Family Caregiver Respite: Small Breaks That Make a Big Difference
Planning for home care services for seniors includes balancing the support that family caregivers require. Access to family caregiver respite or other forms of support can make a meaningful difference for caregivers and the seniors they care for. Companionship services are important to senior wellbeing and can be provided in several different ways.
What Are Companionship Services for Seniors?
Companion care refers to non-medical support provided to seniors at home, which doesn’t require professional certification. It offers emotional support, social interaction, and help with daily living tasks.
In practice, this could mean reading out loud, playing games, taking walks, engaging in creative craft activities, etc. A companion might help with personal care such as grooming, taking a bath, getting dressed, etc. Companions can act as a second set of eyes and help primary caregivers in identifying risks and hazards or be more aware of any gradual change in a person’s health.
Furthermore, companions can handle light housekeeping, laundry, running errands, meal preparation, and transportation. While these tasks are part of a caregiver’s role, it’s important they’re not left to manage everything alone - including the seemingly simple moments, like playing a game or doing a puzzle. Support with these activities can provide short-term respite care and much-needed rest.
Why Is Companion Care for Seniors Important?
Companion care for seniors is an essential part of senior care. Not everything is medical! Many seniors suffer from isolation and lack of human contact, and companionship is a great way to have a thriving social life. This type of care is crucial to maintain good emotional, psychological, and cognitive health.
Even with the dedicated support of caregivers, seeing new people can be refreshing for a loved one. Having someone else come in to care for certain tasks and engage with the senior allows the caregiver to focus on other tasks or take time for themselves.
Companion care can be integrated into a regular schedule. For example, someone could come each Friday afternoon, so the primary caregiver can run personal errands. It can also be occasional if the main caregiver has a medical appointment or a special outing planned.
What Are the Best Options for Meal Services for Seniors?
When caring for a loved one, getting help with meals can be a valuable form of support. Nutrition is especially important for seniors, but meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking can be time-consuming and exhausting.
One option is Meals on Wheels, a non-profit program that offers affordable and nutritious meals to seniors. Meals arrive fresh, delivered by volunteers. Meals on Wheels also offers frozen meals that can be heated in the microwave.
Meal delivery for seniors can be planned with regular restaurants. Checking for discounts and loyalty programs can be a smart way to save money on this type of service.
Companion care can also support meal-related tasks, which can make a meaningful difference when the senior has specific dietary needs. For example, a nutritionist could oversee meal planning, while a companion handles grocery shopping and meal preparation. The primary caregiver can choose how involved they want to be in the process. Even something as simple as grocery delivery can help ease the load.
How Much Do Companionship Services Cost?
Companionship costs depend on who is providing it. It can be free if offered by family or friends. Private organizations may also provide companion services for seniors. As companionship doesn’t require certification, in contrast to nurses, prices are usually lower. Rates can vary depending on the region and the organization. By choosing private care, you can tailor the type of help needed for the loved one.
Some community organizations offer companionship services, and these are often free. You can contact your CLSC or a caregiver support organization to find options in your area. Availability might vary significantly from one organization to another.
It’s always possible to mix different approaches for companionship. You could have a volunteer come once a week, every week, and hire private help when the caregiver needs vacations or has a specific event to attend.
Caregiver respite services can be as simple as companion care. Just a few hours of rest can make a meaningful difference, giving caregivers the chance to recharge. While support from family or friends is valuable, hiring care at home offers dependable, professional assistance that ensures consistent, high-quality support for both the caregiver and the senior.