In actual fact, it doesn’t matter what age we are, when we feel cut off and isolated from the world for any reason, no matter how strong or self-reliant we are, there is always a risk of anxiety and depression settling in, and, with time, both of these conditions can affect every aspect of our lives.
There has been a lot of emphasis placed on mental health recently in South Africa, encouraging those suffering with depression, anxiety or any other mental health issue, to speak up, and, with statistics that show one in every four people as suffering with varying degrees of depression alone, one can only imagine how easy it is for this to happen to us as we age and the world becomes a little smaller each day.
Because of the huge growth of technology, life has become so fast-paced that there are just not enough hours in the day to keep up with all that is expected of us; working, running a household, caring for children and still trying to find time for a little down time seems to be a delicate balancing act that is often hard to manage.
Add to that an elderly frail loved one, maybe living with dementia or other disabilities, and it becomes a little harder to cope, yet most families prefer to keep their aged loved ones at home, surrounded by the familiar, and the most essential ingredient, love!
If you have a loved one at home who needs elderly frail care, dementia care, disabled care, post-operative care or companionship, having an experienced, compassionate and highly trained home based caregiver at the side of your loved one is going to take a major weight off your shoulders – it is very difficult to concentrate on your business life or job while you are worrying about the safety of your elderly loved one left at home alone!
American scientist Sherwin B Nuland wrote in the 1930’s already that too many of the elderly do not have the family or the communal attachments necessary to feel valued; too many are widowed or otherwise alone; too many live in surroundings where they are essentially without the companionship necessary to stimulate a mind in danger of deteriorating - and it is no less true in the 21st century than it was then!
This is why CareChamp has made sure that over and above the caregiving and home based nursing services offered, they have very special people who are retired, often from the health care profession, who answer the call for companionship of elderly frail people who are alone for much of the time.
CareChamp Companions still feel that they have something to offer this world and have chosen to use their time to ease the loneliness and isolation of the elderly in need of companionship, and do so wholeheartedly!
As with any team member at CareChamp, the backgrounds and credentials of every companion is impeccable, which ensures that your loved one will have the mental stimulation and human company essential to keeping them as engaged in life as possible!
A CareChamp Companion is more than just company, they will accompany and encourage clients to take walks and to maintain the continuance of social gatherings if desired. Companions will also happily drive clients to doctor’s visits or take them on simple daily routines, as well as take them on outings, the choice is entirely up to the client.
Health and safety is, of course, as with every other service offered by CareChamp, first and foremost! If necessary, a CareChamp Companion will assist with ensuring that the household is properly run and manage staff or prepare meals if required.
To find out more about companions for aging or elderly frail loved ones, please contact the management team at CareChamp, they will be more than happy to contribute positively to the life of your loved one!