As a person ages, he or she may begin to lose their ability to live independently due to a variety of physical conditions. These include limited mobility, chronic pain and frailty, as well as typical everyday activities that may become stressors, such as maintaining a household and caring for themselves. Mental health problems may also arise as people grow older. Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health conditions.
Health conditions and lifestyle adjustments are inevitable. However, an elderly person does not need to feel alone in dealing with such changes. Whether a loved one needs full-time or part-time in-home care, or just a friendly face to stop in for a visit, in-home care offers a great deal of value that offsets the isolation, depression and anxiety an elderly person sometimes experiences.
Most seniors enjoy the company of family, friends, caretakers and new companions. In-home companionship has a huge impact on the mental health of the elderly. Not only do companionship services provide the senior with much needed interaction, they relieve some of the stress and worry from family caregivers. This allows time spent with family to be more fun and carefree, and less of a stressor.
In-home companionship care includes activities such as:
- Playing games, telling stories and help with reading
- Crafts, like scrapbooking and collages
- Maintaining calendars and organizing social engagements
- Planning trips outside of the home
- Assisting with personal tasks
- Engaging in meaningful conversation
