How Companionship Care Services Support Independent Living
Companionship Care Services Edinburgh
Discover how Medway Care Services companionship care support independent living in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
How Companionship Care Services Support Independent Living
With almost 8000 people waiting for a social care assessment and a care bed shortage in Scotland, families are seeking alternative solutions to keep their loved ones in their own home for as long as possible.
For people who don’t need extensive support, companionship care can create the perfect bridge; providing assistance to those who want to maintain their independence in a familiar environment, while reducing the pressure on long waitlists and providing reassurance to families that their loved one is in safe hands.
In this blog, we will cover the key ways that companionship care services in Edinburgh support independent living, so you can evaluate if they are the right option for you.
What Are Companionship Care Services?
Companionship care is a type of non-medical personal care that prioritises social interaction and improving mental wellbeing for people who feel isolated.
It is a great fit for people who:
Live alone;
Are recovering from illness or surgery;
Are experiencing loneliness or bereavement;
Are waiting for a formal care package to be put in place.
Companionship care can be arranged for clients throughout the day, so family carers can take some much-needed time off. Often, it is as simple as having a cup of tea and a chat with someone, but it can also include light housework, meal preparation, and transport to appointments.
Companionship care is a type of preventative care for people who can still live independently. It is not suitable for people who require medical support or physical assistance.
Why is companionship care important?
Scotland’s population is aging rapidly. Around 21% of the population are over 65, and this number is projected to rise to 25% over the next 10 years.
Not only that, but demand for care beds is predicted to rise by almost a third by 2036.
This significant and increasing need for residential care beds means that high-quality and personalised at-home care is more critical than ever. Delays in receiving professional care can reduce quality of life and independence over time, and families often have no choice but to step in to fill the gap.
Companionship care is the ideal first step into care at home for clients and families alike. It helps your loved one stay in their own home for as long as possible, so they can maintain their comfortable routine in a familiar environment.
How home companionship care services supports independent living
Provides social interaction
Social isolation is a major issue among older adults, According to Age Scotland almost half of those over 50 experiencing loneliness some or all of the time.
Companionship care improves mental wellbeing through meaningful social interactions. A simple conversation can be all it takes to brighten someone’s day.
Plus, the regular social interactions that companionship care delivers helps reassure family members - who are too far away to visit regularly - that their loved one is being taken care of.
2. Encourages Active and Engaged Living
A key part of independent living is keeping your loved one engaged with their favourite hobbies, as this keeps people physically, mentally, and socially active.
A professional carer supports clients to participate in their hobbies. They can also take your loved one on outings to promote their engagement with the wider community.
3. Supports Daily Routines
A structured routine is key to a sense of purpose, dignity, and independence, but as people get older, everyday tasks can become overwhelming.
A companionship carer will support clients with shopping and housework; key tasks that help maintain a daily routine. They can also provide transport to appointments, and act as an advocate if needed.
4. Improves Emotional Wellbeing
Living alone can create feelings of anxiety and worry.
Companionship care provides clients with reassurance that they don’t need to handle everything alone, and a listening ear for any concerns they might have.
5. Helps Delay Residential Care
With extensive care bed shortages and long waiting lists, care at home is becoming a practical alternative that enables people to live independently.
Think of companionship care as an interim step that provides people with the right level of support at the right time, enabling them to live independently for longer.
How Medway Care Services Supports Independent Living in Edinburgh and the Lothians
As demand for care continues to increase, a companionship care service offers an immediate practical solution that helps clients to maintain their independence, dignity, and quality of life at home for as long as possible.
At Medway Care Services, we match you with one of our experienced private companionship carers in Edinburgh based on your interests and values, so they can build a true connection with the patient.
We can also provide a wide range of other services, including:
Personal care
Live-in care
Respite care
Overnight care
Home help
Palliative care
Post hospital support
If you would like to find out more about our services, get in touch today to speak to our team about designing a personalised home companionship care at home package in Edinburgh that meets your bespoke requirements.
