Are you considering long-term care options for a loved one? There are several types of long-term care, including retirement communities, medically-based senior assisted living, home medical assistance, and aging at home with non-medical companion care. The type of care your loved one needs depends on their physical and mental abilities. If their health is in good standing, non-medical companion care may be the best option. This guide will cover everything you need to know about non-medical companion care to help you decide if it’s right for your loved one.

What Is Non-Medical Companion Care?

Most adults over the age of 50 wish to remain at home and “age in place.” Non-medical companion care services provide assistance to aging adults who are physically healthy and mentally fit but whose bodily functions and mental acuity may have diminished. This can make certain daily activities difficult or dangerous to do on their own. Non-medical companion care provides a friend and confidant who can help with household chores and life tasks, such as grocery shopping, housekeeping, meal planning and preparation, driving to appointments, playing games and socializing, and helping with outings. A higher level of non-medical care provides more hands-on help with routine personal tasks, such as eating, bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility, and taking medications.

Benefits of Non-Medical Companion Care

There are various benefits that come with non-medical companion care. One of the biggest benefits is that your loved one gets to maintain a sense of personal autonomy and control over their daily life. This can make them feel empowered and fulfilled as they get to live a relatively normal life in their own home.

As the name suggests, companionship is also a major benefit. By nature, human beings are social creatures. Having someone around to provide comfort, support, and entertainment can help your loved one’s mental and physical health. Social isolation and loneliness have been linked to higher risks for a variety of mental and physical conditions, including depression, cognitive decline, heart disease, weakened immune system, and even death.

Finally, non-medical companion care is much safer than living alone. Having someone around to lend a helping hand can reduce the risk of falls or medical issues going unnoticed. Your loved one can be cared for as many or as few hours a week as needed, which means they can enjoy their privacy while also getting the companionship and care they need to safely age at home.

Signs a Loved One May Need Companion Care

Before deciding if your loved one can age at home with the help of companion care, there are some factors to consider. Would they benefit from companionship, meal preparation, medication reminders, housekeeping, and transportation to appointments? Another thing to consider is whether the home is safe for your aging loved one to remain in. For example, does the home require remodeling or maintenance to make it easier to age in place? Another consideration is whether family is close enough to offer support during day and night hours or if your loved one would be left unattended for long periods of time.

Some signs that your loved one could benefit from in-home companion care while aging at home include:

• Limited access to activities or spending much of the time alone
• A recent fall or complaints of feeling unsteady or dizzy
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• A change in personal hygiene
• Increasing forgetfulness, anxiousness, or confusion
• Difficulty getting to appointments and running errands
• Little family and friend support
• Trouble remembering to take medications correctly
• Diagnosis of a chronic illness that requires regular medication
• A recent hospitalization

Here at Village Discount Drugs, we want to make sure our patients and their loved ones get all the care they need. If you think your loved one may benefit from non-medical companion care, we can recommend providers in the area. Please reach out to us to ask questions and get recommendations for senior care so your loved one can have the best care possible as they age.