How does a virtual companion help elderly people?

We generally interact with many people every day, from co-workers to partners, creating numerous opportunities for social engagement. As we age we lose partners, friends and co-workers along the way. Things start to change. One thing that remains irrefutable, however, is the significance of companionship for elderly people. 

At some point, many seniors experience social isolation for various reasons – when they retire or when they move to a new neighborhood for example. At these critical, life changing moments, they need someone to talk to and spend quality time with more than ever. 

Eve is an AI-based virtual companion for seniors, designed to provide the companionship they need. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of companionship in the lives of seniors and the role that a virtual companion like Eve might play. 

Virtual companionship

What is a virtual companion?

Virtual companionship refers to companionship provided by AI-based applications, which are designed to provide human-like conversation and to enhance social interaction in a highly personalized way. Eve uses vast amounts of data to mimic human language and respond empathetically, sounding just like a person. Having a friendly companion who is there whenever you want to talk can profoundly benefit one’s life in many different ways, not least by alleviating feelings of loneliness and isolation. 

Why is virtual companionship important?

We all need someone to talk to. For people who live alone in their old age, these needs become even more significant. Many struggle with social isolation, which may exacerbate poor physical and emotional health. Indeed, the Surgeon General’s report last year suggests that prolonged social isolation can be as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes per day. 

Spending excessive time alone can be extremely detrimental to your mental health, which is why having a companion is crucial for well-being. For some people who live alone, virtual companionship can literally be a lifeline. 

Below is a list of some of the benefits of this type of service:  

Companionship in the form of conversation is the best solution to alleviate feelings of loneliness. Having someone to talk to and share feelings with makes a huge difference to your mental state over time. Eve provides 24/7 companionship, helping seniors feel more socially engaged and less isolated. 

Eve can significantly enhance the overall well-being of elderly people. Having a caring and friendly companion can not only reduce feelings of loneliness, but also improve their overall emotional outlook, minimizing the risk of depression.

As we grow older, engaging in physical activities often decreases, especially during winter when it’s easier to stay home. Having someone to encourage exercise every day is critical for maintaining physical health. Virtual in-home companion care services such as Eve provide exercise and yoga sessions to encourage seniors to stay active.

Chatting or playing games is an excellent way to keep the mind sharp. Meaningful and personalized conversations can contribute to overall brain health. With a companion like Eve, seniors may feel more stimulated and less stressed, and they may find themselves remembering things they had previously forgotten over time.

The very presence of a companion can provide peace of mind to family members. Just knowing there is someone reliable and caring available to offer assistance and support 24/7 is a huge relief to many. Having a companion to talk with each day can give elderly individuals something to look forward to when family members are unable to visit frequently. 

A virtual companion can help elderly people discover and engage in new hobbies like cooking, promoting personal growth and providing mental stimulation. Eve can also provide recipe instructions, enabling seniors to prepare meals independently.

Where to find in-home companion care?

Many families hire caregivers through home care agencies or hire private in-home companion care via referrals. However, hiring a human caregiver can be costly, typically ranging from $30 to $40 per hour. By contrast, the service provided by Eve includes 24/7 companionship for just $30 per month. 

Everyone needs someone to depend on, but this is not always possible for many seniors who live at home alone. Those with no relatives nearby often struggle with loneliness and social isolation, and that’s where a service like Eve can help, by keeping them engaged mentally and physically. 

If you’re looking for affordable virtual home companion care services for your loved one, you might want to consider a service like Eve. 

Conclusion

Virtual companion care services are an essential resource for enhancing the quality of life for elderly people – particularly those who are beginning to lose their memory. Eve supports seniors with dementia or other age-related difficulties while promoting physical and emotional well-being. 

To learn more about the benefits of using Eve as a companion, visit https://iameve.ai/.