Companionship
Could our companionship service help combat loneliness in a loved one?
Published: 02/08/2023
Here are the main reasons why companionship could benefit a loved one.
Companionship can have huge benefits to the mental and physical health and wellbeing of a person. Social interaction is an important factor in preventing isolation and loneliness in the elderly.
At Right at Home East Lancashire and Ribble Valley, we recognise the value of having a friendly and trusted visitor to talk to. Our homecare support team go beyond helping with daily activities. When it comes to companionship, our Carers in East Lancashire and Ribble Valley always aim to put a smile on someone’s face.
Companionship can include the following:
- Arrange and accompany clients to appointments
- Assist with hobbies and interests
- Social interaction and to promote attending community gatherings
- Trips out
- Cognitive stimulation
- Safety supervision
- Transportation
- Companionship and conversation
- Supervise nutrition and eating
The social benefits of companion care can help empower a senior family member, assisting them to live a higher quality life.
Knowing that they can go out and carry out errands or attend a community meeting, seniors often feel supported and enriched by the assistance of a companion. At the same time, companionship can help lessen the effects of anxiety, depression, and even chronic physical pain.
Studies show that seniors who maintain strong social bonds — such as a connection with a companion — are at lower risk of developing age-related conditions such as “Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of cancer.” Socially engaged seniors also report higher physical mobility scores, and lower rates of disability. Seniors who remain socially connected are also more likely to exhibit “positive health-seeking behavior,” like getting cancer screenings or eating more nutritiously.
