How Companion Care Can Help Fight Loneliness during COVID

COVID-19 has made life difficult for all of us, but especially seniors. As seniors are in the high-risk category, the majority are spending long periods of time inside. With less time out and about, social gatherings and time with family has significantly decreased. As you may know, this can have a devastating impact on mental health. Here's how companion care can help:

Companionship At Any Time

The number one benefit of companion care is simply the joy of companionship. With a restricted social life, companion care has been extremely rewarding for many seniors as they get guaranteed scheduled socializing.

Without someone to turn and talk to and be around, seniors can become prone to depression and other mental health issues. Studies show that social isolation can have a dramatic effect on mortality and other health complications.

A Partner for Hobbies

Caregivers act as partners for favorite hobbies and activities, allowing your loved one to focus safely on what makes them thrive. Whether your loved one loves to walk in the garden, listen to their favorite records, play board games or paint – Our referred Caregivers love sharing these experiences.

Someone to Talk To

Having someone to turn to and open up to is vital for all of us during this pandemic. With so much uncertainty and anxiety, having a caregiver that can listen and communicate can reduce the burden of stress and bring a boost of positivity and joy.

Meal Preparation

Mealtimes are often when feelings of loneliness really hit. For most seniors, meals have been social events throughout their entire life. When families are no longer there, the silence is sometimes deafening. Caregivers can be there to provide social and culinary support at the table or the kitchen.

Maintaining a Routine for Dementia or Alzheimer's

COVID has changed daily life drastically, and the routines that gave many seniors comfort have been altered. This can be particularly upsetting for older adults living with Alzheimer's or Dementia disease. Having a caregiver visit at a scheduled time can be a reassuring familiarity, bringing some normality to chaotic times.

A recent study on the effects of COVID on Alzheimer's and Dementia patients revealed:

• 37% said sheltering in place created additional tension in families, regarding keeping their loved one at home.
• 24% of families said it was hard to be close to a loved one with Alzheimer's 24 hours a day.
• 74% of families are unable to see their loved one due to COVID restrictions.
• 75% say their stress levels are significantly higher.
• 67% of families are unable to assess the health of a loved one.

A Back-Up for When Family Can't Be There

If a family caregiver has to self-isolate because of symptoms, then companion care providers can step in. This can potentially be life-saving, as it minimizes the risk of the virus. But also, it allows seniors to be given the support they need when their family is restricted. So if their children can't bring the groceries for a week, a caregiver can come to the rescue.

Help With Online Communication

We've all turned to zoom calls, facetime and email this year. That includes seniors. Companion caregivers can walk your loved one through the process or simply set-up a call so they can speak to their friends and family through the internet. Studies show that seniors' mental health can be significantly boosted through internet use.

Online Doctors Appointments

Avoiding hospital and doctor visits during the pandemic significantly reduces the risk of the virus. However, most seniors still need to talk to doctors or receive medication. Companion caregivers can help seniors arrange telemedicine appointments, where they can talk to doctors online, either through video or email.

Minimizing The Risk of Virus

Companion caregivers can minimize seniors from being exposed to the virus. They can run errands, such as grocery shopping, without the seniors being around crowds of people.

Senior home caregivers can also ensure hands are frequently and properly washed, while helping seniors to wear masks and wash them at the end of the day.

They can also sanitize the house, from doorknobs to cell phones, while opening the mail so your loved one doesn't have to touch the potentially contaminated packaging.

Help Seniors Stock Up

Companion care providers can keep a close on all household items, from food to medication. They can order in more stock, ensuring your loved one is stocked up for any lockdowns or unforeseen needs to self-isolate.

Keep Family Members Up-to-Date

Many family members are understandably anxious about their elderly loved ones' health, especially during the pandemic. Companion care allows family members to get instant or daily updates on symptoms and potential exposure to the virus. They'll ensure no chances are taken while managing mental health. This can be beneficial for both the senior and the family, as everyone is kept in the same loop.

Symptom Checks and Response

As mentioned above, caregivers will keep a close eye on any symptoms ensuring your loved one receives any medical support needed without delay. Often, seniors may brush off symptoms, but things can quickly take a worse turn. More importantly, caregivers prevent seniors from being left alone when symptoms could leave them needing instant medical attention.

Support After a Loss of Spouse

If your loved one has lost their spouse, then companion care can help provide an extra pair of hands and ears. From taking care of daily living activities to helping fill the void of the loss of companionship, senior home care can be priceless when needed most.

Companion Care for Seniors in New Port Richey

If your loved one needs support to battle loneliness during COVID-19, contact Visiting Angels today to discover more about how companion care in New Port Richey can help you and your loved one. Call (727) 233-8346 - Available 24 hours.