Understand Companion Care Services and their Benefits for the Elderly

Social connection is incredibly important for our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Relationships give us a sense of belonging and community. Through social ties, we’re able to seek help, talk through challenges, stay active, and find joy. Finally, social connection has been linked to better health and longer lives. 

Unfortunately, many older adults struggle with loneliness. While family, retirement communities, and social clubs can help seniors find connection, sometimes professional companion care services are needed to avoid feelings of loneliness. In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about companion care services. We’ll explain what these services are and who they’re for, the benefits they provide, and how to choose the right companionship service for you or a loved one.

What are companion care services?

There are different levels of senior care. Companion care generally falls into the in-home care category. Companion care services provide non-medical support, oftentimes to older adults or people with disabilities. These services can help people live more independently while also satisfying their need for emotional connection. Each companion care provider will have its own set of services, but generally they provide social interaction, mentally engaging activities, and support with daily activities (like grooming). Companion care services do not provide medical or skilled nursing care.

Who uses companion care services?

Companion care is usually for older people or individuals who struggle with mental or physical impairment.

Seniors who live alone may feel isolated, especially if they have limited family support. People recovering from an illness or surgery sometimes need a little support with daily tasks, but may not need at-home medical care. Those with memory or cognitive impairments often need someone watching out for them and providing mental and emotional stimulation throughout the day. For all of these people, companion care is a good solution.

Why companionship is important for the elderly

Social connection is important at every age. Unfortunately, social isolation and loneliness are widespread among the elderly. Up to one third of older people feel lonely, and loneliness is tied to higher risks of several mental and physical health conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, anxiety, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Additionally, companionship—social connection—boosts emotional wellbeing and can provide older adults with joy and a sense of belonging. This is important as we age because we experience some of life’s most difficult challenges later in life, including physical and mental impairments and the death of loved ones. 

Benefits of companion care

The primary benefit of companion care is the emotional support that helps people feel less lonely. Social interaction also helps people maintain or improve their mental health. Furthermore, it can provide a sense of belonging, which is important for our overall wellbeing. 

Some companion care service providers also offer assistance with daily living tasks and activities, including grooming and personal care, light housekeeping and home care, meal preparation, and help with errands. 

Does Medicare cover companionship services?

Because social connection is not directly tied to physical or mental health, companion services are generally not covered by Medicare. That said, some Medicare Advantage plans provide benefits to pay for or reduce the cost of companion care services. 

Choosing the right companion care provider

Factors to consider when selecting a companion care provider

When looking for a companion caregiver, start by creating a list of those that fit your needs. Then, make sure that they’re trustworthy! Trust is a big factor when choosing someone to help care for yourself or a loved one. 

Ensure they offer the services you need

Different companion caregivers offer different services. For example, some don’t provide assistance with grooming. Consider what you need from companion care—as well as other services that would be nice to have. Make sure the provider you choose covers your needs!

See if the cost is within budget

While there are free companion care services available through volunteer organizations (more on those later), most do come with a cost. Make sure you know how much you’re able to spend on companion care to determine which providers you can hire. If you’ll need regular companion care, see if you can get a lower rate for regular use—it never hurts to ask!

Consider accessibility

Looking at companion care facilities? Consider its distance from your home and its accessibility features (if needed). If you’re having trouble finding a facility that fits your needs, consider at-home companion care services.

Make sure they’re qualified

Since companion care providers don’t provide medical services, they don’t necessarily need a lot of experience and qualifications. That said, it can be helpful to have a companion who has experience working with seniors, especially those with special needs due to physical or cognitive impairment. At a minimum, make sure to ask your provider if they provide training and do background checks on each companion caregiver.

Check client reviews

Reviews are the best way to hear from companion care providers’ previous clients. Look for themes in things a provider does and does not do well.

Examples of companion care companies and organizations

There are a number of companies that provide companion care services, including Care, Visiting Angels, and Papa Pals.

There are also volunteer organizations, like Elder Helpers and Americorps that provide free companion care services for seniors. 

Finally, senior living communities may provide some types of companion care services in addition to encouraging a social environment through social programs and activities.

Other ways to find companionship

Companion care services do come with a cost, but there are other ways to find companionship! If you’re unable to afford companion caregiver services or are looking for a more natural way of making friends, consider these options.

Move to a senior living community

There are pros and cons to senior living communities. One of the biggest benefits is that they make it easier for people to get involved in activities and engage in a social community, filled with other people experiencing the same chapter of life. 

I only knew my husband’s grandparents in their old age, and it was a pleasure to watch them live incredibly social and rich lives. While there are a number of things that factored into their long and full lives, one thing that stuck out was how incredibly involved they were within their retirement community. It seemed there wasn’t a club that one of them wasn’t a part of and they knew the names of everyone they saw in the hallways and dining room. They definitely belonged within their community and certainly seemed to feel a sense of purpose.

Volunteer or take on a part-time job

Many people find social connection at work, and when we stop working, those connections may fade. While you may not want to un-retire simply to make friends, you can consider relatively stress free “work” to find people with similar interests. Volunteering with a local organization you feel passionate about or taking on a part-time job at a gym or community center can help you feel both social connection and a sense of purpose. 

Get social with your hobbies

There are a vast number of hobbies for seniors, and most can be social! If you like gardening, consider joining a community garden club. Enjoy reading? Find (or start) a book club! This can be done either within your community or a virtual community. You could also join a theater production, pickleball league, or walking club. Simply think about the things you like doing (or even the things you’re interested in trying) and search for groups to join. 

Meetup is a great website to explore local groups and events. There seems to be something for everyone!

Get more social on social media

A lot of social media engagement is…not so social. Many people spend time scrolling and “liking” posts, rather than actually communicating with each other. Next time you log onto Facebook, Instagram, or another social media network, try to leave comments and send messages to have more rich interactions with your friends and family. And, of course, make sure to respond to those comments and messages people send your way!

Give dating a try

14% of people between ages 65 and 74 are dating. These days, finding a date is made a bit easier with online dating apps. While online dating is popular, you can also be a bit more old fashioned and attend speed dating functions or ask someone in your community out on a date! A partner can give you long-lasting companionship through your golden years.

Reach out to old acquaintances 

It’s normal for connections to fade. Our lives move fast and time and distance can both cause us to lose touch with friends and acquaintances. If there are some people you’ve been thinking about, who you haven’t spoken with in a while, consider reaching out to them! There’s a good chance they’ve been thinking of you too—and they may also be yearning for more social connection. Many find it much easier to reignite a friendship with someone they already know versus starting a new friendship from scratch.

Consider adopting a pet

If you’re more introverted or have a great social life and simply want a companion while at home, adopting a pet could provide you with the level of companionship you need. Sometimes, adopting a pet can even lead to new social connections while you’re out walking or visiting a dog park.