Six Benefits of Companion Care at Home for Isolated Seniors

Seniors tend to spend a lot of time alone, especially after experiencing life changes like retirement or health issues. They may have also experienced loss of people they love or mobility challenges that leave them feeling isolated and alone. Companion care at home is one solution families might consider to help seniors avoid loneliness and isolation.

Improved Mental Health

Home care providers who focus just on companionship help seniors to boost their mental well-being. Spending prolonged periods of time alone can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, so seniors need tools and support that helps them to feel valued and understood. Companion caregivers and seniors get to know each other well, getting comfortable with each other and sharing thoughts, concerns, and things that bring them happiness.

Increased Cognitive Stimulation

Spending time with other people is also an activity that supports cognitive stimulation for seniors. Talking with other people, engaging in activities, and having something to look forward to all boosts brain health. Seniors find new ways to remain curious and might be encouraged to learn more or explore new hobbies and ideas.

Healthier Habits

One surprising benefit of companion care at home is that seniors may be encouraged to stick with or adopt healthier habits. This can happen as seniors start to feel happier and more interested in general well-being. Seniors might go on walks with companion caregivers, for instance, or take up hobbies like yoga or meditation. Spending time with other people can also help seniors to get more excited about things like eating healthier meals and snacks.

Reduced Stress Levels

Social connections that are enjoyable help seniors to feel less stress overall, but they may not realize that there are chemical reactions in the body that explain why that’s true. Connecting with others helps to slow down cortisol production, for example. Cortisol is a hormone related to stress, so reducing those levels allows seniors to reduce the symptoms of stress they experience. Other chemicals like endorphins and oxytocin help boost mood and feel good as they get released, and spending time with others can help to release those chemicals.

Improved Sleep

Another surprising impact of companion care at home might be that seniors start to sleep better overall. This can happen for a variety of different reasons. First, if seniors are more active during the day they’re more likely to sleep better. But social connection can improve emotional wellness, which also helps seniors to rest better when they lie down to go to sleep. As they sleep better, their energy levels may also improve, helping them to feel better overall.

Improving social engagement has so many ripple effects that help aging adults to have a better overall quality of life. Companion care at home is one of the easiest ways for seniors to fill their time and reduce their loneliness and isolation. Companion caregivers help seniors to find the social support they need to reconnect with the world around them in a larger way. As aging adults experience these and other benefits, they may find that they enjoy life far more than they did in the past.

Reference
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/aging-place/aging-place-growing-older-home

If you or an aging loved one is considering companion care at home in Orinda, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.