Companion care is a practical, people-first way to address loneliness in the elderly by providing regular social interaction and emotional support, all within the comfort of home or out in the community.
Loneliness in the elderly is a growing health concern, affecting both the physical and emotional wellbeing of people over 65. As people live longer, many older people experience more life changes, such as losing friends or a partner, reduced mobility, local community spaces closing, or family members moving further away. Over time, these changes increase the chances of isolation.
In this blog, we’ll look at the impact of loneliness in older people, what companion care is, and the benefits of companionship for the elderly.
Why loneliness is an issue for older adults
Loneliness can have a serious impact on older adults in the UK, significantly impacting their health and wellbeing. Evidence suggests loneliness can increase the risk of poor mental health, like worsening feelings of unhappiness and depression, as well as adding to other emotional distress and physical illnesses.
Research from Age UK shows the scale of the problem:
- 270,000 older people in England (aged 65 and over) go a week without speaking to friends or family, and are three times more likely to be lonely than those who do.
- Loneliness is linked to increases in or accelerations of coronary heart disease (29%), stroke (32%), and dementia (25%).
- Nine in 10 older people who are often lonely are also unhappy or depressed.
For many older adults, loneliness is a much bigger problem than once feared due to the digital divide, where technology becomes a barrier rather than a solution. Mobile phones and laptops can feel otherworldly to the elderly. Adapting to these new ways of communicating can make reaching out feel overwhelming, which is made worse by a fear of rejection and declining confidence.
What is companion care for the elderly?
Companion care is a non-medical home care service that supports older adults who don’t require specialist or clinical care but would benefit from regular company and practical support. A trained carer visits for a few hours, most of the day or longer if needed, offering an ear to listen, hands to help out, or a few laughs to brighten the mood.
At its core, companionship care provides reassurance and peace of mind for both the person receiving care and their family, knowing that someone is there and they’re not alone.
How does companionship care help the elderly?
Companionship care helps address loneliness in the elderly in four ways:
- Regular conversations and feeling heard and valued boost emotional resilience and develop a stronger support network.
- Consistent schedules create routine, increasing mental stimulation through hobbies and activities while helping to reduce cognitive decline.
- Accompaniment to appointments or social activities helps with feelings of anxiety.
- Having someone else involved builds encouragement to stay active and involved with hobbies or groups, restoring a sense of purpose.
Companion carers are friendly and chatty and are always enthusiastic to help people live the life they want to live. That could be trips to the cinema, being driven to see friends who live further away, or maybe even taken to lunch in the park. Sometimes it’s the smaller moments that matter most, like sharing a cup of tea, medication reminders, or sticking feet up ready for the next soap.
When looking for companion care, it should always be personalised, offering as much or as little support as is wanted or needed.
6 Benefits of companion care for the elderly
There are at least six benefits of companion care for the elderly:
- Helps ease feelings of depression and anxiety.
- Encourages independence with older age, especially with mobility or communication impairments.
- Reduces stress around digital technology.
- Provides reassurance for families who live further away or can’t visit as often.
- Builds self-confidence to try new activities or visit new places.
- Creates a strong, consistent support network through ongoing carer relationships.
Is companion care right for your loved one?
Companion care may be a good option if you’re a family member who struggles to visit as often as you would like, or if your loved one has experienced a loss and is at risk of isolating themselves. It offers support without compromising independence or straining current relationships, helping older adults stay connected and emotionally supported.
It also ranges from short daily home visits, support with day trips out and about, or round-the-clock presence. Companionship care is as flexible as you would like it to be and tailored to suit individuals.
How Sova Healthcare supports companionship care
At Sova Healthcare, we understand that loneliness looks different for everyone. That’s why our companion care services are built around the individual and what matters most to them. Our compassionate carers love building genuine connections and making people feel supported and more confident in their daily lives.
If you’re exploring companion care for yourself or a loved one, our team is here to listen and answer any questions to help you find a level of support that feels right.
With no pressure or obligation, find your closest team or email us on enquiries@sovahealthcare.co.uk today.