Our elderly loved ones’ health and well-being can change suddenly. Or, as each day passes, these changes can take place gradually. The type of care will depend on the level of assistance required if you see your loved one could use a bit more aid with daily functioning and are contemplating in-home care services. Does your family member need personal care or just companionship? What distinguishes companion care from personal care?
Companion Care
More than merely receiving quality medical care is necessary to live a long and healthy life. A good mind and a happy existence depend on companionship. Companion care can range from playing games and exchanging stories to helping with housework. Additional companion care tasks could involve:
- Reading support
- Solve puzzles
- Performing or taking in music
- Doing chores and shopping
- Visiting a park or a restaurant
- Minimal cleaning
- Laundry
- Accompanying to and from doctor visits
- Preparation of meals
- Using social media and video chats to stay in touch with family and friends
Personal Care
We could find it challenging to carry out daily tasks as we get older. We might not want to seek family members for help with some of these things. More direct care is offered through personal care. The same tasks covered by companion care are included, but it also gives your loved one greater hands-on help.
These actions could be something like:
- Individual grooming
- Eating
- Dressing
- Bathing
- Toileting
- Support for mobility
- Transferring
A caregiver can help your loved one stay independent in their home for a longer period of time while also enabling you to get the additional support you require. As the demands of your loved ones change, so may the degree of care.