“The Benefits of Hiring a Companion for an Older Adult,” by Marijke Vroomen Durning, Next Avenue

“More than 34 million family members and friends in the United States provide care to older adults, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. … Getting help often involves hiring a home health care aide who can do tasks like bathing, toileting and dressing. Not all caregivers need someone to provide that level of care, though. Some may just need a helper to give them a little time to themselves or to run errands and do tasks that wouldn’t otherwise get done. For these situations, the solution may be to hire a companion, which is what Leslie Koc, a retirement coach in Bend, Ore., did for her husband, Tom. … In most cases, health insurers will not pay for companion care — and that’s true for Medicare. However, it’s always a good idea to double check with your insurance provider. A long-term care insurance policy may offer some assistance.”

 

LTC Comment (from Stephen A. Moses, President, Center for Long-Term Care Reform):

At the very least, having LTCI frees up funds for respite or companion care.