Night time can be a lonely and anxious time for seniors, but companion care at home can help. Having companion care at home means that your parent won’t have to sit alone at night feeling isolated or uneasy. They will have a cheerful companion to make nights feel friendlier and less scary.
It’s normal for seniors living on their own to be fine during the day, but get a little lonely or apprehensive at night. Your parent might worry about crime, or worry about falling, or just be sad because they don’t have anyone to talk to.
What Is Companion Care?
Companion care at home is specialized care designed to make sure that seniors who are living on their own aren’t lonely or socially isolated. A companion will visit your parent in their home on a regular schedule to provide conversation and companionship.
Companion care can lower your parent’s risk of becoming socially isolated, especially if your parent has a hard time getting out of the house. A companion will plan fun activities for your parent and do things with them like:
Set Up Video or Phone Chats
Evenings can feel long when the house gets quiet. A companion can help your parent stay connected by setting up video or phone calls with family and friends.
This might mean helping them use a tablet, phone, or laptop, or simply dialing the number and staying nearby. A quick check-in with a grandchild, sibling, or old friend can lift your parent’s spirits before bed.
The companion can also help plan regular weekly calls so your parent has something to look forward to. Knowing someone will call at a certain time can reduce anxiety and make the night feel less lonely.
Do Simple Crafts or Hands-On Projects
Crafts are a great way to pass time and keep hands busy without being too tiring. At night, these should be simple and calming.
Your parent may enjoy crafts like knitting, coloring, scrapbooking, folding greeting cards, or working on a small puzzle. A companion can sit with your parent and they can make crafts, play games, or working on puzzles together.
Crafting gives your parent something to focus on and can spark memories or conversation. Finished items can also be given to family members, which helps your parent feel useful and connected.
Read Together or Listen to Audiobooks
Reading is a peaceful nighttime activity that helps slow the day down. A companion can read aloud to your parent from a favorite book, a newspaper, a short story, or even a magazine.
If reading is hard for your parent due to vision or fatigue, audiobooks are a good option. Listening together allows for pauses, comments, or laughter.
Familiar books or gentle stories often work best at night. This shared quiet time can feel very comforting and can become part of a bedtime routine, which is especially helpful for seniors who struggle with sleep.
Listen to Music and Talk About Memories
Music has a strong emotional effect, especially for older adults. A companion can play soft music your parent enjoys, such as songs from their younger years, hymns, or light jazz. Listening together often leads to memories and stories. Music can also help calm nerves and create a relaxing mood before bedtime.
Share Tea, Snacks, and Gentle Conversation
Sometimes the best activity is simply sitting together. A companion can prepare a warm drink like tea or hot cocoa and share a light snack.
Sitting at the table or in the living room and talking about the day can mean a lot. The conversation does not need to be deep. Talking about favorite TV shows, pets, or plans for tomorrow is enough. This kind of presence reminds your parent they are not alone. It also builds trust and comfort, which are very important at night.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Companion Care at Home in Culver City, CA, please call Mom's Home Care and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff. Our number is 323-244-4789.
