The coronavirus pandemic has left many older adults feeling isolated and lonely. Unfortunately, even with quarantine restrictions lifted throughout the country, staying socially distant means most older adults cannot access their favorite senior centers, libraries, or coffee shops to stay connected to friends. Fortunately, home care agencies can provide companionship services in Maryland that leave older adults feeling less lonely and looking forward to their next visit.
Benefits of Companionship Services in Maryland
If you or your aging loved one lives at home alone or with a partner and is feeling more lonely lately, investing in senior companionship services can be beneficial for emotional, mental, and physical health.
Feelings of perceived loneliness in seniors have been linked to:
- Increased depression and anxiety
- Increased cognitive decline
- More functional decline
- Decreased immune system response
- Increased risk of obesity
- Increased risk of heart disease
Weekly companionship visits from a CaringGivers caregiver can provide that regular connection and friendship that will keep you or your aging loved one feeling their best. During companionship visits, caregivers can:
- Prepare and share a cup of coffee together
- Bake a favorite recipe
- Look through old photos and reminisce
- Take a walk around the neighborhood
- Tend to plants or the garden
- Read a book aloud together
- Sing songs or dance
- Tell stories or share jokes
Staying Safe During COVID-19
Companionship visits are even more important during the coronavirus global pandemic. However, it is also crucial that you find a home care agency that is serious about keeping their staff and clients safe. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, coronavirus is more likely to cause severe illness in older adults, especially those with underlying medical conditions like COPD or heart disease.
If you are ready to invite an agency caregiver into your home, here are a few questions to ask that can demonstrate if there is a specialized coronavirus plan:
- Do you have a COVID-19 plan to protect staff, clients, and the community?
- Do your caregivers wash their hands prior to walking into a client home?
- What infection control policies are in place to prevent the spread of any germs?
- Will your caregiver wear a mask when inside client homes?
- If an older adult client shows signs of coronavirus, what should the caregiver do?
- Can the caregiver still take walks outside with the client? Can they attend community events together if they wear a mask, socially distance from others, and follow other safety protocols?
Companionship services in Maryland are designed to keep older adults engaged socially while still at home. During their time together, caregivers are also trained to notice red flags that could indicate the senior is having difficulties managing other tasks at home. The caregiver will report those findings to the CaringGivers office, and we will work with family members to talk about concerns and potential solutions that can keep the senior living at home safely for as long as possible.
Getting Started
If you are curious about companionship services or wondering if these services would be an ideal fit for your loved one, call the team at CaringGivers. We would love to get to know more about your situation and provide guidance about which of our specialized services could benefit you the most.
Our team of caregivers is trained to build relationships and meaningful friendships with clients of all abilities. We are also ready to provide hands-on assistance with daily or weekly household or personal hygiene tasks, ensuring you or your loved one has the support to live independently at home for a long time. Finally, we are well-prepared to provide safe services in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
Call us to talk more about your situation. We would love to serve you during this time.