Companion Care
Companion care is non-medical care and assistance that you or your loved one gets in the home. It includes services that help with daily living, like housekeeping, meal preparation and other chores, as well as transportation. Companion care also provides social interaction, like conversation and playing games. Keep in mind that companion care does not offer medical services, like caring for wounds, providing therapy or giving medicine.
How to Choose Companion Care
Before deciding on an agency or provider, ask friends or neighbors if they’ve had any experience with companion care providers in your area. You may also want to call local agencies and ask them questions, including:
- How long has the agency been open?
- Does the agency have a current license (if needed)?
- How much do supervisors oversee the quality of care?
- How are caregivers hired? Trained?
- What type of screening is done for employees?
If you’re thinking about hiring a caregiver who doesn’t work for an agency, you may want to screen them by requesting an interview and references. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about special needs you or your loved one may have.