The personal care and companionship provided by personal care providers and companion caregivers allows seniors and sufferers of advanced illnesses to function independently at home. They provide companionship, caregiver assistance, emotional support, and light housekeeping for a variety of home health care patients.
Personal Care Services – Attendant Care
In-home personal caregivers are usually specially trained, and provide services similar to a home health aide. These services include a wide range of companionship and non-medical support, as well as some basic medical assistance with duties such as:
- Medication reminders
- Appointment scheduling
- Bathing, hair washing, shaving
- Dressing
- Toileting
- Getting in and out of bed
What Is Companion Care?
The basic need for companionship and social interaction is inherent in everyone. As people age or deal with serious illness, it can be increasingly difficult to cultivate and nurture friendships. Companion caregivers provide companionship and assistance with a range of daily tasks, such as:
- Walking
- Taking care of pets
- Handling mail
- Answering the door and phone
- Reading, playing cards, and other activities
Meal Preparation and Light Housekeeping
Personal care providers and companionship caregivers help with several daily activities, including:
- Meal planning
- Grocery shopping
- Meal preparation
- Washing dishes
- Laundry
- Dusting
- Changing linens and making beds
- Watering plants
- Other tasks as needed
Transportation
In many cases, recipients of home health care services cannot drive. Personal care providers and companionship caregivers often help provide transportation to patients for everyday activities such as:
- Doctor appointments
- Hair appointments
- Grocery shopping
- Errands
Flexible Scheduling
Personal home care aides, attendants, and companions visit patients in their homes as often as necessary. Schedules can involve brief visits or overnight stays. Discuss your unique needs with your caregiver to determine the schedule that best fits your physical and emotional needs.
Should I Consider Personal Care and Companionship Services?
Personal care and companionship services may be an appropriate option for those who could benefit from additional assistance, but do not need medical or nursing care.
Personal care and companionship services may be the right choice for someone:
- Living alone and experiencing difficulty performing activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Able to perform ADLs, but isolated from friends and family
- Beginning to suffer from memory and cognitive issues
- Without reliable transportation to get to appointments or the store
There is no one-size-fits-all home care solution. Discuss your goals and needs with you doctor or caregiver to determine what is right for you or your loved one.
Does Insurance Cover Companionship Care?
Because companionship services are considered non-medical, they are not covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or traditional health insurance. Long-Term Care insurance (LTCi) covers services that that are not typically covered by health insurance, such as:
- Home health care
- Respite care
- Assisted living
- Adult daycare
- Nursing home care
- Dementia care facilities
- Home modifications
Long-Term Care insurance generally covers home care in the form of a live-in or visiting caregiver, registered nurse, or companion up to seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
Contact Us Today
If you or someone you love is struggling with performing activities of daily living or could use companionship, in-home personal caregivers and companionship care services can provide the support you need.
