If you’re looking for non-medical home care for your loved ones, you may have heard about “personal care” and “companion care.” Though both terms may seem similar, many people use them interchangeably. However, they’re different. By understanding the meaning and benefits of personal care and companion care, you can select the right home care support for your dear ones. This article will help you differentiate between the two and help you understand which one you need.
Personal care services aim to help elderly people and others who need assistance with their day-to-day activities. The focus of the personal care provider is to assist the patient with tasks that involve toileting, personal hygiene, and other personal tasks. Usually, such providers are hired to provide protective care. It is up to you to decide whether they should assist with everyday errands.
A personal care provider can provide all those services that a companion care worker provides along with hands-on physical assistance that includes:
A personal care provider will note the patient’s preferred hygiene products, what makes them more comfortable, and the challenges. Furthermore, they’ll also work with you to learn how all the tasks are to be performed to ensure maximum safety and comfort for your loved ones.
Companion care services aim to provide non-medical care at home to people with disabilities or seniors. A companion caregiver generally assists with day-to-day tasks like housekeeping and preparing meals, along with providing emotional support.
Rather than focusing on personal support like personal care does, companion caregiver mainly focuses on emotional support and company. Their tasks typically include:
The extent of the care will mainly depend on the individual's needs. They may visit daily, weekly, or even provide 24-hour care. A companion caregiver will work with you to ensure that your needs are fulfilled.
The main difference between companion care and personal care is that the former is best for seniors who need primary social support and could benefit from assistance with housekeeping and other errands. In contrast, the latter is ideal for elderly people who require direct physical assistance and have difficulty moving around. Such individuals may also be suffering from chronic health conditions like dementia or diabetes.
Companion caregivers can basically provide constant companionship and non-medical services, whereas personal care providers can provide hands-on care along with assistance that companion caregivers also provide. They also provide the patient with medical services.
Hiring the right caregiving professional for your loved ones is essential as it allows the seniors to live in their homes longer and provides you with the extra support you need to look after them. Following are some tips that can help you choose the right caregiving services:
Select the services as per your and your loved ones’ needs to ensure that you’re getting exactly what you asked for. There must be clarity as to what the caregiver must provide to the patients.
You can find licensed professional in-home care services collaborating with reputed medical institutions for better services. Such services provide care based on evidence to improve outcomes with certain quality of life or health improvement goals.
It is always better to talk with neighbors and friends to learn more about home care or respite care agencies, as the credibility of the in-home care provider plays an important role in selection. Make sure that your caregiver is a licensed one trained to care for your loved one’s medical condition.
See Also: What are Caregiver Services and How to Choose the Right Caregiver
The average cost for companion care is around $4000 a month, whereas the average national median for personal care is more than $4195 a month. However, the number of hours you require for care and the type of care you prefer can also affect the price.
See Also: All You Need to Know About Companion Care: Companion Caregivers, Cost, and Duties
Choosing the right caregiver for your loved ones can be overwhelming. Make sure you speak with your family before determining what type of care they might need.
Looking for the best home care in Orange County, CA? At Newport Home Care in Newport Beach, CA, we offer 24-hour in-home senior care services at feasible prices. Contact our team to learn more.
