Whether it’s a busy schedule or hundreds of miles between you, there are many reasons why you may be separated from your elderly loved ones. We often find ourselves moving further away from our parents, and there may come a time when they are left alone. Even if we remain nearby, careers, children, and other obligations can keep our schedules so packed we just can’t find the time to stop by and visit our parents. That can leave a nagging feeling of guilt, and definitely worry. How is Mom right now? What is Dad doing?
Dale Anderson is the president of Right At Home, an in-care agency in Tacoma, Washington. He knows that in-home care is about more than just medical care. It’s about personal care, too. We don’t just want someone who sits around making sure our mother takes her medicine. We want someone who does that, yes, but we also want someone who talks to our mother, maybe plays cards with her, provides company.
Right At Home has an entire group of services that fall under the umbrella of personal care – things like assistance with hygiene, meal preparation, and providing company. Agencies like Right At Home that offer an array of services instead of just one specific area understand the importance of each type of care. They know that just because a service isn’t exactly medical doesn’t mean it isn’t incredibly important to a person’s health and happiness. Right At Home realizes that companionship is such a valuable part of a person’s life, and something that should never be denied of someone. Of course you see your parents as much as you can, but you want someone there during those times in between.
If you are only looking for these personal care services for your loved one, the agency would send a certified nursing assistant (CNA). This is a caregiver who is not a nurse, but someone who is extensively trained to care for one who is elderly or has a condition that is not specifically medical in nature. The CNA is trained in medical procedures that would be needed in times of emergency, so you can rest assured that your loved one is safe in their hands.
If companionship is just one of the services your loved one needs in addition to more medically advanced attention, rest assured that a licensed practical nurse or a registered nurse would perform companionship services, as well. An LPN or RN would be the necessary types of caregivers in cases that require more advanced medical attention, as they are certified and registered nurses, respectively. However, just because an RN or LPN might be there to focus on rehabilitative practices, medication administering, or monitoring of your loved one’s progress does not mean that he will not also take the time to sit down and play a game or have a stimulating conversation. In fact, companionship most often naturally develops in cases of more medically advanced care, because this usually means the LPN or RN is there for 24-hour care. That kind of time together will breed a friendship between your loved one and the trusted caregiver.
So, what kind of activities are part of companionship care? Whether the caregiver is a CNA, LPN, or RN, he will make sure companionship is healthy and strong for the sake of your loved one’s well-being and happiness. Things like intelligent conversation and reading the newspaper together not only make your loved one feel the benefits of company, but will also help with mental health and alertness. Playing games, going to the movies, running errands, going to a restaurant for lunch, and creating a craft are also great ideas that are typically used by a caregiver. Caregivers are also encouraged to share their skills with those they care for. Your loved one’s caregiver may teach him or her to knit, paint, sculpt, or scrapbook.
Agencies like Right At Home not only train their caregivers to offer these services, but they also make an effort to staff caregivers that are dedicated and excited to get to know their patients. While the bond between your loved one and the caregiver may start off with pre-planned activities, there is a good chance that that bond will grow to be a strong, lasting friendship.
