What Is Companion Care?

[John Snow]

Through illness, injury or other aspects of aging, some older adults become less socially and physically active over time. Resulting feelings of isolation can lead to increased mental and physical health risks, such as high blood pressure, obesity, anxiety, depression and cognitive decline, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA). Fortunately, companion care may be a helpful option for those faced with isolation or declining activity levels.

Read on to learn about what companion care is, who it may benefit, how to find companion care and more.

What Is Companion Care?
According to the Department of Labor, a companion is someone who provides care for an older adult or disabled younger person by providing “fellowship,” which means engaging them in social, physical or mental activities, and “protection,” which means monitoring their safety inside and outside of the home. While the companion may also assist the client with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as dressing or bathing, they spend most of their time keeping them company or making sure they’re safe in their home.

There’s no specific training or certification for companions, but individuals hired through home care agencies may receive first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. Home care agencies are generally regulated by the state, and there may be regulations specific to your locale regarding training. Additionally, some home care agencies may provide specialized training on topics like dementia. Family members or clients hiring independent companions can use their companions’ first shifts to make sure they know what’s expected of them, including the client’s routines and what to do in case of an emergency.

While a companion’s specific duties depend on their client’s individual preferences and needs, there are several tasks they might perform, including:

Light housekeeping
Driving the client to doctor appointments or errands
Offering conversation and friendship
Assistance with bathing
Running errands for the client
Accompanying clients for walks or assisting with exercise
Types of Companion Care
In general, there are two types of companion care—in-home care and live-in care. However, companion care doesn’t have to take place solely in private homes, according to Hannah Karpilow, who has more than 40 years of experience providing attendant care and is based in the Bay Area. Older adults who reside in skilled nursing communities, group homes or assisted living communities may also receive companion care, usually as an additional paid service that families can opt into for their loved one at the community where they live. A companion working with a client who lives in a care community can be hired through a home care agency or individually—check with the community to see if they have specific guidelines regarding companion care workers.