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Companionship and Personal Care: when do I need it?

Companionship and Personal Care: when do I need it?

By Kailin Xu ·

Sep 29, 2024 ·

3 mins read

As we or our loved ones age, the question of when to seek additional help and support becomes increasingly important. Many families find themselves wondering, “Is it time to bring in a caregiver? Does my loved one need medical support at home, or would companionship be enough?”

The lines between companionship care and home health care can sometimes blur, but understanding the differences and knowing when to seek each type of assistance can make all the difference in maintaining health, happiness, and independence.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key signs that indicate when these services might be needed, the benefits of each, and how to choose the right level of care for yourself or a loved one. For more information, you can refer to our caregiving resources.

What is Personal Pare

Personal care in home healthcare is typically provided by home health aides (HHA) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) under the supervision of medical professionals, such as registered nurses (RNs). These caregivers help with daily living activities, which are crucial for individuals who need assistance due to age, illness, or disability but do not require constant medical intervention. Their tasks often include:

  • Assisting with personal hygiene: Helping clients bathe, groom, and dress.

  • Mobility support: Assisting with walking, transfers from bed to chair, and helping prevent falls.

  • Meal preparation and feeding: Ensuring proper nutrition and assisting with feeding if necessary.

  • Light housekeeping: Tasks like laundry, changing linens, and keeping the living space safe and comfortable.

  • Medication reminders: While they don’t administer medication, they help ensure patients take prescribed medications on schedule.

These supports are particularly beneficial for someone who were recently discharged from hospital, need Chronic Illness Management, Post-Stroke Care, End-of-life Care, or understand the importance of respite care. Additionally, there are resources on how family members can get paid as caregivers for providing such care.

What is companionship service?

Unlike home health care, or personal care, that provides mainly hands-on assistance to the activity of daily living, companionship services are designed to provide emotional support and social engagement, helping individuals combat loneliness through conversation, activities, and outings. There are also resources offering support for caregivers of older adults.

What are typical companion services

  • Conversation and social interaction: Companions engage in friendly discussions and listen to the individual’s stories, creating emotional connection and reducing loneliness.

  • Tech support: Companions can provide valuable assistance in navigating technology, helping individuals stay connected with loved ones through video calls, setting up email accounts, or teaching them how to use social media.

  • Encouraging hobbies and activities: Whether it's reading, playing games, or going for walks, companions encourage participation in activities that stimulate the mind and body.

  • Encouraging hobbies and activities: Whether it's reading, playing games, or going for walks, companions encourage participation in activities that stimulate the mind and body.

  • Assisting with errands: They may help with tasks like grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, and light housekeeping to keep the individual’s home comfortable and safe.

  • Meal preparation and shared meals: Companions often assist with meal planning and preparation, sometimes sharing meals together to enhance the social experience.

  • Accompanying on outings: Companions help with trips to appointments, social events, or recreational activities, offering both assistance and company.

Who are providers: a companion? a helper?

Companion services are typically provided by companions or helpers who do not need to have medical training. These individuals are selected for their ability to provide social support and perform light, non-medical tasks. They may be caregivers with backgrounds in senior care or individuals with a passion for helping others, such as retirees, students, or part-time workers. If you’re interested in becoming a Care Hero, there are opportunities to make a difference.

Untraditional companionship cases that demonstrated to be valuable

  • Music Therapy:

    • Playing favorite songs or singing along can stimulate memory and evoke positive emotions, especially for individuals with early-stage dementia.

    • Curating playlists or playing instruments together can turn music into a therapeutic and joyful experience.

  • Baking or Cooking:

    • Preparing meals together offers practical assistance and emotional comfort.

    • It creates a hands-on, sensory experience that aids physical recovery and provides an opportunity for social interaction.

    • At Go Care Hero, we have had a care hero who is a retired chef who cook with someone with early stage dementia and brings enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment.

  • Reading Poetry or Literature:

    • Engaging in literature, reading poems aloud, or listening to audiobooks can spark creativity and foster intellectual connections.

    • Discussing favorite authors or even writing poems together enhances emotional bonds and mental stimulation.

  • Discovering Podcasts:

    • Exploring podcasts on topics of interest (history, gardening, art, etc.) allows for mental engagement and new learning experiences.

    • Listening and discussing episodes together creates opportunities for connection and exploration of new ideas.

  • Tech Support:

    • Helping with digital tasks such as setting up video calls, exploring new apps, and navigating social media helps individuals stay connected and builds their confidence with technology.

    • Tech-savvy companions can also assist with online shopping, organizing virtual events, or finding entertainment online.

  • Remote Companionship:

    • Virtual companionship through video calls ensures social interaction even during periods of isolation.

    • Activities like sharing a virtual meal, playing games, or simply chatting offer meaningful engagement when in-person visits aren’t possible.

For additional guidance, you can explore resources from the Caregiver Action Network.

Suitable stage of having companionship — Signs and Scenarios

Companionship services can become essential at various life stages, particularly when individuals experience

  • Increased isolation: If someone is spending most of their time alone and showing signs of loneliness or depression, a companion can help them reconnect socially.

  • Decreased mobility: When an individual struggles to get out of the house or attend social events, a companion can help with transportation and encourage participation in activities.

  • Cognitive decline: In early stages of dementia or cognitive issues, companionship helps keep the mind stimulated and engaged. You might also consider in-home dementia programs tailored to such needs.

  • Post-hospitalization: After recovery from surgery or illness, when an individual is regaining strength but may not yet require full-time medical care, a companion can assist with daily tasks and provide emotional support.

The benefits of companionship extend beyond just physical assistance. Companionship greatly enhances emotional well-being by reducing feelings of loneliness, isolation, and depression, allowing individuals to feel more connected and supported. It also fosters increased independence, as companions help with errands and day-to-day tasks, enabling individuals to stay in their own homes longer. Furthermore, the mental stimulation that companions provide through activities, conversations, and outings helps keep the mind sharp, which is particularly beneficial for seniors and those in the early stages of dementia. Finally, companionship often includes encouragement for light physical activity, improving overall health and energy levels.

Companionship is more than just practical help—it plays a crucial role in enhancing the emotional and mental health of those who need it.

To find a suitable companion for yourself or your loved one customized to your need can be tedious. You can find a companion through home care agencies, local social medias, volunteer organizations like Meals on Wheels, or go on platform like Go Care Hero that is expert to help you find a caregiver based on your needs and help with vetting the caregiver.

In conclusion, companionship services provide social interaction and emotional support, while home health care offers hands-on medical assistance like nursing and rehabilitation. Both are vital for improving quality of life, depending on individual needs. For more information, you can refer to AARP caregiving resources.

If you have any questions about companionship or home health care services, feel free to contact Go Care Hero at info@gocarehero.com. We're here to help!

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Find Your Care hero

Batten Hall, 125 Western Ave. Allston, MA 02134

Subscribe for the latest updates

© 2024 by Care Hero™

All rights reserved.

Find Your Care hero

Batten Hall, 125 Western Ave. Allston, MA 02134

Subscribe for the latest updates

© 2025 by Care Hero™ All rights reserved.