More Than Assistance: The Transformative Nature of Companion Care
What comes to your mind when you think about home care? Do you think about a caregiver assisting with a shower or believe home care is only for seniors with complex medical care needs? Whether you’re a senior who lives alone, a senior with a spouse who needs more care than you can provide, or an adult child concerned about Mom or Dad as they age, Visiting Angels Oshkosh wants you to know the truth about home care services. We strongly believe that seniors of all ages and circumstances can benefit from companion care. Here are four reasons why companion care can transform the lives of seniors.
Provides Companionship
At its core, companion care provides companionship. Although some seniors and their families make a plan for when they need physical help around the house, many neglect to consider social needs. Social isolation is common in the older adult population and can lead to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Companion care helps prevent the negative effects of social isolation by eliminating the isolation component. Companion caregivers offer seniors opportunities to socialize, whether it’s by driving them to the Oshkosh Senior Center so they can stay connected with friends, or by engaging seniors in conversation in their homes over a cup of tea.
Gives Families Respite
Another transformative nature of companion care is that it gives families respite. When an aging loved one needs help at home, many times a close family member takes on that responsibility. But what happens to the family caregiver when the care needs become too much? Often, the family caregiver experiences caregiver burnout, the sensation of feeling overwhelmed without hope. Companion care mitigates the risk of caregiver burnout by shouldering some of the caregiver burden. Family caregivers can step away from caregiving tasks with complete peace of mind knowing their aging loved one is in good hands. If you are a family caregiver in the area, explore other caregiver support resources provided by the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Winnebago County.
Improves Mental and Emotional Health
Whereas some home care services only offer assistance for physical care needs, companion care services take a holistic approach to providing care. Companion caregivers take the time to get to know their clients, their interests, what brings them joy, and what they like to do in their spare time. They then find creative ways to keep their clients engaged in their favorite pastimes, whether it’s playing games, woodworking, shopping, baking, or reading. Staying active and keeping your mind engaged is important for maintaining mental and emotional health. When a client is having a difficult day, companion caregivers offer a listening ear and can offer gentle encouragement. The holistic approach of companion care ensures that seniors enjoy a higher quality of life as they age. If you are a senior who is struggling, the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Winnebago County provides a list of resources for mental and emotional support.
Promotes Independence
Lastly, but probably most importantly, companion care promotes the independence of seniors. Companion caregivers don’t just offer companionship; they also work alongside their clients, assisting them with daily tasks. The key word here is “assistance.” Companion caregivers are trained to let their clients lead, which allows seniors to maintain their autonomy and dignity. Although companion caregivers can take care of the dishes so a client can rest, they can also gently encourage a client to dry the dishes while they wash. After chores are completed, companion caregivers can use the remaining time to reminisce with their clients or suggest an outing to their client’s favorite ice cream shop. Seniors who aren’t ready for home care, but are looking for other local resources to help them maintain their independence can find help at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Visiting Angels Oshkosh is more than just another home care company that offers assistance. Our Companion Care services aim to transform the quality of life of our clients. Our compassionate and professional caregivers have a passion for seniors and offer companionship, assistance, and support. Whether you’re a senior who lives alone and is concerned about social isolation or a family caregiver who needs a break, we’re here for you. To learn more, please contact us today by calling 920-312-7000.