The Power of Good Companionship

When an illness is life-limiting, companionship often plays a significant role in the quality of life for the patient. Companionship can provide emotional support, comfort, a sense of connection, and practical support with activity assistance.

As a hospice provider in Medina, Ohio, we continuously witness how companionship improves the lives of many of our clients. The following are some of the benefits of companionship during end-of-life care.

• Social and Emotional Support 
  Life-limiting illnesses often induce negative emotions in patients including distress, isolation, and a sense of overwhelm. Companionship can be a strong source of social and emotional support, providing a personal sense of connection. A companion is often a good listener for the patient to express their feelings, thoughts, and fears without judgement. This support reduces feelings of isolation and anxiety for the patient and boosts wellbeing.
• Stress Relief 
  Companionship can help relieve stress for the patient. We know that is common for patients with a life-limiting illness to experience high levels of stress from strong and sudden emotions and end-of-life planning. Patients’ health can deteriorate faster when this stress is prolonged. Companionship can provide an outlet for patients to share and process their feelings and have open discussions about end-of-life wishes, helping to alleviate stress.
• Meeting Your Needs
  Additionally, care companions can help meet patients’ practical needs. Some illnesses take away or limit the ability to complete everyday tasks. Practical support can come from companions when they help prepare meals, run errands, arrange appointments, and assist with activities of daily living. Having these needs met can improve quality of life for the patient.
• Creating Memories
  Sharing quality time and enjoyable experiences with companions can create lasting memories for both the patient and his or her companion. The end-of-life journey can be a very full journey.

A patient is not limited to one companion, of course. Family members, friends, volunteers, and professional caregivers are all great sources of companionship. Additionally, companionship may look very different from one patient to another. Some individuals like frequent and active visits, other patients might prefer the quiet, restful presence of companions. The goal of companionship is to provide support, compassion, and comfort for the patient during their final chapter.

At Remembrance Hospice, we understand the benefits of companionship and include companionship services as part of the end-of-life-care. Our care companions are more than ready to help meet each patient’s unique needs. We provide comfort care and hospice care in Medina, Ohio and surrounding communities. Feel free to call us to learn more.