What Does a Companion Caregiver Do?

It’s no secret that the older we get, the harder it can become to socialize. Opportunities for companionship often rely on things like hobbies and clubs, coworker relationships, and easy access to transportation and mobility—all things that aging adults can often lack.

As the elderly loved ones in your life continue to age, one way to ensure they keep up a happy and healthy social life is through an In Home Companion Care.

In this blog, we’ll explore what a paid companion is and does, give home companions examples and costs, and discuss how an in-home companion can provide assistance to your loved one, their caregivers, and your family as a whole.

What Is a Paid Companion?

A paid companion is a kind of in-home companion care provider that you pay for (typically hourly) to help out yourself or a loved one. The paid companion role doesn’t provide medical assistance the way that an in-home nurse or caregiver would but rather focuses more on the social and emotional needs of different groups in need of care.

Whether it be for people recovering from illnesses or surgeries, those with disabilities, or elderly individuals living out their golden years, paid personal companions help improve their patients’ day-to-day lives through trustworthy and caring companionship.

What Does a Carer Companion Do?

A carer companion, also known as a companion caregiver or companion aide, provides many forms of assistance to the individuals they work with. While its specific duties will shift based on each individual’s needs, day sitters for the elderly typically revolves around providing companionship, social interaction, and non-medical support to individuals in need. This is often in the form of recreation and activities, errands and transportation, and helping where possible. The personalized, specialized, non-medical assistance they provide helps empower aging individuals to live their best lives in the comfort of their homes. 

What Are Examples of Companionship with the Elderly?

Elderly individuals are as deserving of meaningful companionship as anyone—but, unfortunately, options for them are sometimes sorely lacking. Even when the families taking care of them provide necessary safety measures and support upholding their livelihoods, it can still be hard for older individuals to get as much social interaction as is good for them. This is a major way that paid companions can come in handy. Here are some examples of companionship for the elderly:

• Conversations. One of the best ways to provide the elderly with emotional support is by engaging in meaningful conversations, listening attentively, and showing genuine interest in their thoughts, emotions, and stories. 
• Reading. Since people often struggle in older age to hold up books or read small text, companions can help stimulate mental activity and enjoyment by reading to them.
• Arts and crafts. Encouraging creative expression through easy activities like painting or crafting can foster a sense of achievement and joy.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Companion?

Generally, Home Health Aid Cost Per Hour averages out to around $32 per hour in the US, or roughly $5,100 a month for home health aid services. However, the cost of hiring a paid companion can depend on many factors, including but not limited to:

• Your location and its cost of living
• The type of services and level of care your loved one needs
• The frequency and length of care your loved one needs
• Additional fees depending on extra services

What Is the Purpose of a Companion?

We’ll close out here by reiterating the important purpose of a companion, especially in senior care. Companions provide essential emotional support, social interaction, and general assistance to those in need. Companions help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially in older individuals,  by engaging in meaningful conversations, supporting them through emotional challenges, and promoting mental stimulation with activities and outings. 

They also play a vital role in improving the quality of life for the house as a whole by helping out with household tasks such as tidying, cooking, errands, transportation, mobility assistance, and more. They act as a support system for elderly individuals, as well as their families and medical care providers, by contributing an additional layer of assistance.

Find the Perfect Companion(s) for Your Loved One

If you’re considering hiring a paid companion for elderly loved ones in your life, you’ve come to the right place. Senior Home Companions has been leading the senior companion industry for more than 30 years. If you want to learn more about the benefits of in-home companionship, reach out to us today.