Four Reasons Why Seniors Need Companions
In an age where technology makes it easy to connect with others, it’s astounding to hear that approximately 72% of the American population reported that they experienced loneliness in 2016. The senior population is more at risk for loneliness compared to other age population groups. Aging alone brings significant barriers to one’s social life. For 
example, seniors experience a dwindling in their social circle simply due to the passing of close family and friends. Limited mobility can contribute to a decline in socialization, as well as feelings of embarrassment over health equipment or moments of incontinence. Even trying to keep up with the latest technology in order to connect with loved ones living long-distance can pose a barrier to an older adult’s social well-being.
Yet socializing is a very important component of one’s health and well-being. Feeling connected with others contributes to one’s sense of self-worth. Having a social support network can even impact how quickly one recovers from surgery, a fall, or other medical conditions. It’s evident that no matter your age, connecting with others is vital to your health. If you are a senior and are struggling with feelings of loneliness, here are four reasons why seniors need companions.
Provides a Sense of Security
Hiring a companion caregiver is like hiring your own personal assistant. A companion caregiver can accompany a senior as they run errands, go to doctor’s appointments, or meet friends for lunch. Seniors who struggle with medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, walkers, or portable oxygen tanks, are often embarrassed by their necessary equipment. The equipment can be cumbersome to manage, as seniors have to lift their devices in and out of their vehicles and drag it through the store. A companion caregiver can assist with such tasks, providing a sense of security for their client. A companion caregiver can also assist their client with toileting when they’re out and about, so the senior can enjoy lunch with friends without being concerned about having an accident. Knowing that there’s someone there to help when needed boosts a senior’s confidence and willingness to pursue their social life outside of their home.
Provides Emotional Support
Companion caregivers often help with basic household chores and basic hygiene care, but their role in the senior’s life extends beyond those care tasks. While the laundry is running, a companion caregiver can sit down with the senior and play games or share stories over a cup of coffee. Overtime, authentic friendship forms, and the companion caregiver becomes an extension of the family. A companion caregiver helps prevent a senior from becoming isolated, especially in colder months when it is more difficult for the senior to get out of the home. The personal link a companion caregiver provides is crucial for seniors who live alone and may be isolated from others. A companion provides emotional support, as well as physical support.
Provides Meaningful Moments
Companion caregivers provide meaningful moments to seniors, especially to those who live alone without a strong social support network. Many seniors who report feelings of loneliness would say that they never thought their golden years would be so empty. Losing loved ones, spouses, close friends, or even the ability to go out and socialize due to chronic conditions just wasn’t in their retirement plans. A companion caregiver can bring meaningful moments back to the life of a senior, enhancing their golden years and restoring hope and joy. A companion caregiver might be the only meaningful social contact a senior has throughout their week. Instead of sitting in front of the television for yet another day, the companion and senior spend time interacting, socializing, and connecting. A companion caregiver significantly improves the quality of life for a senior.
Provides Peace of Mind
In addition to providing emotional support, meaningful moments, and a sense of security, a companion caregiver provides both the senior and his or her family with peace of mind. Caring for an aging loved one can be consuming. Family caregivers are often dividing their time between their own families and their aging loved one, not to mention working full or part-time on top of all their other responsibilities. It can be a challenge to balance it all, let alone be present in the moment. Family caregivers often worry about their aging loved one when they’re not around. That worry can dissipate when a companion caregiver is brought into the mix. The family caregiver can have peace of mind knowing that their loved one is well cared for when they can’t be present. Reciprocally, the senior feels less of a burden to their family members and also experiences a peace of mind that they’re not disrupting their extended family too frequently.
Through our years of providing senior elderly companion care services, Visiting Angels South Elgin has had the privilege of seeing the lives of our clients and their families transformed with the supportive presence of our Angel caregivers. We work with each of our clients and their families to create a personalized plan of care that addresses their specific needs. We also work hard to meet the demands and needs of your schedule, while remaining within your budget. We recognize that not every client is the same, nor keeps the same hours. Our personalized care plans are adaptable, so as your care needs change over time, we can revise your plan of care. Please contact us today to arrange a free consultation, and get started with our Elderly Companion Care services today.