Q. I’m concerned about my mother. She lives alone and is in her late 80s. She used to be somewhat active, especially for her age. She would volunteer in the kid’s ministry at her church, meet friends for lunch during the week, and participate in activities at the senior center where she lives. Since COVID, however, she has retreated to her home. She’ll venture out occasionally to grocery shop, but she’s been hesitant to resume her social life. I live nearby and do what I can to encourage her to reengage, but I’m growing weary of her constant refusals. I’ve heard a little about companies that provide caregivers for older adults in their homes. I was wondering if it’s possible to hire a caregiver just for companionship?
A. What your mom is experiencing is not uncommon, especially among the older adult population. Since the onset of the COVID pandemic, older adults have had the highest risk for severe illness from the virus. Unvaccinated older adults are at risk for hospitalization or death because of contacting COVID. Variants of COVID, such as the Delta Variant, have only heightened fear and anxiety. Social distancing and staying home have been the message from the CDC for a long time now. It’s understandable to be hesitant about returning to “normal.”
It sounds like your mother could greatly benefit from a companion caregiver provided by an in-home elder care company. Many in-home care companies offer this service, in addition to other non-medical care.
Companion care is precisely what it sounds like — it provides emotional support and socialization for older adults who may need such encouragement. Through companion care, a caregiver would spend one-on-one time with your mother. As the caregiver builds rapport with your mom, a genuine companionship will form between them. Companion caregivers treat each client as an individual and work hard to engage each client in activities that are meaningful to each unique person. Whether going for a walk, playing a game, working on a craft, or conversing over a cup of coffee, companion caregivers help fill that social gap that many older adults miss.
A companion caregiver can also help facilitate other social interactions. They can escort your mom to lunch with an old friend or participate with your mom if it’s happening at the local senior center. It may have been so long since your mom ventured out on her own that she lost some confidence in her ability to do so safely. A companion caregiver can help remove some of those barriers that have been preventing your mom from participating in her social life.
In addition to companionship, in-home caregivers can also assist your mom with other non-medical needs. They assist with personal care, such as bathing and dressing. They assist with light housekeeping and laundry. They can help with meal planning and preparation and can even escort your mom to the store. As her needs change over time, more care can be added to ensure that your mom stays safe and independent in the comfort of her own home.
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