Elderly people and people with disabilities or serious illnesses, sometimes need more than medical care and support. Sometimes, they just need a friendly face, or some time out of the house, or a chat over a cup of tea.
That’s where companionship care comes in.
Are you an unpaid carer who feels the person you care for could do with some companionship? Or are you worried that one of your friends or relatives might be feeling lonely or isolated? If so, this post will provide an essential introduction to companionship care, how it works and how to choose the right companionship care provider for you.
What is Companionship Care?
Companionship care is a non-medical form of care. Rather than assisting with physical or personal needs, companionship care is all about meeting a person’s social or emotional needs.
Companionship care can include friendly conversations offering essential emotional support. It can also include taking part in games, hobbies, or personal interests, or assisted walks or other social occasions.
Companionship care support may include assistance with certain household tasks, such as cooking or cleaning, or help with errands or attending appointments.
What Services Does Companionship Care Provide?
- Home Visits – A specialist companionship carer can visit an individual at their home for a pre-arranged period of time. They might spend this time helping out around the house, running errands, playing games, or simply talking.
- Phone Calls – If someone’s feeling lonely or isolated, a conversation over the phone can make the world of difference. This might just be an opportunity to talk to someone, or it might involve discussing interests, or providing emotional support.
- Group Activities – The companionship carer can accompany the person they’re supporting to a group activity, such as a walk, a workshop, or a coffee morning. This is a chance to get out of the house, and to broaden the social circle even wider through making new friends with shared interests.
Who Provides Companionship Care Services?
Some private companies and charities specialise in providing companionship care services, along with other forms of specialist care. Your local council may also offer companionship care services.
There are pros and cons to each approach:
- Private companies – You can rest assured that the companionship caregiver will be a trained professional, but it’s very likely you’ll have to pay for the services.
- Council providers – You may not have to pay for council-run companionship care services, but you may have to complete certain eligibility checks.
- Charity providers – Some charities offer companionship care services. Others provide this service on a self-funded basis, meaning you may have to pay, though it may be possible to get a discount depending on your circumstances.
How to Choose a Companionship Care Provider
- Think about your specific needs. Are you just looking for regular companionship, with social visits and phone calls? Or will you need someone who can help out around the house or garden, or who can support you to outings and group activities?
- Check experience and training. Companionship care is non-medical, but you may want someone who’s experienced or trained in communication, and who will know what to do in the case of an emergency.
- Continuity of care. Having the same person visit each time is important in all forms of care, especially companionship care. Check to see if your provider is committed to providing continuity of care as much as possible.
- Check references and read reviews. Also make sure the company or charity is licensed, registered, and insured to provide this service. If possible, read the organisation’s Care Quality Commission (CQC) report.
- Make sure the companionship caregiver is compatible. Look for a provider who offers trial periods, so you can make sure the caregiver’s personality is compatible. Along with communication skills, empathy, patience, and a good sense of humour are essential.
Heartfelt Companionship Visits With Crossroads Care Surrey
At Crossroads Care Surrey, we understand how important social interaction and emotional support is in maintaining independence and wellbeing.
The specialist Companionship Service provides heartfelt social support and companionship to people who feel lonely, isolated, and in need of a trusted, friendly face.
Learn more about how our Companionship Service can support you and your loved one.
