What are the Psychological Benefits of Companion Care Services?
As they age, seniors often struggle with loneliness, isolation, and a diminishing social circle, which can lead to poor mental, physical, and emotional health. Companion care provides a compassionate solution through social interaction, mental stimulation, and emotional support. Our caregivers at Visiting Angels are committed to improving the lives of seniors in the Asheville, North Carolina, area through dedicated and personalized companionship services.
What Is Companion Care?
Companion care is an in-home care service that provides emotional and social support for older adults. Unlike other in-home care services that emphasize physical care, such as medication reminders, meal prep, and mobility assistance, companion care is suitable for all clients, regardless of their physical health. Companion care services are non-medical and focus instead on offering comfort and companionship to individuals who might otherwise become isolated.
Companion care is highly personalized and may include a variety of activities that are pleasurable for the client. Some examples of companion care services include:
- Having meaningful conversations.
- Taking walks.
- Doing puzzles.
- Working on crosswords.
- Playing board or card games.
- Doing crafts.
- Preparing meals and eating together.
How Does It Alleviate Loneliness and Isolation?
Loneliness and isolation are prevalent among older adults. According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, over one-third of adults aged 45 and older are lonely, and almost one-quarter of adults aged 65 and over are socially isolated. Social isolation isn't just an emotional discomfort; it impacts your physical health as well. Individuals who are socially isolated are at a greater risk of premature death from any cause. Isolation and loneliness increase your risk of stroke, heart disease, and dementia.
Seniors who choose to age in place enjoy the comfort and familiarity of their homes, but they lack the socialization and personal contact provided by senior living communities and nursing homes. In-home companion care can help fill this gap by providing routine, scheduled visits that help the client maintain a sense of connection and companionship. This increases their emotional well-being while supporting their physical health.
How Does It Enhance Their Emotional Well-Being?
Loneliness is linked to depression. For older adults, the two often go hand in hand. One study of adults over the age of 50 assigned each participant a loneliness score based on their social engagement and social support. Each one-point increase in the loneliness score was linked to a 16% increase in the depressive symptom severity score.
Companion care services help combat some of this emotional isolation. As individuals age, their social networks often reduce. Companion caregivers provide a listening ear and ensure that these clients never feel like they're completely alone.
Caregivers offer support and encouragement to help older adults stay active and involved in the world around them. Caregivers may help clients find local groups and activities they can join, such as a book club at the library or senior fitness classes at the YMCA. Caregivers can even provide transportation to these activities for clients who couldn't otherwise participate.
Individuals who maintain positive social relationships reap an abundance of rewards. They enjoy a greater sense of control over their lives and a powerful feeling of independence. This is especially true of older adults who are permitted to age in place and utilize in-home care services rather than move to a residential care facility. Seniors who are socially connected are also more likely to make healthy choices. They experience more positive moods and enjoy better physical and mental health outcomes.
How Does It Stimulate Their Mental Health?
Companion care stimulates cognitive function and helps older adults stay sharp. A study of more than 1,100 seniors found that cognitive decline was 70% less prevalent in individuals who enjoyed frequent social interactions. This is consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's findings that social isolation increases the risk of dementia by 50%.
Caregivers can provide engaging activities that are proven to support mental health. Participating in the arts may help improve cognitive function, memory, and even self-esteem. This can be achieved by:
- Attending or watching music, theater, or dance performances.
- Performing creative writing exercises.
- Visiting art galleries and museums.
- Singing in a community choir.
- Participating in improvisational theater.
- Playing a musical instrument.
Caregivers can support these activities by helping their clients find local groups to join, listening as their clients play piano, reading aloud to them, or participating in creative arts together.
What Support Is Available for Family Caregivers?
Many seniors aging in place at home receive some or even all of their care from a family caregiver. This family member may strive to provide all the social support and interaction their loved one needs. However, tackling this job alone can result in stress and burnout.
It's important to consider the mental health of both the aging loved one and the people caring for them. If one individual shoulders a disproportionate amount of the burden, it's time to call for help. Companion caregivers can provide respite for family members who need time to step away, rest, and recharge. In this way, companion caregivers are supporting the mental and emotional health of everyone in the family, not just the client.
With a skilled companion caregiver, family members can enjoy full confidence and peace of mind, knowing their loved one is in good hands. These professional caregivers can also offer emotional support and well-informed suggestions to family caregivers to help them better support the mental and emotional health of themselves and their loved ones.
Experience the Difference With Visiting Angels
Companion care offers significant benefits both psychologically and physically. Our caregivers at Visiting Angels can enhance the quality of life for seniors with regular visits and mindful activities to help them stay engaged and active. If your loved one is suffering from loneliness and isolation, contact Visiting Angels to learn more about our services and how we can help. We offer flexible scheduling and personalized solutions. You can reach us through our website anytime or by phone at 828-665-3944.