What is companion care?
Companion care, or companionship care, is part of a range of home care services that provide care and support to the elderly, enabling them to live fulfilling, comfortable and happy lives in the comfort of their own homes.
If you have an elderly loved one who lives alone, read on to learn what is companion care and how it could help your loved one to live well at home with a life free of social isolation.
What is companion care and why is it important?
Companion care describes a home care service for the elderly that prioritises companionship and home care support. Companion care is more important than you may realise.
According to the NHS, more than 2 million people in England over the age of 75 live alone, and more than a million older people say they go over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member. Age UK also reports that 1.4 million older people in the UK are often lonely.
Whether it be due to social isolation, the bereavement of a spouse, or not having a family network nearby, more and more elderly people are becoming lonely. Loneliness can have far-reaching consequences for mental and physical health.However, it can be easily alleviated with regular contact with friends, family and the community. That’s why companion care is such a critical service.
Using companion care from a home care provider, such as Country Cousins, enables an elderly person to remain in the comfort of their home, receive support with daily tasks and experience the joy of daily companionship that will keep loneliness, social isolation and depression at bay.
What does companion care include?
A Country Cousins companion carer not only provides emotional support and companionship but will also assist with everyday tasks such as preparing meals, housekeeping and personal care.
Companion care with Country Cousins is a tailored service that supports the personal needs of each individual. This means the client gets exactly the care and support they want and need to live well at home. Companion care is completely flexible and adaptable, so as needs change, the home care provided can be seamlessly adapted also.
A Country Cousins companion carer can help with:
- Housekeeping, such as laundry, tidying and cleaning
- Grocery shopping and preparing meals
- Personal care, such as assisting with getting washed and dressed
- Running errands, such as paying bills and collecting prescriptions
- Transportation and accompanying to appointments and other places
- Encouragement to engage in hobbies, activities and games
- Accompanying to social activities and trips out in the local community, such as a visit to the local park or lunch in a cafe.
- Communicating with family members to keep them updated on their loved one’s welfare
Companion care may just mean being there to have a conversation with and share life’s daily ups and downs, someone to share meals with, or providing encouragement and support to go out and about.
Learn more about companion care with Country Cousins, what it includes, and how to arrange care.
Who is companion care for?
Companion care with Country Cousins is for any adult who requires care and support to live a comfortable and fulfilling life at home. Whether that be an adult with disabilities or complex health conditions that require support and companionship or an elderly loved one who lives alone and far from family.
Companion care can improve the quality of life for anyone who runs the risk of loneliness and social isolation.
What are the benefits of companion care?
Having regular social contact with a friendly home companion can dramatically improve the quality of life of a lonely or socially isolated person.
Some of the benefits of companion care include:
- Practical assistance with everyday activities
- Respite and relief for family caregivers
- Emotional support and friendship
- Help to keep your loved one active
- Improved mental well-being
- Builds confidence to socialise and take part in activities
- Peace of mind for all the family
How to know if your elderly loved one needs companion care
If you have an elderly loved one who lives alone in their own home, there is a real risk that they could be suffering from loneliness and social isolation. If your loved one has mobility or health issues, the chances are even higher, as their ability to socially engage is reduced even further.
Research shows that lack of human contact is a real risk for the elderly. We know from experience that older people are less likely than younger generations to complain of feeling lonely or admit that they have trouble with tasks of daily living, which is why companion care is a vital but often overlooked service.
If you think your elderly loved one is suffering loneliness, read our guide to Spotting Signs of Loneliness in the Elderly to learn more.
Companion care with Country Cousins
If you have an elderly loved one who could benefit from companion care, get in touch with our friendly care team today.
Arranging companion care is easy; simply call us on 01293 224706 or complete our online enquiry form. Our expert care team can answer any questions you have and discuss all the options open to you.
We work closely with you and your loved one to understand your needs, wishes and preferences so we can provide personalised care that provides all the support your loved one needs. This includes matching a carer to your loved one’s lifestyle, personality and preferences, so they have a companion carer who they can build a strong bond with and enjoy each other’s company.
Call us today to discover how companion care can bring joy, comfort and friendship into your loved one’s daily life.