Sponsored: Seniors for Seniors pairs seniors with companions near in age for social engagement and support with daily tasks
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic over a year ago, many people have experienced long-lasting mental and physical health effects from isolation and social distancing. Elderly populations, in particular, have suffered significantly from loneliness, many living alone and some without family members to check in on them often.
Studies have found social isolation and loneliness can result in poor physical as well as mental health. Social isolation has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease, depression, anxiety, diminishing cognitive functioning, Alzheimer’s disease and even mortality.
For seniors living on their own, or family members of seniors looking for ways to care for their loved ones, health care company Seniors for Seniors has figured out another way to provide support. Seniors living on their own or in facilities can receive companionship and care from a companion who is a mature caregiver close in age and life experience.
Seniors for Seniors connects seniors with companions who can provide drop-in companionship, live-in care or long-term support. Drop-in companions can assist seniors with daily tasks like technology, medication reminders, housekeeping and meal preparation, but they can also provide companionship support by playing board games or cards together, going on frequent walks, chatting and reading.
To celebrate Seniors’ Month in Ontario this June, Seniors for Seniors is offering 20 percent off to new clients using the hourly drop-in or personal companion care services for the months of June and July.
Brian Laderoute, a Seniors for Seniors companion, says he’s seen firsthand the impact of this program on seniors. “Many seniors don’t have anyone in their life they can rely on for help. The tremendous amount of appreciation I receive for what one would consider minor gestures is overwhelming,” he said.
Companions can also provide personal care services for seniors who need a little more assistance for basic tasks such as personal grooming, bathing, dressing, exercising, and toileting assistance. Huguette Malo Sinisac, another companion, says this program provides relief to family members or other caregivers, giving them peace of mind that their loved ones are being cared for.
“Seniors for Seniors helps the elderly stay in their home for as long as possible. We are able to give seniors freedom and independence and a love of life again. We help many recuperate from illness, broken bones and support seniors living with chronic conditions.”
The program employs many companions who are a similar age group to seniors, which means they can develop real friendships with clients along the way. Kristina Dobbin, Director at Seniors for Seniors, says it is a wonderful feeling for family members of clients to know that someone is caring for their loved one.
“Some of our clients don’t even realize that our senior companions are employed, they just know that someone’s coming in regularly to spend time with them,” she says, “The most important component is that someone is spending time with them, making sure they don’t feel neglected and that they feel heard.”
All services can be customized to fit the individual needs of clients. June is Seniors’ Month and if you’d like to celebrate the senior in your life, book our services today!
Visit seniorsforseniors.ca for more information or call 1-844-339-8638 to book our services. Don’t forget to quote SFS2021 for our special 20% discount.
Gift certificates are also available for purchase.
The safety of our clients and our staff is our number one priority. Seniors for Seniors is following the guidance of Public Health Ontario as it relates to the management of COVID-19. These procedures include having our senior companions practice rigorous hand hygiene, wearing Personal Protective Equipment which may include mask, gloves, gown and safety glasses and screening clients before each visit.
