Individuals who receive this type of care and support typically enjoy longer, happier, and more fulfilled lives. Visiting Angels offers a wide range of companion care services including daily visits that will have an ongoing impact on patients' lives.

What Is Companion Care?

As the name suggests, companion care is a service that provides companionship and assistance to senior citizens. Companion care services can take many forms and often include some degree of help with daily living activities. However, the primary purpose of companion care is to provide emotional and social support to individuals who may otherwise become isolated and homebound.

Studies show that nearly a quarter of Americans aged 65 and older are socially isolated, and 43% of adults aged 60 and older report feeling lonely. As individuals age, it's often more difficult for them to get out and engage in social activities. Companion care helps solve this problem by bringing compassionate social interaction to the patient's home on a regular schedule.

Benefits of In-Home Companion Care Services

Companion care services can help prevent or reduce many of the ill effects of isolation. Social isolation can increase the risk of dementia by as much as 50%. It also increases the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and premature mortality from all causes. Regular socialization helps counteract all these risks while combatting anxiety and depression as well.

Older adults who socialize with others regularly are more likely to adopt other healthy habits as well, like regular physical exercise and eating a balanced diet. Seniors who engage in regular socialization are more likely to stay mentally sharp and intellectually stimulated.

Since companion care services take place in the patient's home, they allow seniors to age in place. Aging in place gives older adults a continued sense of control of their lives. They're able to maintain their independence and stay in a familiar space surrounded by their treasured possessions.

Companion care services can also help older adults manage chores and activities that are becoming difficult for them. Caregivers can assist with keeping the patient's living space clean, safe, and comfortable to further enhance their everyday lives.

Care Services Offered

Visiting Angels offers a wide range of companion care services to assist older adults with as much or as little as they need. Patients and families are encouraged to maintain open lines of communication with care providers to ensure that services always align with the needs, preferences, and comfort levels of the patients. Available services include the following:

Social Companionship

Companion care often takes the form of engaging activities. Companions may go for a leisurely walk with patients which provides the benefits of physical activity as well as social interaction. In the home, the companion might play board games, do puzzles, engage in crosswords, or participate in other friendly activities. These provide mental stimulation as well as entertainment. Even a quiet afternoon of conversation can be very enjoyable for older adults who might otherwise be alone and feeling isolated.

Light Housekeeping

Companions can assist with routine household chores that have become difficult for patients. This may include washing laundry, doing dishes, and light cleaning. Companions may run simple errands like grocery shopping or picking up medications from the pharmacy.

Companion care often includes mealtime activities like meal planning and cooking. Caregivers may help prepare meals for the week or they might simply cook alongside the patient, enjoying one another's company before and during the meal.

Personal Care Services

Some patients need assistance with personal care like bathing, dressing, grooming, or toileting. Companion care services can include these activities to whatever extent the patient requires. This could be as simple as brushing and styling the patient's hair or as involved as assisting with the patient's entire morning routine of getting out of bed and getting ready for the day. This type of support is especially helpful for seniors who, if isolated, might otherwise stay in bed and find no motivation to get up and enjoy the day.

Personalized Care Plans

Visiting Angels provides customized care plans for each individual. Every patient is different and requires a different level of care, support, and socialization. Visiting Angels ensures the highest quality of service by tailoring every care plan to the patient and their family. Care may follow a weekly schedule or be provided on an as-needed basis, offering respite for family caregivers.

Our caregivers also recognize the need for continuously evolving care plans. As patients age, they may require increasing levels of support and assistance. Our caregivers are equipped to adjust their schedules and services to suit the changing needs of the patient over time.

Caregiver Qualifications and Training

At Visiting Angels, we're committed to providing compassionate, professional care. Our caregivers are attentive, organized, carefully screened, and well-trained. We offer continuing education opportunities for our employees so they can continually build their skill sets to provide the highest level of care to our patients. We also host regular care provider meetings to help our employees stay up-to-date with the latest caregiving techniques.

Take the Next Step: Improve Your Loved One's Quality of Life

Personalized in-home care from compassionate caregivers improves seniors' lives in numerous ways. Our care providers at Visiting Angels are committed to providing the highest level of care, compassion, and support. Contact Visiting Angels in Hendersonville, North Carolina, to learn more about our in-home companion care services. Fill out our form online or give us a call to get started.