At home companions offer a variety of services, from extra hands and social engagement to medication reminders and more. For family caregivers, at home companions can reduce stress, relieve the need for outside help, and improve the quality of life for their loved one. Here are a few ways to find a good at home companion:
Social engagement
Social engagement is an important factor in preventing social isolation. It has been shown to enhance the well-being of individuals and communities. Therefore, it is an area of study that needs further research. A number of studies have explored the relationship between social engagement and physical and emotional health in older adults.
Some of these studies have focused on the effects of social engagement on cognitively healthy older adults. They have found that both in-person and technology-based interventions can increase social engagement and reduce depression and anxiety. However, little is known about the effectiveness of social engagement interventions for persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Studies on social engagement have examined various components. These include purpose, content, frequency, duration, and environment. Personal factors may include education level, gender, race, and coping style. Environmental factors include social capital and community infrastructure.
Reduced stress for family caregivers
Family caregivers often find themselves overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caring for a loved one. The stress can be high and may lead to health problems in the long term. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the stress.
One of the first things to do is to take care of yourself. Caregiver support groups are a great place to share your feelings and get ideas. There are also hospitals that offer classes on caregiving.
You can do more to improve your own health by getting plenty of rest, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly. Caregivers should talk to their doctors about any issues they may be having. They should also check in with their physician for recommended immunizations and to learn about any dietary modifications they may need to make.
Help with medication reminders
If you’ve got an aging loved one or are the caregiver for a parent or sibling, the best way to make sure they don’t miss a single dose is to put them on a schedule. There are many companies out there that will come to your home and help keep your loved one on track. The average senior takes two or more medications per day.
Not only do they need to be taken at specified times, but they must also be taken with or without food, and at the right temperature. For some people, this can be a cumbersome task. A well-executed plan will keep the ol’ grey matter working at its best.
There are a few devices and apps that are worthy of your attention. They may not be for everyone, but they can make a big difference in the lives of those who require them. Taking the appropriate precautions can save brainpower and avoid costly mistakes down the road.
Establishing clear expectations and boundaries
If you are having problems with your friends, you may want to consider establishing clear expectations and boundaries. For instance, you should not show up at their house unannounced in the middle of the night, or allow them to borrow your money.
Setting boundaries can help you maintain your personal and professional relationships, and can prevent you from burning out. It can also help you keep your mental health intact.
Oftentimes, people ignore their own boundaries and allow others to take advantage of them. When a person is unable to set boundaries, they become resentful, frustrated, and burned out. Having healthy boundaries is essential for your own well-being and the wellbeing of your family.
The best way to establish your boundaries is to assess the situation and your feelings. You should then decide what you can accept and what you cannot.