In the world of home health care, companion care services are often overlooked. While very simple, companion care goes beyond your typical in-home nursing experience allowing elderly patients to truly thrive. Excellent bedside manner is a standard held highly among all home health professionals, but unfortunately, time typically restricts the average home health nurse from spending quality time with their patients. This is where companion care nurses come into play.
What is companion care?
Companion care is an in-home service designed to provide companionship to those who need a little extra, non-medical, help with daily tasks. These services are typically suitable for elderly that aren’t in an assisted living community but would still like the social interaction and physical assistance these communities provide. Companion care services allow your loved one to retain their independence while still providing the help, interpersonal engagement, entertainment, and safety they need.
What do companion care nurses do?
Nurses specializing in companion care add a unique personal touch often missing from in-home care services. While they do help care for your loved one physically, these nurses also help keep your loved one social, safe and engaged. Experienced companion nurses are perfect for assisting with tasks such as:
- Accompaniment to doctor’s appointments and social activities
- Engaging, stimulating entertainment
- Light housekeeping
- Meal Preparation and grocery shopping
- Morning and nighttime aid
- Prescription pickup
A companion care professional can help improve your loved one’s quality of life, mental health, and even they’re overall physical well-being. Whether it’s sharing a meal, helping your loved one stay connected to friends and family, going for a walk, or playing games, companion nurses have it covered.
Why is companion care important?
When it comes to caregiving, peace of mind is important. Utilizing companion care services can help your loved one keep as much of their independence as possible while still providing you the peace of mind knowing that someone is there if help is needed. While physical assistance with daily tasks is a vital part of these services, the real difference is made through companionship.
Mental health plays a significant role in our overall physical health. According to the CDC, “It is estimated that 20% of people aged 55 years or older experience some type of mental health concern.” The most common of these mental health concerns are anxiety, mood disorders (bipolar disorder, depression, etc..), and severe cognitive impairment. Those suffering from low stimulation or mental health issues, such as depression, are more likely to experience a decline in their physical health. A study conducted by the National Institute of Aging found that “Social isolation constitutes a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality, especially in older adults.”
The truth of the matter is that growing old takes a toll on our mental health and can oftentimes be quite isolating. Addressing your loved one’s mental health is as important, if not more important, than addressing physical ailments. We know that severe depression can have life-threatening behavioral risks for sufferers of all ages. Still, depression, lack of regular exercise, and engaging stimulation can lead to deterioration in physical and cognitive functions for those of older age. While aging causes unavoidable changes to our body and brain, ensuring proper emotional support, regular exercise and quality social interaction can help compensate for these changes.
How can NurseCore help?
NurseCore connects patients and family members to qualified nursing professionals near them to help meet their unique home health needs. Passionate and superior care should know no bounds, be it at a nursing facility or simply at home. Our highly-trained companion care nurses are here for you and your loved one, to provide compassionate care, safety, and entertainment at any time. If you’re unsure if you’re in need of a companion care nurse, contact us, and our management services department will match you with a professional in your area with specific skills suited to your loved one’s unique needs. Take the Heart of Healthcare home with you.
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