Companion care at home is different from other types of home care services in that it’s about social engagement and keeping seniors from feeling lonely. That sounds uncomplicated enough at first, but seniors may start to wonder just what they and their companion caregivers can do during visits. This list can help.
General Conversations
Companion caregivers are there to offer companionship. They can talk to seniors about all sorts of different topics. Sometimes what seniors need and want is someone to just be there and listen to them, and companion care at home offers that for them.
Stories About the Past
Some seniors might want to talk about their past, especially when they have a lot of stories about historical events or situations that are just fascinating for other people to hear. Companion caregivers can help seniors remember more about these past events as they ask questions and just share that they’re interested to hear more.
Playing Games
Playing games is about more than just alleviating boredom. Even simple card games keep seniors’ brains active by encouraging them to solve problems and figure things out. Companionship on top of brain engagement further stimulates the brain and makes games even more fun.
Trying Out Crafts
It’s always fun to try new hobbies or crafts. First, there’s the experience of trying something new and creating a piece of art out of a few seemingly unrelated objects. But then there is also the sense of accomplishment that comes with making something that is interesting or entertaining. This stimulates different areas of the brain and helps seniors remember that they’re creative.
Reading
Seniors might have trouble reading on their own, either because of vision trouble or other concerns. Audiobooks and larger print books are some solutions that work, but if companion caregivers read to them, seniors experience the camaraderie of having someone else enjoy the story with them. Seniors also have someone to talk to about the books they’re reading, which can be equally enjoyable.
Watching Movies and Shows
Just like reading along with someone else is fun, it’s also fun to watch movies and television shows with someone else. Seniors with access to companion care at home may find that it’s helpful having someone else there to assist with the technical aspects, too. Whether they stream new favorites or grab DVDs of old favorites from the library, this is an activity seniors and caregivers can enjoy together.
Eating Meals and Snacks
For so many seniors, meals and snacks are a social event. If they don’t have someone to eat with, they might skip meals or speed through their meals. Companion care at home is an option to make sure that seniors have someone right there with them to talk to them while they’re eating. This can help them slow down and even make sure that they are eating healthy meals regularly.
There are lots of other ways that companion care at home can help seniors have a better experience as they age in place. As seniors and companion caregivers get to know each other, they might expand their own activities list quite a bit.
If you or an aging loved one are considering companion care at home in Lone Tree, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare of Parker. 303-953-9924
