Companionship care at home
Company, conversation, outings and a familiar routine, with practical help around the house. Companionship visits are arranged as hourly care, at £25 an hour.
What a companion does
A companion carer spends time with your relative doing the things they enjoy, and helps with the practical things around them. Visits are built around the person, not a task list.
- Conversation, a cup of tea, and catching up on the news
- Hobbies such as cards, puzzles, gardening, music or baking
- Walks, café visits, the library, church or a club
- Shopping, collecting prescriptions and running errands
- Going to appointments together
- Preparing a meal and eating together
- Light housework and keeping on top of post
What about personal care?
Companionship care is lighter-touch support without heavy personal care. If help with washing, dressing or toileting is needed too, carers can provide it as agreed. See personal care.
A companionship visit, start to finish
Here is how a 2-hour visit might go, agreed with your carer:
- A cup of tea and a catch-up about the week
- A walk to the shops or the park, or a drive to a garden centre if you have agreed travel
- Lunch made together, or a favourite recipe baked for later
- A game, a puzzle, a photo album or some music
- A tidy-up, the washing-up done, and plans made for next time
Companionship for people with dementia
For people living with dementia, a regular visitor and a familiar routine can bring comfort. Carers can use photos, music and conversation about the past, and gently prompt meals and drinks. Read about dementia care at home.
Why company matters
Loneliness can affect anyone, and it is more common as people get older, live alone or lose a partner. Regular company and getting out of the house help people stay connected. The NHS has advice on feeling lonely.
Is companionship care right for your family?
- Your relative lives alone and has few visitors
- They have stopped going out, or have lost confidence getting about
- They are managing at home but would benefit from someone checking in
- Family live far away and want to know someone is there regularly
Care that grows with your relative
Many families start with companionship, add practical help as needs change, and later move to live-in care. Because you choose the carer and agree the visits with them, the same carer can often keep supporting your relative as things change.
Staying connected
Companions can help your relative stay in touch with family and friends: writing cards, making phone or video calls, or getting to a club, a place of worship or a community group. Small, regular plans give the week shape and something to look forward to.
What companionship care costs
Companionship visits are hourly care, at £25 an hour with a minimum of 2 hours a visit. Two visits of 2 hours a week cost £100. You pay LCH Care weekly in advance, and LCH Care pays your self-employed carer.
If your relative is over State Pension age and needs help with personal care or supervision, they may be able to claim Attendance Allowance, which can help pay for visits.
How to arrange companionship care
Tell us about them
Their interests, routines, and what they would enjoy doing.
Choose by personality
We send profiles, so you can pick someone who shares their interests.
Speak first
Talk to carers by phone or video call before you decide.
Visits begin
Agree the days, times and plans directly with your carer.
How carers are checked
Before LCH Care introduces a carer, we check their identity, right to work in the UK, Enhanced DBS, two references, work history, and relevant training or qualifications. Carers also hold their own public liability insurance. You then speak to the carer by phone or video call before you agree to anything.
Other types of care
Questions
What is companionship care?
Lighter-touch support built around company, conversation, outings and practical help, without heavy personal care.
How much does companionship care cost?
Companionship visits are hourly care, at £25 an hour with a minimum of 2 hours a visit. Your written quote confirms the full price before care starts.
Can a companion take my relative out?
Yes. Walks, shopping, cafés, appointments and clubs are common parts of companionship visits. Agree outings and travel directly with your carer.
Can we choose someone with similar interests?
Yes. Tell us about your relative's interests and personality, and we'll send profiles of carers who are a good match, where available.
What if more help is needed later?
Visits can grow to include personal care and more hours, and you can move to live-in care if needed.
Can a companion help with phone or video calls to family?
Yes. Helping your relative stay in touch with family is a common part of companionship visits.
How often should companionship visits be?
Many families start with one or two visits a week and add more if needed. Each visit is at least 2 hours.
Can companionship care be live-in?
Yes. Some people want company most of the day; live-in care at £1,100 a week gives a carer in the home every day.