This guide explains what companion care is, who it’s for and how to find companionship care services.
Page contents
At a glance
- Companion care is a type of home care service that focuses on companionship, emotional support and some help with everyday tasks, rather than personal or medical care.
- It is ideal for people who live alone, feel lonely, want to stay independent at home or need reassurance due to early dementia, recovery or bereavement.
- Companion care can be flexible, ranging from a few hours a week to daily visits or live-in support.
- It improves wellbeing, while offering peace of mind to families.
What is companion care?
As people live longer, many want to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible.
- Companion care is a type of home care focused on providing emotional support and companionship.
- This does not usually involve giving personal care such as assistance with showering, going to the toilet or carrying out medical tasks.
- For those who don’t need personal or medical care but would benefit from company and practical support, companion care can be the ideal solution.
- The carer can offer help with some everyday tasks such as meal preparation, light housework and assistance to attend social activities.
- It focuses on improving quality of life, mental wellbeing and social connection.
What does a companion carer do?
Companion care services are tailored to the individual person’s emotional and social needs.
The carer spends time with an individual to reduce loneliness, offer reassurance and support daily living.
See below for examples of companion care services offered.
Companion care services offered
Companion care services can include:
- Emotional support such as regular visits for conversation e.g. a chat over a cup of tea.
- Help with errands.
- Medication reminding.
- Light household tasks such as shopping.
- Accompaniment to appointments, visits to see family, social activities or days out.
- Meal preparation and shared mealtimes.
- Support with an individual’s hobbies, interests and help to stay active.
Who is it suitable for?
Companion care is an option for those who want to remain at home while enjoying emotional support, social interaction and reassurance.
This care is ideal for people who:
- Live alone and feel lonely or isolated.
- Have limited mobility but don’t need personal care.
- Are recovering from illness or bereavement.
- Benefit from routine and reassurance.
How often is it provided?
Companion care can be provided for a few hours a week, daily visits or can involve live-in companionship, depending on what’s needed.
How much does it cost?
The cost can vary depending on the frequency of care, where you live e.g. London or regional, etc.
Home care in the UK costs on average between £26-£38 per hour.
If you need home care for two hours a day at a rate of £30 per hour, you will pay £420 per week (£1,680 per month).
Why is this type of home care important?
There are many advantages of having companion care. Below is a list of the main benefits.
Benefits of companion care
Companion care offers many benefits, including:
- Reduced loneliness and increased social isolation.
- Improved mental wellbeing.
- Continued independence at home.
- Flexible, personalised support.
- Peace of mind for family and friends and valuable respite support for family carers who need a break.
- A trusted, continuous presence in a person’s daily life.
Research shows that regular social interaction can significantly improve overall health and happiness. This makes companion care a proactive and supportive choice.
How can I get companion care?
Finding the right care provider is an important step. It’s essential to choose a service that is reliable, well-reviewed and suited to your specific needs.
homecare.co.uk makes it easy to find companion care providers in the UK near you.
You can search for companion care services by location, compare providers based on reviews and inspection ratings and contact care agencies.
What to ask a companionship care provider
Asking the right questions helps ensure the care provided is a good fit.
When contacting care providers, consider asking:
- What companion care services do you offer?
- How are carers matched to individuals?
- Are carers trained and DBS checked?
- How flexible are visit times and hours?
- What are the costs and what’s included?
Whether for yourself or a loved one, finding the right companion care can make a meaningful difference to daily life. To explore care services near you visit homecare.co.uk.
Search for a home care provider
Who is companion care suitable for?
Companion care is an option for those who want to remain at home while enjoying emotional support, social interaction and reassurance. This care is ideal for people who benefit from routine and reassurance, live alone and feel lonely or isolated, have limited mobility but don’t need personal care. They may be recovering from illness or a bereavement.
What does a companion carer do?
Companion care services are tailored to the individual person’s emotional and social needs.
They can include support with hobbies, attending social activities help staying active, emotional support such as regular conversation, help with shopping, errands, medication reminding, light household tasks and having a meal together.
What is companion care?
Companion care is a type of home care focused on providing emotional support and companionship.
For those who don’t need personal or medical care but would benefit from company and practical support. A companion carer spends time with an individual to reduce loneliness and offer reassurance. They focus on improving mental wellbeing and social connection. The carer can offer help with everyday tasks such as meal preparation, light housework and assistance to attend social activities.