In this article, we’ll look at the distinctions between companion care and personal care, as well as how each service can help.
Although many people use the terms companionship care and personal care interchangeably, they are not the same thing.
They are both home care services, but depending on what you and your loved one require, one may be a better fit than the other.
What Exactly Is Companionship Care?
Social interaction and companionship are two of our most basic human needs. That does not change as we age. It is equally important for the elderly, but it is becoming more difficult to achieve as activities such as going out to see friends become more difficult.
That is the purpose of companion care. Companion care offers companionship as well as non-medical services. Among these services are:
- Offering companionship for appointments or errands
- Meal planning, preparation, and cleanup
- Cleaning, organizing, dusting, and other minor housekeeping duties
- Clothes and linens must be washed, dried, ironed, folded, and stored.
- Playing cards or games while conversing
What Exactly Is Personal Care?
As humans, we value our privacy and dignity as well. And it can be difficult for us as we get older and are unable to perform the day-to-day activities we once did. Often, these are the tasks for which we do not want to enlist the assistance of others, particularly family members.
That is the purpose of personal care. Personal care, in addition to basic medical services, provides hands-on care and all of the things that companion care does.
Unlike companion caregivers, personal caregivers are required to have formal training. At Right Choice Home Care, for example, all of our personal caregivers are either Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) or Home Health Aides (HHAs).
Personal caregivers may provide all of the services provided by companion caregivers, as well as the following:
- Hands-on care includes bathing, dressing, and skin, mouth, and hair care.
- Temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and fluid intake and output are all measured.
- Assisting with the use of assistive devices such as wheelchairs and walkers
- Assisting with colostomy or catheter bag changes
- Assistance with toileting
- Assisting with medication requirements
- Basic grooming and cosmetic assistance
What Kind of Medical Attention Do I Require?
Now that you understand the distinction between companion care and personal care, you understand that the type of care you or your loved one requires is determined by the level of assistance required.
Companion care offers companionship as well as non-medical services.
Personal care provides hands-on care, as well as companion care and basic medical services (examples of those are listed above).
For Personal Care or Companion Care, please contact Right Choice. Contact Right Choice Home Care if you or an aging loved one are considering home care services such as personal care or companion care. We are deeply committed to providing home care services that bring love, light, and laughter into the homes and communities we serve.
In general, family caregivers in your situation seek out professionals who specialize in one of two types of care: companion care or personal care.
Companionship Care
Companion care is a type of non-medical care given to seniors or people with disabilities at their homes. A companion caregiver typically provides emotional support as well as assistance with daily tasks such as meal preparation and housekeeping.
When you hire a companion care provider, they will assist you with a variety of tasks, including:
- Housekeeping
- Meal preparation
- Errands to run
- Transport to and from appointments and other locations
- Organizing social events
- Laundry and dishwashing are examples of household chores.
- Interacting with family members
They may visit daily, weekly, or even live on the premises — the extent of the care is largely determined by the individual’s needs. If you hire a professional, they will work with you to determine your needs and develop a visitation schedule.
Personal Hygiene
A personal care worker’s primary responsibility is to assist with personal hygiene, toileting, and other personal tasks. Custodial care is frequently provided by personal care workers. It is entirely up to you whether or not they assist you with day-to-day errands.
Personal caregivers are responsible for a variety of tasks, which may include:
- Showering and bathing
- Dressing assistance.
- Oral health care
- Using lotions and creams, hair products, and so on.
- Keeping a catheter bag
- Helping you with your toileting
- Changing the pads and cleaning the affected areas
A personal care worker will get to know the patient well, noting their likes and dislikes, their preferred hygiene products, and what they are comfortable with. They will collaborate with you to determine how each task should be carried out to ensure your comfort.
You have the option of hiring a live-in caregiver or a visiting caregiver. A visiting caregiver will come to your home on the days and hours you specify. Your schedule can be as flexible as necessary to ensure maximum comfort and the best possible care. A live-in caregiver, on the other hand, will live with you and ensure your needs are met 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Price Comparison
The national median for companion care is $4,004 per month, according to the Cost of Care Survey 2018. Depending on where you live, you may end up paying more or less than this amount. The price you end up paying can also be affected by the number of hours you require care, the type of care required, and the time of day.
This figure is based on 44 hours of care per week. If you need less, you can use simple division to calculate how much you’ll end up paying. If your loved one requires assistance with household tasks and daily errands, 44-hours per week is typical.
According to the same survey, the national median salary for a home health aide who provides personal care is $4,195. The insignificant increase provides you with many of the same services as a companion caregiver, with the added benefit of personal care.
To put this price difference into perspective, companion care costs $21.00 per hour and personal care costs $22.00 per hour when broken down into hourly rates.
We’ll use Washington and Louisiana as examples to demonstrate the price differences between states. In Louisiana, you will spend only $3,051 per month on personal and companion care. In Washington, these prices rise to $5,339 and $5,339, respectively. You can see how your location has a significant impact.
Is your loved one in need of special attention?
Hiring a care worker to assist you in caring for your loved one, regardless of their type, allows seniors to remain in their homes longer and provides you with the extra support you require. It’s a worthwhile investment that can help your loved one stay healthy and happy well into their golden years, especially if the right supportive care is provided. These services are invaluable for families who have obligations that prevent them from providing the necessary care.
