Aging in place offers seniors comfort, familiarity, and a large measure of independence. But there are other challenges, too, like loneliness and isolation. Many seniors who are aging in place spend large portions of each day by themselves, even if family members and friends do stop in from time to time. Companion care at home can be a tremendous help for seniors aging in place, and this type of assistance can matter more than ever before.
Emotional Support Prevents Isolation
Loneliness and isolation are linked to a huge number of health risks for aging adults while they age in place, including depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and even cardiovascular diseases. Companion care at home offers seniors some time with someone who is there to listen, share life experiences, and engage in activities together. The emotional connections they forge help to create a sense of belonging for seniors.
Connection Encourages Mental Engagement
Companion caregivers aren’t just there for social support, though. Their presence can also help to keep seniors’ brains active and engaged. Seniors who participate in conversations, hobbies they love, and other activities that stimulate their brains experience better overall cognitive functioning. Seniors are less likely to experience boredom and restlessness, and they can experience increased opportunities for learning and growing.
Safe Routines Are Reassuring
Companion caregivers don’t offer the same assistance as home care providers do, but they can help seniors to build routines that feel safe and comfortable. As seniors build relationships with the professional caregivers they spend time with, they’re able to feel more confident and stable with those connections. Routines naturally start to form as those interactions become more frequent.
Seniors Experience Joy and Connection
Companionship brings so much more than emotional support, too. Seniors engage in conversations, have someone to engage in activities with, and share moments of connection with someone else. All of this brings a different type of joy for aging adults and allows seniors to experience meaningful interactions with people who genuinely express interest in them and their lives.
Family Caregivers Receive Support, Too
Companion care at home also benefits other members of the family. There is a lot of pressure involved in caring for aging adults, and sometimes family caregivers can’t be there as much as they would like to be. Knowing that someone is there with the seniors they love is a huge relief. Family caregivers know that seniors aren’t forced to spend time alone simply because other obligations are in the way. Companionship also helps family caregivers to feel at peace with their family member’s choice to age in place.
For seniors who are aging in place, companionship offers benefits for both mental and emotional well-being. Companion care at home is an easy way for aging adults to experience improved confidence and deeper connections with other people. As they need more assistance down the road, the types of help that they need may change, but the social engagement they receive is always going to be an important ingredient to help them thrive.
If you or an aging loved one are considering companion care at home in Littleton, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare of Parker. 303-953-9924
