Companion care: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What companion care is

Companion care is time with an older adult or someone who lives alone, providing conversation, errands, light housekeeping and meals, without medical tasks. Families use it to reduce isolation and add a regular visitor.

Signs you need it

  • Your loved one lives alone and has few visits
  • Meals are skipped or the home needs light upkeep
  • Errands and appointments are hard to get to
  • A family member wants a regular check-in
  • Evenings or weekends feel long and quiet

What the pro does

  • A meet and greet to match personality and interests
  • Setting a schedule and list of tasks
  • Conversation, games, walks or hobbies together
  • Light housekeeping, meal prep and errands
  • Updates to family after visits

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Hours per visit and visits per week
  • Transportation needed
  • Overnight or short visits
  • Agency or individual
  • Tasks included
  • Special needs

What a written quote should spell out

  • Hours and schedule
  • Tasks included and not included
  • Transportation rules
  • Backup if the companion is unavailable
  • Billing and cancellation terms

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What tasks are included?
  • How are companions screened?
  • Can we meet before starting?
  • Will the companion drive my loved one?
  • What if we do not click?
  • Who do I call if there is a problem?

Red flags

  • Companion asked to handle medical tasks
  • No screening answers
  • Asks for money or gifts from the client
  • No written task list
  • Pressure to sign a long contract

What you can do yourself

Family and neighbors can visit, call and share meals, but a companion offers regular presence. Call a doctor if you notice changes in memory, mood or health.

Licenses and permits

Companion care providers may need a business license, registration or background checks depending on the state, and agencies are often regulated. Check with your state or local agency, and ask for screening details.

Companion care questions

Is companion care medical?

No. It does not include medical tasks.

Can a companion drive?

Some do. Ask about their driving record and whether their insurance covers passengers.

Can we try it first?

Ask about a trial visit or a meet and greet so your loved one can see whether the match feels right.

How is it different from personal care?

Personal care adds hands-on help with bathing and dressing.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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