Most of us believe that care should focus on the mind, body, and soul. When older people feel lonely, they get depressed, just like you and me. Human beings need company, but we also need the right kind of company. Perhaps like you, I’m a strong believer in matching a caregiver’s personality to her client’s and find it very unfortunate that many companies in the home care industry don’t focus on this. Matching clients’ personalities creates a positive relationship, stronger mental health, and a stress-free home caregiving situation. everybody wins

Yes, it takes a little longer to find the right caregiver, but that’s okay, because good home care companies have found that it prevents turnover, which is one of the complaints that many in the industry have. A true partnership-based caregiver scenario is one in which the client is treated like family. The best way to achieve this is to make a suitable mix so that both the caregiver and the client see each other as family, it is better when it is a two-way street.

There was a very good research study in the “Journal of Health Psychology” published by the American Psychological Association in 2011 (Cite: Vol. 30, No. 4, 377-385. DOI: 10.1037/a0022826). The research is titled; “Indicators of Loneliness, Social Isolation, and Behavioral and Biological Health in Older Adults,” by Aparna Shankar, Anne McMunn, and Andrew Steptoe. In conclusion, the research work indicates:

“Loneliness and social isolation may independently affect health through their effects on health behaviors. In addition, social isolation may also affect health through biological processes associated with the development of cardiovascular disease.”

For those who work as caregivers, they are not surprised. In fact, industry insiders have been saying it all the time. Families of the elderly tell us that they, too, are concerned, and it is often one of the main reasons they contact a company for home care services. I hope you understand and agree with me, the families, and the empirical scientific research.

I believe that no one should feel alone in old age, we are here to serve and are pleased to help our clients live happy, healthy and compassionate lives. As our population ages, these issues come to the fore, and it is our responsibility to ensure that all stakeholders receive fair service and dignified treatment. Do your research and think of those you know who are in need, we must make these positive steps a reality for everyone.