Who Might Need Companion Care?
Having a companion can help older adults avoid feelings of loneliness, depression and isolation. A study in the Companion Care of Geriatric Psychiatry of over 2,000 veterans over age 60 found 44% of them reported feeling lonely. This same study concluded that feelings of loneliness in older adults could be mitigated successfully by social support.
A companion can ensure the individual continues participating in the activities they like and, if that’s not possible, the companion’s presence ensures the individual has contact with another person on a regular basis. For example, companions might accompany older adults on walks or other outings, says Kariplow, who has done so in the past with her clients.
There are several instances that may point to a need for companion care. For instance, an older adult who no longer drives may feel isolated from friends and family members, and companion care could be a helpful addition to their routine. It can also be effective for someone who has difficulty preparing their own meals or someone who has mild memory loss and needs medication reminders.
Jason Gabarino, a geriatric nurse practitioner and Forbes Health Advisory Board member, says some telltale signs that an older adult might need in-home help include changes in cognition, frailty or apprehension about falling. He adds that in-home care helps older adults maintain their autonomy while providing safety measures in the home.
How to Find Companion Care There are three primary ways to hire a companion: through an agency, independently or through a referral service or case manager.
Many people opt to hire through home care agencies, which assign a companion based on individual needs. The agency is paid by the client or their family at regular intervals for the services provided. If insurance pays for the service, the agency notifies the client when the authorization period is expected to end. Using an agency might be more expensive than hiring someone independently, but there may be some advantages, such as the ability to send a substitute companion if the original companion is unable to work.
Home health care agencies that provide skilled services, such as nursing and physical therapy, are required to conduct background checks as well. However, if an agency only provides non-medical services, such checks aren’t mandatory.
If the client or their family decides to hire a companion outside of an agency, it’s up to them to find someone to provide companion care. The companion is then paid directly by the client or their family—insurance rarely makes direct payments to an individual companion.
The best way to find a companion is by word-of-mouth referral, says Karpilow. If a trusted friend uses an agency companion or has hired an individual companion, they can give an assessment of the quality of service and make a recommendation based on experience.
If you want to find an agency and don’t know anyone who can make a referral, Karpilow recommends checking online reviews and websites of home care agencies.
Some individuals looking for companion care also post advertisements on local Craigslist pages, Facebook and other social media platforms, detailing the type of assistance they need, working hours and compensation. Clients and their families are advised to use caution when seeking out a companion online and to insist on an interview before hiring. Karpilow says clients can opt to conduct background checks on companion candidates, but minor crimes that might raise concerns—including theft from older adults—may not appear on a background check.