How Does Companion Care at Home Reduce Depression Risk Factors for Seniors?

Companion care at home is a type of care that offers emotional support and social interaction for aging adults. Unlike other types of elder care services, this type of care focuses exclusively on companionship and relationships. If seniors need more hands-on help, companion caregivers may be one part of the entire care plan. Spending time with companion caregivers can greatly improve mental health for seniors, even helping them to reduce their risk of developing depression.

Conversations

The basis of companion care at home is friendly conversation. It doesn’t have to be a complicated or serious conversation, either. Companion caregivers spend time with aging adults, talking about whatever interests them. These regular interactions help seniors feel less isolated and lonely, two elements that are essential for beating depression.

Emotional Support

Seniors have lived long and full lives. They may be feeling sadness for a variety of reasons, including people and abilities they’ve lost over the years. Companion caregivers offer emotional support simply by being there and listening, which helps seniors feel heard and understood.

Engaging in Social Activities

Companion care at home also involves engaging seniors in various social activities. That might mean that seniors play games with companions, go for walks, or do arts and crafts. There are endless ways that seniors can engage in activities and get the socialization they need at the same time.

Forging a Connection

Companion caregivers really get to know the seniors they spend time with regularly. They get to know likes and dislikes, goals, dreams, hopes, and so much more. Companion caregivers truly enjoy building these relationships, consistently showing up to spend time with aging adults.

Reducing Isolation

Isolation is a much bigger problem for seniors than most people understand. It’s all too easy for seniors to spend more and more time alone, gradually getting to the point that they don’t see anyone on a regular basis. Companion care at home builds new routines, ensuring that seniors have someone to spend time with whenever they want to do so.

Boosting Self-esteem

Spending time with people who are genuinely interested in what they think and want is a huge self-esteem boost for aging adults. As self-esteem improves, seniors are less likely to develop depression because they’re experiencing more positive interactions.

Promoting Mental Stimulation

Spending time with other people is stimulating for the brain. Conversations, activities, and more all have an impact on the brain and keep it healthier. That’s why loneliness and isolation can be so very dangerous for aging adults. Spending time with companion caregivers allows seniors to keep their brains active and avoid cognitive decline.

Companion care at home offers an easy way for family caregivers to make sure their aging adults are experiencing the best possible quality of life. The emotional fulfillment and improved sense of purpose that come with having relationships with other people are so important. Companion caregivers can also help family members to stay aware of possible changes in the seniors’ lives that might indicate that they need more help.

If you or an aging loved one are considering companion care at home in Larchmont, NY, please contact the caring staff at Griswold Home Care for Scarsdale & Yonkers today. (914) 337-5028.