---

Author: Home Helpers Home Care

When seniors start to need more help at home, family caregivers may find that they quickly get overwhelmed by the various types of care available. Two options in particular, personal care and companion care at home, may be especially confusing for families. Learning what each type of care offers and how each supports seniors while they age in place helps families make a decision.

Defining Companion Care at Home

Companion care at home focuses on offering emotional and social support only. These are professional caregivers who offer friendship, talk to seniors, and offer a comforting presence. They don’t offer hands-on support like other types of home care services do, however. This type of care is perfect for seniors who are feeling isolated or lonely. Companion caregivers engage in conversation, play games, or accompany seniors on walks or outings. This is a great type of care for seniors who need regular social interaction but find it difficult to get that help on their own.

Defining Personal Care Services

Personal care services are a different type of care. These caregivers offer hands-on assistance with activities of daily living like bathing, changing clothes, toileting, eating, and mobility. Personal care is a great option for seniors who have trouble managing chronic health conditions, cognitive issues, or physical limitations. Help with personal care tasks keeps seniors as comfortable and healthy as possible, especially when their plan is to continue to age in place.

Which One Is Right?

When family caregivers understand the differences between these two types of home care services, it can be easy to spot immediately which one is the right option. But there are some questions that can help families if they’re still not sure. Are seniors lonelier or bored than anything else? Then companion care at home might be the best option. If seniors are still handling hygiene tasks on their own, personal care might not be necessary just yet. But if they’re less independent than they were in the past, personal care might be the right choice.

Why Does It Matter?

All of these differences matter so that seniors can get exactly the right care for their needs. Especially when seniors want to age in place for as long as they can, it’s important to make sure that seniors are getting the right care for their needs. It helps to talk with seniors and regularly check in about what is working and what isn’t.

Adjusting to Changing Needs

Over time, seniors are going to experience changes in what they need and how they approach resolving those needs. With companion care at home in place already, it can be easier for family caregivers to notice when it’s time to try a new form of home care service. Companion caregivers can keep family members informed about what changes seniors are experiencing.

If what seniors need most is companionship, companion care at home is a perfect entry into assistance for aging adults. As seniors need more help, it’s easy to adjust and adapt.

If you or an aging loved one are considering companion care at home in Saratoga, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers today (408) 317-4969.