A Cuppa and Chat: Why Companionship is an Essential Aspect of Personal Care.
Companionship is a crucial factor in personal care, offering far more than the basic essentials for health. It provides key emotional support, enhances mental health, and significantly improves the overall quality of life for those receiving care. This is true not only for the elderly but also for all individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions.
Consider Edith, an 82-year-old woman living in rural Dorset. With her children living abroad, Edith found herself increasingly isolated in her quaint cottage. At one time, Edith had an active social life, being a regular member of the Ramblers Association and Town Women’s Guild, but as time went on she found it increasingly more difficult to get out and about by herself. The introduction of a companion carer means Edith now had support with transport and her carer brought a renewed sense of purpose to her days, sharing hobbies like watercolour painting and bird watching.
Now, let’s look at Tom, a young man born with Cerebral Palsy who attends university with the help of his live-in carer. Tom’s carer not only assists with his physical needs but also provides crucial social and emotional support. This companionship allows Tom to fully engage in university life, participate in social activities, and pursue his academic goals with confidence. The carer’s presence helps bridge the gap between Tom’s physical limitations and his aspirations, demonstrating that companionship care is valuable across all age groups and circumstances.
The Impact of Companionship on Mental Health
Companionship plays a vital role in combating loneliness and isolation, which are significant issues among the elderly. According to Age UK, more than 2 million people in England over the age of 75 live alone, and more than a million older people say they go over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member. Those without children, or close family members, are impacted even more. This isolation can have severe consequences on mental health, potentially leading to depression and anxiety. Loneliness and lack of cognitive stimulation can also have a detrimental effect on those living with chronic conditions such as dementia leading to accelerated cognitive decline, increased depression, anxiety, behavioural disturbances, and a lower quality of life. According to the Alzheimer’s Society social isolation can increase the risk of developing dementia by around 60%.
For individuals like Tom, companionship care can help prevent feelings of isolation that might arise from physical limitations. It provides a consistent source of social interaction, as his carer shares his interests and they enjoy hobbies and day trips together.
Physical Health Benefits
The benefits of companionship extend beyond emotional and mental well-being. Having a companion can encourage individuals to stay physically active, whether through gentle exercises, short walks, or assistance with daily tasks. For Edith, this meant regular trips to the garden centre and tending to her beloved garden. For Tom, his carer might assist him in accessing university facilities, participating in adaptive sports, or engaging in physical therapy exercises.
Emotional Support
One of the primary benefits of companionship in personal care is the emotional support it provides. Carers become trusted confidants, offering a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on. This emotional connection can be particularly valuable for those who have lost spouses or have limited family contact. In Edith’s case, her companion live-in carer also offered peace of mind for her children as they knew there was always someone close by in case of emergency.
Cognitive Stimulation
Companionship also plays a vital role in cognitive stimulation. Engaging in conversations, puzzles, or other mentally stimulating activities can help maintain cognitive function and prevent decline. Edith’s carer introduced her to new hobbies, such as bird watching, which not only kept her mind active but also rekindled her passion for the natural beauty surrounding her home.
Tailored Care and Support
Effective companionship care is tailored to the individual’s interests and preferences. Whether it’s discussing current events, enjoying a shared hobby or even travelling abroad, the focus is on creating meaningful connections. This personalised approach makes the time spent together more enjoyable and fulfilling for both the care recipient and the carer.
Bridging the Gap
For many individuals, companionship care bridges the gap between complete independence and more intensive care needs. It provides a sense of security and support while allowing individuals to maintain their dignity and autonomy. Furthermore, establishing a relationship with a carer early on in your care journey can also be beneficial when looking to the future, as continuity of care can be provided if your needs evolve. Even if your current carer primarily provides companionship, they will be familiar with your routine, preferences, and care needs and can advocate for these for you if needed in the future.
In conclusion, companionship is indeed a key factor in personal care, offering a holistic approach to well-being that addresses emotional, mental, and physical needs. As our society faces increasing challenges of loneliness and isolation, with nearly a million older people in the UK often feeling lonely, recognising and prioritising the value of companionship in care settings becomes crucial. Whether for elderly individuals like Edith or young adults with disabilities like Tom, companionship care can mean the difference between a life of isolation and one filled with joy, purpose, and connection.
If you’d like to discuss how Promedica24 can help, please get in touch today. We’re here to listen and support you every step of the way.
📞 0800 086 8686
📧 care@promedica24.co.uk
🌐 https://promedica24homecare.co.uk/
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