Growing old has its set of challenges. If elderly individuals are living alone, they can become lonely and feel isolated. Companion living can become extremely at this point. A companion can help take care of elderly residents and ensure they remain in good health. Living with a companion can improve one’s standard of living and provide an opportunity to socialize as well.
Let’s look at the numerous benefits of companion living.
Help with Daily Tasks
Living with a companion can help the elderly individual with everyday tasks. These tasks can include cooking, bathing, laundry, and cleaning the house. They can also run errands and do groceries. This is especially useful for individuals with physical limitations. Live-in companions can also be extremely useful in case of an emergency and help is needed.
Social Companionship
If the elderly individual is living alone, sometimes loneliness can be overwhelming. It can also be a cause of depression. A live-in companion is also a friend. They can provide an elderly individual with emotional support. They can have conversations together and also do fun activities such as watching movies, playing games, and going out for walks together. Social interaction can also improve the elderly individual’s self-esteem and sense of belonging.
Also, having someone to indulge in mentally stimulating exercises such as board games, chess or crafts can improve working memory as well as concentration.
Diminished Health Risks
Having a companion to live with you adds social interaction and support. This, in turn, reduces health risks in elderly people. Research has shown that 25% of adults over the age of 65 who feel socially isolated can develop diseases such as dementia, heart failure, and strokes.
Lesser Costs
Having a live-in companion can cost lesser than moving to a private room in a facility. If suppose the elderly individual also has caregivers coming in on a daily basis, the companion can also provide relief to the caregivers so they can take a break.
Help with Transportation
A live-in companion can help the elderly individual with transportation. If the individual needs to attend an appointment or any other engagement, they can be driven by their companion. This is very helpful as many seniors feel stuck at home because they don’t feel safe driving.
Help with Independent Living
Elderly individuals should live independently for as long as possible. Living in their home where they raised a family is where they feel they belong. Sometimes, in old age, it’s not safe to live alone in case of falls or an accident. Living alone becomes difficult when one cannot carry out daily tasks with ease. Living with a companion can help with this. Hence making it possible for the elderly individual to live independently for as long as possible.
Better Health
Living with a companion can add to an elderly individual’s health. Social interaction with the companion can improve their mental health. Reminders to take medication and regular exercise can help with the elderly individual’s physical health.
