A recent report reveals that almost a quarter of adults over the age of 65 are socially isolated. Many seniors live alone, and have experienced the loss of family members and friends. /home-health-care-services/companion-care/
The Health Impacts of Social Isolation and Loneliness
Homecare Margate FL – What is Companion Care?Social isolation greatly increases the risk for a senior to develop memory problems or dementia, heart disease, stroke and other serious illnesses. In fact, social isolation appears to lower a senior’s life expectancy as much, or even more, than smoking or obesity! Loneliness – feeling unconnected to others – is associated with depression, anxiety, suicide, and a significantly higher rate of emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and death.
What is Companion Care?
Companion care provides opportunities for meaningful interaction for seniors who may be socially isolated, or struggling with chronic conditions, poor mobility, memory loss or other challenges of aging. Companion care can be provided by reputable home care agencies, who ensure that their companions are trained and thoroughly vetted. Only caring, personable and trustworthy individuals are suitable for senior companion care.
Exactly what companionship and meaningful interaction looks like differs for each individual. Because of this, companion care is personalized to each senior’s particular preferences. A few common examples of ways seniors enjoy time with their companion caregivers include:
- Going for a walk or a scenic drive
- Playing cards or board games
- Visiting or reminiscing
- Cooking together
- Painting fingernails
- Reading together
- Painting, arts, crafts or hobbies
Regardless of how the time is spent, companionship can lead to better mental and physical health. It can make life feel full and vibrant.
Homecare Companionship can Reduce Isolation and Loneliness
Simply spending this time together is incredibly beneficial to many lonely or socially isolated seniors. However, companion caregivers can also assist with an entire range of tasks and services that can support seniors who may be struggling. Homecare agencies offer a wide array of services intended to support seniors to be as independent and successful in their own home as possible. The services are customizable, and everything about homecare is designed to be tailored to the senior’s personal preferences.
Homecare aides can help with a number of tasks, such as:
- Transportation to appointments or activities of interest
- Shopping assistance
- Meal preparation
- Light housework
- Laundry and linen changes
- Dressing, bathing and other personal care
- Incontinence hygiene and management
- Mobility assistance
- Pet care
Homecare aides may complete tasks for the senior, if needed, however, many seniors prefer to have them help just a little. This makes it possible for the seniors to stay active, engaged and satisfied, while making the task more enjoyable, and less challenging or exhausting.
Completing these essential tasks can enable the senior to live independently at home, but the companionship that comes along with the help can be worth even more, in terms of social connection, reduced loneliness and isolation, and improved quality of life.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html
If you or a family member are in need of hiring Homecare Services in Margate FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. Providing service in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Coconut Creek, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Lauderhill, Margate, Pompano Beach and Tamarac.
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