As people age, their homes become more significant in defining their identity and shaping their lives. Factors like chronic conditions, functional limitations, and social isolation contribute to the higher rates of depression in older adults. Those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s become even more dependent on others, needing special in-home care. That’s where companion care services and socialization become crucial.

What is Companion Care?

Companion care is a special care designed to provide emotional and ongoing non-medical support, helping seniors maintain their independence and dignity as they age in place. While their autonomy and privacy might be compromised in institutional settings, professional companion home care at Assisting Hands Gulf Coast provides the comfort of familiar surroundings, honoring their independence and personal space over daily choices. By choosing companion care, older adults can stay connected to the community and neighbors and perform the routines of life without going to hospitals or any medical facilities

How Does Companion Care Stimulate Socialization for Seniors?

In the daily conundrums of life, socialization is not just an activity, but a vital thread. While medical administration is a critical part of their life, socialization and companionship rekindle the spark of engagement. At Assisting Hands Home Care Gulf Coast, our professional caregivers will get to know your loved ones personally and build a relationship with them by engaging in friendly conversation and their favorite games. We focus on building trust and comfort for seniors, fostering relationships with empathy, compassion, and respect.

Personal Care and Companionship for Seniors:

Personal care:

As people age, the natural vigor and enthusiasm subtly lessen like a slowing tide. Even simple day-to-day tasks become a monumental challenge, requiring assistance and intervention. At Assistance Hands Home Care Gulf Coast, we assist with personal care and regular activities of daily living (ADLs) like dressing, bathing, eating, transferring, personal hygiene, toileting and more.

Meal preparation:

A consistent and restricted meal forms the basis of a senior dietary regime. As we age, our bodies become more vulnerable and weak. Our caregivers can help with meal preparation, ensuring timely meal intake that accommodates their dietary restrictions.

Grocery shopping:

Our caregivers assist with important errands like grocery shopping, prescription pickups, mobility and transfer, and any other personal errands that need to be done.

Light housekeeping:

Maintaining cleanliness and order contributes to health and wellness. By performing light housekeeping duties like washing dishes, waste disposal, vacuuming, preparing the bed, dusting, laundry, sweeping, and other housekeeping tasks, we take a lot of the burdens off their shoulders.

Companionship:

Loneliness is common among seniors, particularly those who have lost a spouse and live far from their families. Our caregivers can help alleviate loneliness for your elderly loved ones by engaging with them, spending quality time together, and sometimes having lunch or dinner together.

Transportation:

If your loved ones cannot drive, our caregivers can transport them to important events such as doctor appointments, family gatherings, and other essential activities. We can also escort them to the park, a nearby coffee shop, and other locations for relaxation and enjoyment.

Benefits of Companion Care

At Assisting Hands Home Care Gulf Coast, our companion care for seniors provides various advantages, such as decreased loneliness and isolation, better mental and physical health, increased safety, and reassurance for the care recipient and their family. We offer practical assistance with daily tasks while ensuring independence and security.

Companionship and Socialization

Social isolation and loneliness are significant public health risks affecting a substantial portion of the older adult population globally. Of 16% of people worldwide experiencing loneliness, the demographics for older people comprise 12%. Around one-quarter (24%) of community-dwelling Americans aged 65 and older are socially isolated.

Factors Contributing to Isolation and Loneliness in Seniors:

• Living alone (around 28% of seniors live alone in the U.S.).
• Loss of family or friends (bereavement, widowhood).
• Chronic illness and functional limitations (e.g., mobility issues limiting the ability to leave home).
• Sensory impairments (e.g., hearing or vision loss).
• Retirement and leaving the workforce.
• Limited social networks.
• Low levels of social activity.

Alzheimer’s and dementia are common health conditions, affecting 57 million people worldwide and 7.2 million Americans age 65 and older. As the conditions worsen, seniors experience several symptoms, including:

• Cognitive decline
• Communication difficulties
• Changes in behavior
• Reduced mobility

All these conditions, accompanied by other health issues, contribute to loneliness and isolation in this vulnerable population.

At Assisting Hands Home Care Gulf Coast, we provide non-medical personalized help and emotional support, fostering companionship that will further enrich the lives of your loved ones and help them avoid feelings of loneliness.

Veteran Service:

Assisting Hands Home Care is pleased to collaborate with the VA Community Care (Home Health Aide) program and Aid and Attendance Pension to offer essential in-home assistance to qualifying veterans of all ages.

Who is eligible for VA Home Health Aide Benefits?

Veterans and their spouses requiring assistance with:

• Respite and Personal care
• Dressing
• Meal preparation
• Light homemaking
• Those concerned about isolation or caregiver responsibilities.

How Can Veterans Apply for VA Home Health Aide (HHA) Services?

Obtain a referral for services from your VA doctor or provider at your local VA clinic.

Assisting Hands can assist you in signing up for VA programs and scheduling appointments, facilitating access to these essential services.

How to Request More In-Home Care Hours Through the VA?

• Veterans may be able to increase their in-home care hours through the VA program.
• Additional support may also be secured through the VA Aid & Attendance benefit.

Contact Assisting Hands Home Care at 813-499-2900 to schedule a consultation for our personal care, respite care and Aid & Attendance pension services in the Tampa Bay area (anywhere in Hillsborough County) FL.