What Is Companion Care?

April 29, 2020 at 4:00 AM
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We all need a little help sometimes. Maybe we need someone to remind us to take our medication or to help with light housekeeping and meal preparation. Regardless of the reason, Miami Valley Homecare Services offer companion care and home healthcare options for seniors in the Miami Valley region of Ohio.

The realization that we or our loved ones require assistance to remain independent in our homes can be difficult to process. When weighing options, it is important to first determine the level of care needed before reaching out for help.

The Difference Between Companion Care and Home Healthcare

Miami Valley Homecare Services offers both companion care and home healthcare options. Not sure which option is right for you or your loved one? Before deciding, it is important to know the differences between the two.

Home healthcare is more suited to individuals who need the administration of a variety of medical services in the home setting and is administered by trained nursing staff. Examples of common home healthcare services include:

  • Medication monitoring and administration
  • Dressing changes for wounds or incisions
  • Monitoring of vital signs
  • Assisting with personal care skills such as bathing, toileting, dressing, etc.
  • Managing the use of medical devices such as catheters and feeding tubes

Companion care is the best choice for seniors who may not have specific medical needs, but who need a little extra help maintaining their independence in the home setting. Companions perform services that are deemed nonmedical, such as:

  • Meal preparation
  • Light housekeeping
  • Reminders to take medication
  • Transportation for errands, appointments and shopping trips
  • Planning and scheduling appointments and outings
  • Assistance with exercise routines
  • Communication with family and friends

Benefits of Companion Care

Companion care extends beyond just meeting the needs of daily living for seniors. Oftentimes, companion care is the only thing preventing social isolation for some seniors.

Other benefits of companion care include:

1. Emotional support

Companions provide emotional support and a friendly face, in addition to the other services they perform. There are many types of services that provide assistance with physical or medical needs, but not necessarily with emotional needs. Companion care fills the gap and helps curb the effects of loneliness on overall mental health and well-being.

2. Improved physical health

Seniors who feel emotionally and socially cut off from others are less likely to engage in regular exercise to maintain physical health. Exercise is important as we age because it helps to combat loss of strength, flexibility and balance. Companions can encourage and join in on physical activities.

3. Memory assistance

Memory assistance for daily tasks, such as taking medication, eating regular meals and performing basic hygiene, is a huge benefit of companion care and ensures seniors will continue to remain happy and healthy while enjoying the benefits of living in their own homes.

4. Ability to live at home

Perhaps the biggest benefit of companion care is the ability for it to occur in the home. Seniors who wish to remain in their homes while receiving the assistance needed to stay healthy will benefit greatly from companion care.

Getting Companion Care

Miami Valley Homecare Services makes getting the care you need, at the level you need, an easy and affordable process. We offer companion care and home healthcare options for seniors in the Miami Valley region of Ohio, covering Dayton, Xenia, Beavercreek, Fairborn and Oakwood.

Contact us today to take the next steps in getting the eldercare solution that is right for you, or to request an assessment with our team to determine the level of care needed. Our number one concern is your care!