Companion Care

Companion Care is one of the most valuable services we offer families in Barrington. At Visiting Angels, we recommend that local families turn to our companion services before an aging parent or grandparent faces serious age-related struggles. The presence of a compassionate caregiver in the home helps stave off the loneliness or sadness that too often occurs in old age – and it is also invaluable when you need to step away from your caregiving duties.

What Is Visiting Angels’ Elderly Companion Care?

In a tight-knit community like ours, most older adults want to remain in the comfort of their own homes for as long as possible. However, study after study shows that older seniors in our society are struggling emotionally. That is why having a steady, familiar presence in the home can make such a meaningful difference in the life of a loved one.

Our Customized Care Plans

Our caregivers follow plans that have been tailored to the needs of seniors through conversations with them and their family. The plans might cover routine tasks to keep daily life moving smoothly, but they also include taking walks, sharing meals, providing conversation, and assisting with activities that have become difficult for an older person to handle alone.

It Begins With an Assessment

Don’t worry. Every care plan is unique to ensure our services align with what you truly need. We accomplish this by talking to seniors and their loved ones up front about their routines, hobbies, and challenges at home, as well as things that bring them joy. We also discuss any medical conditions that should be factored into how our services are provided.

Our Flexibility

Thanks to our flexible scheduling, you don’t need to be locked into a long-term schedule that doesn’t suit your actual circumstances. We are happy to arrange for a wonderful person to be there a few hours a during the day or longer, as well as overnight when you need it.

The Benefits of In-Home Companion Care on Cognitive Health

These simple interactions do more than strengthen routines and prevent isolation. They support older people’s confidence before their personal safety becomes a concern and can even prevent a move to an assisted living facility. One major reason is that, as recent studies show, extra socialization for at-risk seniors lowers their risk of cognitive decline and in some cases improves mental function.

If a loved one is starting to show signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia – particularly if they live alone or lack social connections – then stepping in with consistent companion care can still be highly beneficial for them.

What Does Elder Care Provide to Seniors in Barrington?

Companionship can mean many things, and what we offer depends a lot on what types of activities make the person happy. We combine this type of support with whatever nonmedical day-to-day needs an older person may have. Therefore, what a caregiver provides might cover several of the following areas:

• Someone to talk to — Friendly conversation, consistent company in the home, and someone to engage the senior by playing games, going on walks, and sharing meals.
• Light household help — Assistance tidying up, light housekeeping, keeping the home organized.
• Meal planning and preparation — Help cooking nutritious meals or snacks.
• Reminders to take medication or drink water — Gentle reminders so that medicine and fluids are taken on time.
• Assistance with errands — If appropriate, help picking up prescriptions or bringing you to appointments on time.
• Support with other personal needs — May include dressing, toileting, hygiene, and other intimate care needs.

Take a look at this Visiting Angels video for some real-world examples.

Who are our caregivers?

At Visiting Angels, we understand that getting the right kind of caregiver is probably the most important aspect of in-home care for your loved one. Families want to trust that whoever shows up will not only be properly trained, but that he or she also brings a warm demeanor and trustworthy character to their job. That is why we have a strong vetting system, which includes background checks, interviews, and professional references.

Our goal is to make sure that every “angel” treats the person in their care with the compassion, dignity, and respect they deserve.

Visiting Angels Barrington

If you have an aging friend or relative in Palatine, Barrington, Hoffman Estates, or Algonquin, be sure they have access to sufficient social connections and activities. If that is not an option, call 224-512-4180 to discuss what type of care plan would be the most appropriate in your situation. You can also reach out to us any time online and we will respond soon.