In-Home Companion Care

BrightStar® Home Care was founded on a commitment to helping clients maintain independence and dignity by delivering personalized care. Our compassionate and experienced professionals are well-equipped to meet your loved one’s specific emotional and practical needs through our companion care services. Our in-home companion care staff undergoes a rigorous hiring process, receives ongoing training and regular evaluations to ensure they meet A Higher Standard® of Care.

In-home companion care plays a unique role in your loved one’s personalized care plan. Although doctors and specialists provide a significant portion of a person’s care plan, the emotional and social needs of your loved one is just as important.  BrightStar Care is committed to supporting all aspects of your loved one’s well-being with a customized care plan. We’ll take into account your loved one’s physical and medical needs, as well as practical daily living support and their emotional outlook in crafting a care plan to help them thrive.

Whether you’re looking for ongoing in-home senior companion care or need occasional respite services for a child with special needs, your loved one’s care will be overseen by our Director of Nursing, a Registered Nurse (RN) who creates each client’s personalized plan of care.

Companion Care Services

In-home companion care services combine practical assistance with the social-emotional needs of a person. Companion care creates an opportunity for social interaction that has a positive impact on your loved one’s well-being. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), seniors who experience loneliness may see an increase in their risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia and depression. Companion care can help combat loneliness and isolation, which can help improve mental health and create a more positive outlook. 

We offer companion home care services on a flexible basis for people of all ages, ranging from children to seniors. Services can be tailored from part-time to full-time, based on your loved one’s evolving needs.

Available for clients of all ages, our services include around-the-clock care such as:

  • In-home support
  • Light housekeeping and helping with laundry
  • Meal planning and cooking
  • Respite for family caregivers
  • Help with shopping and errands
  • Adult and senior transportation to and from doctor appointments and social events
  • Travel companionship

In-Home Companion Care for Seniors

As part of BrightStar Home Care’s commitment to person-centered care, we take the time to get to know each client’s history, personality and goals, as well as overall family circumstances. Our senior companion care services focus on supporting the health and well-being of your aging loved ones so they can remain independent and experience dignity throughout their days.

The benefits of in-home companion care for seniors is two-fold:

  • Cognitive benefits: Companion care can help seniors retain mental sharpness and improve their emotional well-being. Having someone to talk to, play games with or to accompany them on errands can provide them with a sense of stability and mental stimulation. 
  • Safety monitoring benefits: While a registered nurse (RN) assesses the home for safety risks, an in-home companion caregiver can stand as a physical presence who is there to help senior loved ones reduce their risk of falls and injuries.

Companion caregivers are uniquely trained to safely aid in light physical activity as part of a holistic care plan. Activities like a short walk, chair yoga, or even a short, no-impact dance session are great ways to get moving with assistance.

Committed to providing services that are stimulating and enjoyable, we offer a variety of in-home companion care services to help you achieve the quality of life you or your loved one desire including:

  • Assist with writing letters and other correspondence
  • Help connect with loved ones through email, texting, video chat and social media
  • Engage in stimulating activities such as crafts, games, puzzles and reading
  • Create customized grocery lists to meet dietary needs and preferences
  • Facilitate visits with friends and neighbors
  • Plan outings, activities and trips
  • Facilitate and assist with daily schedule
  • Provide respite and family relief

Personalized Companion Care for Adults with Disabilities

Seniors aren’t the only people who can benefit from in-home companion care services. We also provide companion care to adults with disabilities or chronic conditions, as well as those recovering from surgery or severe injuries. 

Companion care provides emotional and practical support to maintain independence for adults who need extra resources. Adults with disabilities or chronic conditions can benefit mentally, emotionally and socially from companion care services. From practical assistance like meal preparation to creating opportunities for social outings and creative endeavors like crafts, in-home companion care helps adults with disabilities build or maintain their independence. 

Some clients may take advantage of companion care temporarily while others may prefer ongoing or full-time companion care to continue living independently. We offer flexible caregiving schedules that can support your loved ones needs, providing them with companionship as often or as little as they may like. 

Hospital Companion Care for Children

In addition to serving seniors and adults, we also offer companion care for children. When a child is hospitalized, it affects the whole family dynamic and energy level. It’s important to care for yourself so that you’re able to support your hospitalized little one. Our reliable and gentle professionals can provide any combination of the following:

  • In-hospital companionship for your child: If you’re unable to be present with your child during certain hours while they’re in the hospital, companion care can provide your child with play and developmental activities depending on their health, wellness and energy levels
  • In-hospital child care assistance: Caregivers can provide companionship support for young siblings or close family members so you can focus on your child while they’re recovering in-hospital. 
  • Hourly or around-the-clock companionship: Caregivers are available 24 hours a day, everyday of the year for whatever level of support you may need. We’ll work to create a team of companion caregivers to support your loved one and family, ensuring a qualified professional is there with them when they need someone. 
  • Respite care for family or friends: Family caregivers need and deserve a break from the emotional work of caring for a hospitalized child. Companion caregivers can tend to the needs of your child while you recharge and refresh.

Hospital companion care for children supports both children and their families with educational resources, emotional support and playful activity to provide comfort and create a sense of normalcy during a difficult time.

Comprehensive Companion Care Assessments

Each client receives a personalized, in-depth assessment conducted by the Director of Nursing at your local BrightStar Home Care agency. This key part of our approach allows us to understand your loved one’s health, personality and needs. Our staff includes your family members in this assessment and care planning phase to ensure that your loved one’s care plan aligns with family preferences and cultural sensitivities. This process helps us ensure the right fit between our clients and their caregivers. It also gives us the information needed to quickly modify a client’s care plan as their needs evolve.

Safety and Trust Matter: Why Choose BrightStar Care

The safety and well-being of our clients sits at the heart of our mission to provide A Higher Standard of care. The BrightStar Care commitment to safety includes strict safety protocols, rigorous hiring protocols that include background checks, as well as regular ongoing training for all caregivers. 

Our caregivers are trained in infection control, particularly in home settings and with vulnerable populations. A registered nurse (RN) always provides oversight in the creation and implementation of care plans to ensure they are aligned with your loved one’s medical and personal care needs. Together, these safety measures play a key role in our commitment to earning and maintaining the trust of those we serve. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Companion Home Care

When your loved one may not need advanced medical care, but would benefit from extra emotional and social support, companion care can be a great option. We realize that making decisions around companion care for your loved one can be confusing. We’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions to help you learn more and make an informed decision. Contact us with your questions and let us know how we can help you and your loved one.

What is companion care and how does it differ from personal care?

Companion care is a service for seniors, disabled adults or children who need non-medical, emotional or social support but do not need advanced medical care. Personal care is a service that provides more direct care, such as bathing, grooming and feeding for those who cannot complete those activities safely on their own. Both companion care and personal care improve the quality of life for both the client and their family members.

Are your caregivers trained to handle specific health conditions like Alzheimer’s or dementia?

Yes. When your family and care team design your loved one’s personalized care plan, make sure to note all health conditions and necessary medical needs so that the plan is fully customized to accommodate your loved one’s needs.

What is the difference between a companion and a caregiver?

In most cases, companion care is part of the duty of a professional caregiver. Professional caregivers provide personal – not medical – care, such as assistance with activities of daily living. These professional caregivers typically have such credentials as Home Health Aide (HHA), Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA). While a professional caregiver offers in-home assistance with grooming, movement and toileting, they can also provide social and emotional support as a companion.  It’s important to be clear about your loved one’s needs during the initial assessment process so that your customized care plan can incorporate the services and professionals that can best benefit your loved one. At BrightStar Care, we’ll work to find a caregiver who has the expertise and ability to connect with your loved one.

What are the duties of a companion?

A companion’s duties focus primarily on social interaction. On any given day, a companion caregiver can chat with your loved one over a cup of coffee, do puzzles or crafts together, or watch a movie with their favorite snacks. In-home companionship is designed to brighten your loved one’s day.

How do you modify care plans as a client’s needs change over time?

To meet your loved one’s needs, your caregiver team will monitor their progress and adjust their customized care plan as often as needed. If your needs change, our process allows for prompt modifications to your loved one’s care plan to ensure they receive the care that allows them to thrive.

Getting Started

Companion care can have a positive impact on a person, giving them a little extra support and a friendly face to brighten their day. Whether your loved one is older, disabled or hospitalized, companion care can play a key role in boosting their emotional and social well-being. Whether it’s playing card games, getting help with writing letters or just going for a short walk outside, companion care can help them retain their independence, while also giving them the stimulation and socialization they need. 

At BrightStar Care, our team is committed to safety and earning the trust of the people we care for. If you think your loved one may need in-home companion care, contact us today to learn more. We’d be happy to discuss your loved one’s needs and lend a helping hand.

Find Companion Care Near You

To learn more about our companion care services, please call 866.618.7827 or search for a BrightStar Home Care location near you. We look forward to meeting your family’s needs.

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