Is an In-Home Companion Right for You?
Is an In-Home Companion Right for You?
An in-home companion is different from a personal care aide. A personal care aide can help you with the same tasks as a companion and assist you with dressing, bathing, and other needs. An in-home companion’s goal is socialization, emotional support, and, if needed, personal care.
What are Other Tasks a Companion Perform?
A companion can help you with some different chores if needed. These would be light housekeeping, washing dishes and clothes, taking you to the grocery store and doctor appointments, social events, and other miscellaneous tasks. If you have a pet, your companion can help with the pet's care, even down to taking your dog for a walk.
Your companion can prepare meals for you and even freeze some for days they aren't there. They can keep track of what supplies you need, whether medical or grocery. Your companion can even take you clothes shopping if needed. An in-home companion will follow a written care plan and keep a record of the daily activities.
Companions make their visits depending on your individual needs. Some people like their companions to stop once a week. Some people may want their companion to stop more frequently or even daily. How often you see your companion depends on you.
Benefits of Companion Care
There are a many wonderful benefits to companion care, especially if you are aging in place. Sometimes family members may live too far away to be of assistance. Or your family members are working or have other demands on their time. Your family helps you when they can, but you need a little more than they can give you.
This is where an in-home companion is an answer. Even if you are living with another family member, sometimes, when they aren't present, you may need assistance. Or you live alone and find difficulty in getting out of the house to run errands. Or you may need help with some of the trickier household chores.
If you live by yourself, you may get lonely and be somewhat isolated, especially in these trying times. A companion can go on walks with you, play board games or cards, have conversations or just be there as a listening ear.
If you are having difficulty with doing household chores, your companion will cheerfully do them. It will give you a greater quality of life and relieve you of those tasks that may be too difficult for you. A companion allows you to age in place safely and independently.
Another plus is that if you do have an appointment scheduled during your companion's normal visiting time, your companion will adjust their schedule to yours. That way, you won't miss the companionship or your appointment.
Cost of Companionship
The average cost of a companion through a certified home-care service varies from state to state. It may depend on where you live and how many hours a day you need your companion. If you only want your companion a day or two a week for a few hours, then your cost will be lower. If you want your companion daily for most of the day, then your cost will be higher.
Being able to age in place in the home that you love is a high priority. An in-home companion relieves your family members from worrying about you when they are pulled in another direction. It gives you someone to share your time with, go places, and help with chores.
We here at Right at Home can help you to age in place. Our in-home companions are only a call away; call us today!
