How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Companion?
Is your loved one ill, aging or injured and in need of a long caregiver? While you may want to be the one to care for your loved one, you may not have the ability to meet their needs. Accepting this and finding the right kind of care for your loved one can be difficult. It takes more than posting a sign for ‘companion for elderly wanted’ in your front yard. Below, we explore various factors that families should consider when searching for a companion for their loved one. We explore the costs of hiring a companion and offer tips on finding the right companion for your loved one.
What Does a Paid Companion Do?
Paid companions for the elderly are a type of caregiver. They are professional individuals that provide non-medical care to individuals that need day-to-day support. Their services are often sought to support elderly individuals with mobility challenges, memory issues and those that find it difficult to carry out day-to-day tasks.
The personal companion is handpicked by the service and the tasks they assist with will depend on the needs of your loved one. Some common tasks performed by these companions include:
- Providing companionship
- Light housekeeping
- Providing transportation e.g. driving your loved one to a local community center or the park
- Meal preparation
- Running errands
- Facilitating going to appointments
Companion Care for the Elderly
Companion care for the elderly is specially designed to meet the needs of seniors. This type of care ensures the well-being of the senior by not only assisting them with their daily tasks but also through social interaction. These caregivers offer various services including:
- Companionship
- Running errands
- Light housekeeping,
- Meal preparation
- And help with daily activities
This type of care is popular for those that wish to remain in the comfort and privacy of their homes.
Caregivers Vs Companions
While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are some distinct differences between the two. The care provided by a caregiver is more comprehensive and may include medical assistance as well as personal care such as feeding, dressing and bathing. The care given by a companion is more of social interaction as well as household assistance. Companions do not provide medical services.
Finding a Companion for Your Elderly Loved One
If you’re searching for a companion for your elderly loved one you may want to start by searching online for these services in your local area. You may also want to consult with elder care organizations, local health agencies and organized companion sitters specifically for the elderly. You may even want to ask for recommendations from people you know.
Cost of Companion Care
One of the first questions people ask when searching for a companion for their loved one is ‘how much does companion care cost?’ Elderly companion care costs vary widely depending on various factors including:
- Your location,
- The level of care required for your elderly loved one
- How frequent the visits will be
- The rate of the agency or individual
The average cost of care in the country is about $32 per hour. This translates to about $256 per day or $5120 per month.
Contact Companion Care for Senior In-Home Care
Want to ensure your loved one gets the best care possible? Contact Companion Care for professional personal care services Woodinville residents trust for their elderly loved ones. Our services are tailored to fit the needs of your loved one. We will ensure your loved one experiences aging gracefully with the care and support they need while still living in their homes. Get in touch with us to schedule consultation and learn how we can help.