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As you age, obstacles arise that can make participating in your favorite activities more difficult. For example, if you’re used to having the freedom to leave the house when you want, but realize it’s no longer safe for you to drive, becoming dependent on others can be difficult to manage. The CDC estimates that “seven million adults aged 65 years and older are affected by depression.” Depression is not a normal part of aging, although it’s certainly something you might face. Fedelta has found that one of the best ways to boost mental health is through senior companion care.
Senior companions offer a type of homecare that provides seniors with a reliable, friendly person to help with activities in and outside of the home. At Fedelta’s home care agency, a senior companion often provides support in a variety of ways:
The seemingly small ways that a senior companion helps can make a big impact on you or your loved one’s mental and physical health.
Home care Seattle experts have found that senior care companions can have a positive effect on your aging loved ones. Here are just a few ways senior companions positively impact mental well-being.
Feelings of isolation in older adults can result in much more serious mental health issues if left unchecked. Prolonged feelings of isolation are directly linked to senior depression and anxiety. A senior companion can stave off these feelings by providing conversation and social interaction. A senior companion can also escort seniors to social events with friends and family if they’re unable to drive or walk by themselves. Feeling like an important part of a community can vastly improve mood and feelings of self worth.
There comes a time when certain activities are no longer safe for seniors to do on their own. This could be something as simple as walking the dog outdoors or something more strenuous like taking an urban hike through a forest trail. Getting your body moving releases endorphins, which has a positive psychological effect on how you feel, so it’s important that seniors have regular access to these activities. With a senior companion, you’ll have someone to accompany you to activities that enhance your mood.
Seniors have spent their entire adult lives doing what they wanted, when they wanted. Not having access to the freedom to do basic errands can be extremely frustrating. A senior companion gives seniors back their autonomy by facilitating everyday activities. Seniors will feel more confident and in control of their situation when they can accomplish goals on their own time.
Family members may not be able to spend as much time with their grieving loved one as they would like. If your loved one has recently lost a friend, spouse or sibling, senior companions can offer support through this difficult time. Senior companions can help by showing up and providing company and support during this difficult time. If your senior feels nervous about staying at home by themselves after losing a spouse or partner, a senior companion can help them rest easy by watching over the house while they sleep.
If your loved one has fallen, he or she may be very anxious to be left on their own. Just having another person around can help reduce anxiety. Having access to someone while they recover mentally and physically can be a huge psychological help.
Research has found that “psychological stress leads to clinically relevant delays in wound healing.” Transitioning from hospital to home is a stressful situation. Senior companionship as a form of after surgery care can reduce stress and potentially result in a faster recovery.
Familial relationships can get strained when a family member has to step up as a primary caregiver. There are conflicting schedules and interests, which can cause tension. Senior companions can help ease the physical and mental load for families. A senior companion can run errands, so that when your family comes to visit, you’re spending quality time together, instead of checking off a task list. This can provide peace of mind for everyone involved—senior and family alike.
If you believe a senior companion could have psychological benefits for you or a loved one, make sure you reach out to Fedelta for a consultation. Our capable and compassionate caregivers are here to answer any questions or concerns you have for a loved one.
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