If you don’t need specialist care but are struggling to get out and about as much as you’d like, our carers are on hand to keep you company.
COMPANIONSHIP CARE AT HOME
What is companionship care?
Having a live-in carer, or a carer who visits each day can provide assistance with a whole range of jobs that could really help you to remain in control, as well as benefit from companionship.
Companionship provides elderly people with mental stimulation and support when they might be feeling isolated. As you get older, it can be hard asking for extra support from loved ones, especially if they don’t live nearby. This is where our companionship care service is so important. You should never have to feel guilty about needing help, we genuinely understand and care about your needs, which is why this service makes a huge difference to so many people.
Loneliness shouldn’t be a natural part of growing older. Humans need social interaction and care. What’s more, having a companion offers peace of mind that someone’s there should you need help.
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What are the benefits of companionship care services?
There are countless benefits to our companionship care service as it improves the overall quality of life for elderly people. Here are some of the key advantages:
- Reduces risk of depression – when people are lonely and isolated, they are at higher risk of developing depression. Having a regular companion to share stories and memories with significantly reduces this risk
- Prevents cognitive decline – when we socialise it stimulates our minds and promotes our memory recall. Having regular interactions helps strengthen our cognitive abilities which is vital as we get older
- Reduces isolation – when we become isolated we may wish to socialise less and no longer take part in hobbies. By having a caring companion, you can share your hobbies and interests, feeling more confident to leave the house
- Make new friends – at Ashridge Home Care, we match you to a companion that suits your personality and needs. They’ll become your friend, your extended family
- Feel safe – living alone without any visitors can be scary for elderly people. Having a companion that regularly visits will not only make you happier but also provides additional safety as someone is checking up on you
FAQ’s
Get all the information you need
Our companionship care services cater for your unique needs — whether you want some company or need some extra help around the house, we’re here to support you.
Company and support
- Companionship and a chat
- Arrange appointments
- Escort to appointments
- Help with travel arrangements
- Help to get dressed and choose clothes
- Help with entertaining friends and family
- Read with you
- Get involved in hobbies
- Support with diet
- Plan trips out
- Visit friends and family
- Go out for meals
- Visit the cinema or theatre
- Discuss current affairs or historical events
- Remember the past and recall memories
Housekeeping
- Shopping
- Cleaning
- Making sure food is in date – keeping the fridge in order
- Cooking
- Laundry and ironing
- Running errands
- Helping to look after pets and gardens
It can be hard to recognise when your loved one may need more regular support than you can offer. Every situation is unique, but if they’re experiencing any of the following it could be a a good time to arrange companionship care:
- If your relative struggles to complete daily tasks, such as shopping, cooking, washing, cleaning
- If your family member is struggling to take medication on time and attend appointments
- If your relative feels isolated and lonely, or if your family is unable to frequently visit and provide the support needed.
At Ashridge Home Care, one of our care managers will work with you to design a care plan that meets all of your loved one’s needs. Hourly care could suit your family if they require care during a few core hours of the day, whilst live-in care can offer 24-hour care for round-the-clock support.
Yes. Having regular contact with a familiar person can provide valuable social interaction, particularly if you live alone or do not see friends and family as often as you would like.
A companionship carer can spend time talking with you, sharing activities and helping you stay connected with the people and places that matter to you. They can also encourage you to get out of the house and continue with hobbies or social activities if you would like to. They don’t only help by providing you with someone to talk to but by facilitating your ability to be part of the wider community.
Yes. Companionship does not have to take place at home. Depending on your care plan and the advice of healthcare professionals, your carer may accompany you on walks, shopping trips, visits to friends and family, eating out, doctor’s appointments or activities that you enjoy. Having someone with you can make getting out feel easier and more enjoyable, particularly if you have become less confident going out alone.
Yes. Companionship care can include practical everyday support. Your carer may help you plan meals, shop for groceries, check that food in the fridge is fresh and prepare meals with you. If you enjoy cooking, for example, your carer can help you continue doing as much as you are comfortably able to.
The right companionship care package depends entirely on you. Some people benefit from visits at particular times of the week, while others would like company and support every day. If you would prefer more continuous companionship, live-in care may also be an option.
Familiarity is an essential part of companionship care. That’s why a companionship carer tends to be the same person, as long as it’s practically possible. This is why it’s important to work with a professional companionship care provider that takes care in matching you with the right person to provide emotional and social support.
Companionship care can form part of the support provided to somebody living with dementia, depending on their individual circumstances and care needs. Familiar routines, conversation, activities and regular social contact can all play an important role in everyday life. Because dementia affects everyone differently, it’s important to have a conversation with the care management team first to ensure you receive the care package and support you or your loved one needs.
COSTS
How much do home care services cost?
The cost of care can vary depending on your family’s individual needs and the level of care needed.
Live-in care starts at £1,650 per week. To get a more accurate idea of how much your family’s care will cost, you can contact our team, who will be able to point you to the service you need and explain the pricing structure in more detail.
The fees cover the cost of a personalised, fully managed care service, with the cost of a dedicated carer and care manager included.
ABOUT US
Why choose Ashridge Home Care?
The Ashridge Team
We have been rated as Outstanding in the Caring Category by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). With an overall rating of Good in all other categories for being safe, effective, well-led and responsive to people’s needs.
At Ashridge Home Care, we’ve made it our mission to change the narrative around growing older: it doesn’t mean you have to be lonely or end up in a care home. Our companionship care service is centred around the little things. We stick to your routines and ensure that we add value to your life, whether you’re seeking company or support around the house.
You can rest assured that you’ll be receiving a professional yet personal service. All of our carers are trained by us and receive 24/7 support, so that they can support you to the best of their ability. We see our clients as an extension of our caring family. This is why we take the time to truly understand you — from how you like your eggs in the morning to your medical needs — we become your trusted companion.
We Guarantee to find a carer that you are happy with – if you are not happy we will replace your carer with someone else more suited.
HOW IT WORKS
What is the process for arranging home care?
Arranging live-in or visiting care shouldn’t be a difficult task which is why we’ve made the process simple.
All you need to do is fill in the form or give us a call on 01494 917 344.
We’ll then get in touch with you to discuss your loved one’s needs before assigning a dedicated care manager to visit their home and create a specialised care plan. You’re under no obligation to move forward with this plan. We always make sure that everyone’s on board before proceeding. Once the tailored care plan is in place, we’ll assign a carer who we feel best aligns with your loved one’s personality and requirements.
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Companionship Care: Essential Facts
Who is companionship care suitable for?
Companionship care can be helpful for anyone who needs a little more company, confidence or support in their day-to-day life. If you do, you’re not alone, as feelings of loneliness are a growing problem in the UK. According to Age UK research, we could have 1.2 million people aged 65 and over in England regularly feeling lonely by 2034.
The reasons for the rise are varied:
- Families live further apart;
- Careers force us to move, sometimes regularly;
- Your friendship groups change as you retire, and as you age
- The friends around you may fall ill with life-changing conditions like dementia, or
- Your own ailing health may make it harder for you to keep in touch
Companionship care is often particularly valuable after such a change in circumstances. As the connections and meaningful conversations you have in your day-to-day life may become less frequent, companionship care will provide emotional support and a sense of community.
Here’s what a companionship carer actually does
Companionship care looks different for every person because no two people enjoy spending their time in exactly the same way. Companionship carers adjust to these individual needs, providing personalised support that can see them:
- Join you for a cup of tea and a chat
- Accompany you on walks or trips out
- Help you continue with hobbies and interests
- Go with you to appointments or social activities
- Meal planning, cooking or sharing meals with you
- Help you keep in touch with friends and family
- Spend time gardening or help you care for a pet
- Share memories, photographs and stories
- Help you with light household chores and tasks
Professional carers who provide friendly companionship care typically don’t provide extensive physical support, though they can help you get dressed or move around. If you require more hands-on care, such as specific medical care or personal care, then hourly care with trained carers or live-in care may be more suitable than companionship care.
Difference between companionship care and personal care
Whilst companionship care focuses primarily on company, conversation, emotional support and helping you enjoy everyday life and attend social events, it can also include practical support for daily living such as shopping, meal preparation, attending appointments, running errands, light housework and other everyday tasks.
Personal care assistance provides more hands-on help with activities such as washing, dressing, toileting, personal hygiene, medication management and other personal routines. It can also include more extensive medical care, with carers being trained on specific conditions such as MS or dementia.
However, real life doesn’t fit care neatly into specific categories. You may start with daily visits from a companion carer but later feel you need additional personal support or help with more complex needs that can’t be provided by companionship care alone.
We always build care around the individual rather than expecting you to fit into a particular service bracket. Since our carers are professionally trained and supported, your care can adapt if your needs change.
Choosing live-in or visiting companionship care
You can receive most types of later life care at home as occasional or regular visits or as 24-hour live-in care. Here’s what that can look like:
- Occasional visiting companionship care: Built around specific, irregular needs, such as medical appointments, life or family events.
- Regular visiting companionship care: For situations where care needs are more regular. Care takes place at particular times, either daily, weekly or monthly to support overall well being and prevent social isolation.
- Live-in companionship care: Arranged when older adults require companionship or need a bit more help around the house. Perhaps they also want greater continuity with round the clock companionship care. Here, the carer lives in the house with you.
Live-in care is not only for people with complex medical needs – it also supports physical and mental wellbeing. It can be a reassuring choice to provide company if you or your loved one no longer feel comfortable spending long periods alone and would enjoy having a familiar person there each day to help out with household tasks Arranged when older adults require companionship or need a bit more help around the house. Perhaps they also want greater continuity with round the clock companionship care. Here, the carer lives in the house with you.
Live-in care is not only for people with complex medical needs – it also supports physical and mental wellbeing. It can be a reassuring choice to provide company if you or your loved one no longer feel comfortable spending long periods alone and would enjoy having a familiar person there each day to help out with household tasks or provide social and emotional support. Companionship care provides a friendly presence and sympathetic ear for older adults to help them live life as fully as possible and feel connected to their local community.
Whichever option you choose, we aim to provide professional care that feels personal, dependable and genuinely suited to you. Our expertly trained carers will boost your emotional well being and ensure your loved one’s life is lived as independently as possible. Call our dedicated team now on 01494 917344 to arrange companionship care in your own home.