Loneliness and isolation can become very real problems as we age. Having friends and family close by to call on during low periods is important, especially when living alone. Unfortunately, not everyone has the luxury of living near loved ones. So, how can elderly individuals overcome these negative emotions and maintain an active social life?
An elderly befriending service, such as companion care, is one way that older people can socialise with others on a daily basis, sharing interests and hobbies and stimulating conversations. With the right companionship care in place, elderly people will no longer feel isolated or lonely while living independently in their own homes, improving their cognition and state of mind.
What are elderly befriending services?
Elderly befriending services offer older people who are at risk of experiencing loneliness or isolation the opportunity to communicate with a friendly carer whenever they feel the need for social interaction.
An elderly befriending service or companion care can not only provide someone to talk to but also help facilitate an individual’s social life. From accompaniment to events, classes, and trips out to providing transport to social engagements, elderly befriending services can be personalised to suit an individual’s social needs.
Could your loved ones use a befriending service?
According to Age UK, there are more than 1.4 million elderly adults in the UK who report frequent feelings of loneliness. You may suspect that a loved one is feeling lonely or isolated and that they may need some extra support. Signs that an elderly individual may need an elderly befriending service include:
- Disturbed sleep
- Loss of appetite
- Making comments about feeling lonely
- Increased buying habits or hoarding
- More or less frequent phone calls or other communication
- Spending increased periods of time alone at home
- Behaviour changes such as becoming withdrawn or isolating from others
Furthermore, individuals who have experienced a recent bereavement, such as losing a partner, or close friends, those with mobility issues, and mental health concerns, are at much higher risk of suffering from loneliness and isolation. Keeping a close watch on loved ones who have lost partners or may have a history of depression is important to safeguard them against isolation and loneliness.
If you think your loved one could benefit from a befriending service for the elderly, companion care from Country Cousins may be a suitable solution.
Benefits of an elderly befriending service
There are many advantages to seeking the help of a befriending service for the elderly. The most common benefits of an elderly befriending service include:
Cognitive function
As we age, we may experience cognitive decline. However, regular social interaction can slow down cognitive function decline. Socialising is an integral part of maintaining mental and physical well-being in elderly individuals. This is all the more important for those requiring dementia care.
Happiness
Elderly individuals who regularly socialise and communicate with others are found to be happier than their more withdrawn counterparts. Happiness levels also impact physical health, leading to lower rates of chronic illness, improved mobility, and overall longevity and quality of life.
Social interaction
Befriending services can also help to tear down barriers affecting an individual’s social life. Mobility issues, for example, can prevent an individual from going out and meeting friends. However, with a companion carer providing mobility support, accompaniment, or transportation, they are much more likely to accept an invitation to socialise.
Peace of mind
For family and friends that live further afield, a companion carer or befriending service can offer reassurance that their loved one is not alone and feels fully supported.
Confidence
With a companion carer’s support, elderly individuals can feel confident to go out of their front door, socialise, and meet new people. A carer can assist with personal care, ensuring that your loved one looks and feels their best, as well as supporting them with mobility issues when out and about.
Independence
At home elderly befriending services allow individuals to live as independently as possible in their own homes, with the support of a friendly and compassionate
What does an elderly befriending service involve?
In addition to offering companionship, an elderly befriending care service can provide support with many aspects of daily living. Depending on the individual’s needs and preferences, companionship care can support a wide range of everyday activities in the home, these could include:
- Personal care e.g. bathing, dressing, and toileting
- Assistance with getting in and out of bed
- Meal preparation
- Medication management
- Mobility assistance
- Transportation to and from healthcare appointments
- Light housekeeping
- Accompaniment to appointments, social events, and trips outside of the home
- Facilitating hobbies and interests
- Encouraging physical activity
How Country Cousins can help
Unfortunately, elderly people living alone are at a higher risk of loneliness and isolation. Luckily, there is a service that can reduce these risks. An elderly befriending service or companion care at home can provide you or your loved one with a friendly carer to talk to and maintain good mental well-being. Country Cousins companion care service can match individuals with a compassionate carer who shares similar interests and is a perfect fit personality-wise.
With more than 60 years of experience, we have extensive expertise in a wide range of home care services. You can trust us to help you find the most suitable companion carer to help ward off feelings of loneliness and isolation. For more information on choosing companion care for you or your elderly loved one, check out our guide to companion care at home.
Talk to our team today
If you require companion care for you or your loved one, get in touch with us at Country Cousins today. We are the UK’s longest-serving introductory care agency, having provided compassionate care to people in their own homes since 1959.
Give us a call today on 01293 244 706. should you have any questions about home care. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
