A Caregiver's Guide to Elder Companions

What they do

Elder companions -- sometimes called home companions, who also cater to a younger population -- do just what the name implies: provide company for people who live alone, especially those who are homebound because of frailty or dementia. Most importantly, these companions function as an extra set of hands, eyes, and feet to the person you care for when you can't be there.

Specifically, most companions can assist with the following:

• Meal preparation

• Light housekeeping

• Laundry

• Grocery shopping

• Errands

How they help

Elder companions are ideal for those who spend much of their time alone and require some assistance with basic daily tasks. Family members can work or handle other activities -- or simply take a few hours of respite -- while their loved one has company and some supervision. Companion care also provides valuable social benefits, decreasing isolation and improving quality of life. Warm relationships are often formed when a consistent companion is on the job -- a boon for both the companion and the person he or she visits.

What they cost

Cost can range from free services provided by local volunteers to between $10 to $25 per hour for help arranged through an in-home care agency, depending on the type of care needed, time of day, location, and services provided. Medicaid or Medi-Cal may help pay some of the costs of care from a licensed provider for those who have low income and few assets.

How to get started

You can find companions on your own in much the same way you'd find a babysitter: by talking to neighbors, friends, or family members. Or you can try these options:

• In-home care agencies. Use Caring.com's Senior Living Directory to search for in-home care agencies, most of which provide elder companions, by city or zip code -- and to see ratings and reviews.

• Area Agencies on Aging. Trained staff at your local Area Agency on Aging can usually provide referrals for local help.

  Check out rightathomedc.net  or call us at 202-269-0008 to learn more about our:

                                                         Companion Care Aides 

  Right at Home Washington DC

  1818 New York Avenue NE

  Suite 230

  Washington, DC 20002

  202-269-0008 (office)

  202-269-0866 (fax)

  www.RightAtHomeDC.net

   

  "Improving the quality of life for those we serve"