July 15th 2024
By Ari Parker
Companion care services provide emotional and social support for seniors. Learn about five companion care options in this article.
By Ari Parker
Isolation and loneliness can seriously impact a person’s wellbeing. Not only can loneliness affect your mental health, but social isolation also has health risks. Older adults are especially susceptible to health complications, like heart disease, dementia, and stroke, due to loneliness.
That’s why companion care services can be so beneficial for seniors. Companion care for seniors is a type of non-medical care that provides emotional support and promotes social interaction. Companion care takes place in a variety of settings, including your home, a care facility, and local community centers.
In this blog post, we’ll explore common ways seniors receive companion care support from people outside of friends and family.
Companion care services provide emotional and social support for seniors. They are available in a variety of settings.
Options for companion care include in-home companion care services, adult day care centers, assisted living facilities, community programs, and online platforms.
Medicare doesn’t cover companion care services. Some Medicare Advantage plans may include caregiver services as an additional benefit, but benefits vary significantly from one plan to another.
With in-home companion care services, caregivers or other professionals visit your home to provide support and companionship. In-home companion care services are tailored to a senior’s needs for social interaction and activities. Depending on what you want from companion care, caregivers can start meaningful conversations, play games, go on walks, and offer other kinds of companionship.
Caregivers can also help with light housekeeping, running errands, and meal preparation to ensure that a senior’s home is comfortable. Visiting angels is one popular option for in-home companion care services.
Adult day care centers are facilities where seniors can engage in a variety of social activities, enjoy nutritious meals, and receive care services throughout the day. Unlike assisted living facilities, seniors usually don’t stay overnight or live at adult day care centers.
Adult day care centers typically have a structured, welcoming environment where seniors have the opportunity to socialize, stay active, and participate in programs that suit their interests and needs. They can receive companionship from other seniors and caregivers at the facility.
Assisted living facilities often offer some medical services and companion care for seniors. They are residences where seniors can enjoy independent living with extra help from caregivers for medication management and custodial care (bathing, grooming, dressing).
In addition to personal care, assisted living facilities keep seniors engaged and active with a wide range of social and recreational activities. Residents can participate in group outings, fitness classes, arts and crafts, and other social events.
Local senior companionship programs are a great way for seniors to stay connected with their community and feel a sense of belonging. Many nonprofit organizations and local community centers offer programs that connect seniors to volunteers who provide valuable companion care and assistance. Some common organizations and programs include:
Volunteer programs from the YMCA
Volunteer programs and organized efforts from your local government
Another way seniors can seek companionship and engage with the community is to volunteer with a local organization or nonprofit. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities to build a connection with food banks, educational nonprofits, animal shelters, and other organizations that suit your interests. Giving back to the community can help you feel involved. You can start your search for volunteer opportunities on VolunteerMatch.
Papa Pal is one online platform that provides seniors with companion care services. It connects seniors to caregivers called “Papa Pals” through an app. Papa Pals provide seniors with companionship and help seniors with errands, light housekeeping, and transportation. Certain Medicare Advantage plans include the Papa Pal as a benefit.
Unfortunately, Medicare doesn’t cover companion care for seniors. Medicare only provides coverage for services that are medically necessary. While they can be important for a senior’s health and wellness, Medicare doesn’t consider companion care services medically necessary.
Some Medicare Advantage plans cover companion care or offer caregiver benefits. Keep in mind that Medicare Advantage plan benefits vary, and companion care benefits are not a common benefit. Be sure to read your summary of benefits carefully to avoid confusion around the benefits included in your plan.
If you need help understanding your Medicare benefits or comparing plan options, get in touch with a Chapter Medicare Advisor at 855-900-2427 or schedule a time to chat.
