Home companion care has become increasingly popular for seniors who wish to remain living independently in their own homes, often provided through home health agencies alongside other caregiver services.
Companions require less training than home health aides and are an ideal solution for individuals needing nonmedical personal assistance. The median monthly cost of home companion care is $4,957.
Companionship
Home companion care can assist seniors living independently by providing socialization, assistance with daily living activities and support to family caregivers. Home companions may assist with various tasks from running errands and helping prepare meals to making sure senior loved ones get healthy food while remaining active.
Additional duties of a home companion include monitoring for signs of decline or loss of independence, such as an increasingly disorganized household, unexplained scrapes and bruises, disheveled appearance or seeming disconnected from family members. Furthermore, home companions can assist their charges with taking care of pets by walking them or cleaning the litter box as necessary.
Home companions are available through home care agencies, independent contractors or volunteering programs. Some private insurance policies cover this service while Medicaid programs also provide some coverage.
Transportation
Family members that live far away or who are too busy can’t always provide transportation or help running errands for an elderly loved one, leading them into isolation and increasing the risk of falling at home – one of the primary contributors to decreased health and loss of independence.
Home companion care options exist even in rural areas with limited public transportation. Services like Uber and Lyft as well as AmeriCorps Senior Companion may be able to assist these seniors, while non-emergency medical transit (NEMT) may also be accessible with physician permission from low-income seniors eligible for Medicaid NEMT can also provide assistance – contact your healthcare provider if this option interests you!
Exercise
Exercising provides many health advantages to seniors, such as weight management, prevention of disease (such as heart disease and diabetes), preservation of bone strength, balance improvement, endurance improvement and improving mood. Seniors may also gain from flexibility exercises that enable greater range of motion in their joints.
Home care providers can motivate seniors to engage in regular physical exercise by helping them perform tailored workouts that are specific to their physical capabilities. Home care providers may also encourage seniors to walk outside or enjoy leisurely strolls through parks or lakeside trails to take in nature’s sights, sounds and smells; being outside in fresh air can be therapeutic for both the body and mind.
Medication reminders
Reminding elderly individuals to take their medications can be difficult, leading to missed or double doses that can have severe health implications. Caregivers can offer reminders or use a pill dispenser to ensure that all dosing occurs on schedule.
Care4Today (Android and iOS), can be used to record a senior’s medication schedule and disperse pills at the appropriate times. The app also features reminders to refill prescriptions or make appointments, sharing this information with family members as necessary.
Hero offers an innovative smart pill dispenser. This device features lockable compartments that open on an automatic schedule and can connect with smartphones to send notifications and alerts – including audible alarms and visual reminders when it’s time for medication.
Socialization
Socialization is an integral component of home companion care. It helps reduce depression risk factors, improves reproductive health, and can make an elderly feel like part of a community.
Caregivers can offer activities to foster social engagement, or set up appointments for your loved one to meet other members of the community. Furthermore, they can assist with meal preparation and household tasks in order to reduce physical stress on them.
If you are seeking home companion care for an elderly loved one, contact us for a complimentary consultation. Our consultants are happy to assess their individual needs and suggest suitable companions – many times without needing a physician’s order if the senior meets Medicaid eligibility requirements for home services.