Two are better than one!
About 13 percent of the population in the United States is over 65 years old, that is, over 38.5 million people. The majority of these older adults prefer to remain in their own home as they grow older. However, depression, anxiety, loneliness, and fear of being left alone are some of the most common reasons why many seniors who live alone finally give up and make the stressful decision to leave their own home. It is, indeed, a decision they otherwise don’t want to take.
In fact, isolation or loneliness is something against human nature. Same goes true for senior citizens as well. Older people, for example, often say they don’t like eating alone, and shared meals–without dishes to wash or clean-up–can be most enjoyable. For the same reason and because of its several other individualized benefits, companionship is an ideal solution for elderly or disabled individuals who want to maintain their independence and dignity by continuing to live in the comfort of their own homes. With assistance from family caregivers, and/or private duty nursing and nurse aides, they need never to move to a senior living community. This is an optimal option for those that wish to stay close to their history, belongings, and home memories.
A carefully chosen companion can make yours and your family’s life easier by performing many of the in-home assistance tasks which have become difficult and tiring.
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Friendly relationship
Running companion services in shifts with days off gives the seniors some variety of people and helps develop many good and necessary friendships. They often get to know each other quite well and, as a result, there is a much better interactive relationship between the companion and the senior person. However, professionalism is always the hallmark of a good companion and the thin boundaries between companionship and friendship need to be carefully distinguished. -
EconomicalPersonal care attendants or companions are much cheaper alternatives of registered nurses or senior citizen homes. They provide hands-on assistance with bathing, grooming, and dressing.
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FlexibilitySenior companion services are generally available 5-7 days per week and 24 hours per day. Such services usually involve activities of daily living by assisting the patient to take a bath, dress, eat and walk, do light housework, meal preparation, take medications, shop for groceries or clothes, use the telephone and manage money.
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Enhanced feeling of security and health careAs the old saying goes, “two are better than one”, having a close companion often helps prevent the elderly from common accidents such falling off and slipping. He or she could help you as you walk, exercise, or perform other routine activities. Similarly, if you are on medicine, you would not have to worry about missing a dose. Depending on the service you choose, most of the companions will also be able to help you cook, clean and to drive you down to the shops or accompany you to any outing of your choice. For some patients suffering from specific disabilities, there are companion services which provide specialists including respiratory and occupational therapists, social workers and mental health workers.
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Entertainment & funLiving on your own can be a lonely experience so having a companion to share time with, to play a game of cards, chess or scrabble, to watch your favorite movie or to chat with on an evening will make all the difference. Therefore, having a companion with good understanding will actually bring joy and fun in your life and significantly improve the quality of your living.
All in all, everyone needs companionship to avoid feelings of isolation and loneliness. As we get older, this need becomes a genuine necessity. Finding good senior companionship is not all that hard and has enormous psychological, physical and social benefits for elderly.
Dr.Ikram Abidi – M.B.B.S (Dow), PGD (HIMS), CBCMT, CHSA
A medical graduate from one of the top medical universities in Asia, Dr.Abidi has done clinical rotations in various medicine specialty wards in one of the largest public hospitals of South East Asia. He’s also achieved a diploma in business administration while completing courses in medical transcription and hospital services administration.
