Companion Care in Burlington, VT: What Does a Companion Caregiver Do?

Overtime your loved one may begin experiencing moments where they struggle to complete chores around the house, remembering to feed themselves, letting the fridge become empty, spending less time socializing and becoming lonely. When you and your loved one notice this happening, you may want to reach out to Visiting Angels of Vermont and discuss our companion care option. Our companion caregivers are available to assist seniors while they age in place at home. Our caregivers work with your loved one by working on essential chores around the home or helping to enhance their quality of day-to-day life.

• Emotional support and socialization

It is common for seniors to battle with depression and social isolation. When this happens, families become concerned, but they can rest assured with our caregivers that their loved one is getting the emotional and social support they desire.

When using companion care you are also providing your senior with extra social interaction—this is beneficial for when families are unable to come with often. Companion caregivers can accompany your senior on walks, discuss personal hobbies, get involved with friendly activities (like board games or cards) all while provided a frequent and familiar face.

• Housekeeping

Seniors with immobility limitation can find it strenuous or overwhelming to keep up with house cleaning. When using companion care your senior can have help around the home, lightening up their housework load. Their caregiver can help with reaching to clean a top shelf or cleaning under a table, helping your loved one avoid straining themselves more than necessary.

Companion care will provide a caregiver that can assist with daily household tasks, such was sweeping and/or mopping the floor, cleaning surfaces, running the dishwasher and rotating laundry.

• Meal preparation

Caregivers make sure that their clients are eating meals throughout the day while also making sure that pantry and fridge are constantly stocked with necessary items. Additionally, caregiver can help with preparing meals, or fully cook said meals and have them packaged to be enjoyed as needed.

It is common for our clients to be set to a strict diet to be followed by their doctors; most follow specific regimens such as low-fat and/or low-sugar diets. Caregivers are available to assist your senior to make sure that they are indulging in food that are safe for them and their diets, while also making sure that they understand their diet.

• Errands and shopping

Our caregivers with companion care know handle to-do list appropriately, especially when it involves a senior who has trouble remembering to go to the pharmacy and retrieve necessary medications on time. Other common to-do list errands include buying groceries and personal care item on a regular basis.

Caregivers will also be there to make your loved one is getting the small assistance that may be needs, like pushing a cart, sending off mail, reaching item in the hard-to-reach spaces, and completing other errands around town.

• Appointment and activity scheduling

When using companion care, you are also able to have someone help set up and maintain your loved one’s calendar, while also giving verbal reminders of day of events.

They can also schedule necessary appointments like haircuts or doctors’ appointments. They may even help up a visit with your loved one friend to help maintain their socialization with friends.

• Transportation

As our loved one begin to age, it is normal to have trouble transporting themselves from point A to point B. Your companion caregiver will be available to transport your loved one with providing a ride or scheduling a public or private ride.

• Communication with care team

When using the companion care program your caregiver will not be able to provide your loved one with medical assistance, however they are able to monitor their health and well-being, as well relay any worrisome changes. If your senior falls, begins missing meals, or has a personality change your caregiver can request medical assistance immediately or inform you so that you can reach out to medical professionals.

If you believe you loved one may need such assistance as well as companionship, please consider a Visiting Angels’ personal caregiver. Care coordinators are available to discuss your loved ones needs in details during a free home care consultation. If you're interested in more information about how in home care can help your senior loved ones, call 802-862-8777.