A comprehensive guide to companion care and companion care cost
If you or an elderly loved one is experiencing loneliness and isolation, hiring companion care services in the UK can offer some respite. Here, we will discuss all companion care and companion care cost in London.
Did you know that over 2 million people in the UK over the age of 75 live alone? Or, that over a million elderly individuals say that they go more than a month without speaking to a family member, neighbor, or friend?
Loneliness is one of the leading causes of depression among the elderly. Prolonged isolation can also lead to various health problems. For instance, research shows that crippling loneliness can be as damaging as 15 cigarettes a day!
To combat the issue of loneliness, a number of care agencies in the UK offer companion care. Let’s find out more about it and how much it costs.
What is companion care and how much does companion care cost?
Companion care refers to non-medical care that is different from personal care (which typically includes dressing, bathing, or helping the elderly go to the toilet). As the name suggests, the primary goal of companion care is to offer companionship to the elderly individual.
Through companion care, you or your elderly loved one can have someone to talk to, engage in hobbies with, or go to social gatherings with. The idea behind companion care is to offer emotional support. In some cases, the carer can help their client with small chores around the house, and they may also help them run errands or drive them to places.
Remember, companion care costs may go up and down depending on the number of services you require. Here are a few services that a companion carer can offer:
- Go on shopping trips
- Help with bank or post office visits
- Walk the dog or care for your pet
- Indulge in hobbies and social activities
- Have a chat over coffee
- Encourage art or other activities
- In-person visits
- Accompany social gatherings or community centers
- Drive them to places or chaperone them
- Visit them at the hospital and offer emotional support
- Help them with exercise
- Offer assistance with operating mobile phones or computers
- Help them take care of their finances
Cost of companion care in 2022
Companion care costs can vary widely based on several factors such as the service provider’s rates, your specific needs, and where you are based in the UK. In most cases, companion care is offered by in-home care agencies, and the companion typically visits their client’s home to provide this service.
On average, you should expect to pay anywhere from £20 to £30 per hour for companionship care at home. You may need to pay higher rates to receive companion care during the weekend or on holidays. Before you hire companion care services, make sure to ask yourself questions such as:
- What type of companion care do I need?
- How frequently do I need companion care?
- For how long will I need these services?
- What hourly rate can I afford to pay for companionship services?
- Do I need help with work around the house, chores, or errands?
Having the answer to these questions will help you figure out the level of care you will need. The companion care service provider will provide a quote once you communicate your needs and expectations.
What is the difference between companion care and caregiver?
When looking for companion care services at home, you are likely to come across agencies that provide in-home caregiving services as well. In most cases, agencies that offer home care have both caregivers and companion care on the list of their services. However, it is important to know the difference between these two services before hiring one.
In-home caregivers are known for providing home care aides. This form of care is also called personal care, and it tends to be more hands-on. In-home caregivers tend to help their clients with things like bathing, washing up, maintaining hygiene, making meals, feeding, and cleaning. Caregivers with some nursing or medical experience may also help with medications and physical therapies.
Companion care, on the other hand, focuses primarily on offering companionship. Even though companions can sometimes be hired to help with chores and to help you run errands, these additional services tend to cost extra. Their primary responsibility is to accompany their client to various social events/gatherings and to offer them emotional support through friendship.
When should you consider hiring companion care?
Not every elderly individual needs companion care, and this type of care may not be suitable for everyone. If you are wondering if you or your elderly loved one can benefit from companion care, you should find out if this type of home care is ideal for their specific circumstances. Companion care is ideal for an elderly individual or an elderly couple who:
- Needs help with transportation.
- Is having trouble with everyday activities.
- Has cognitive issues or is becoming forgetful.
- Is dealing with the loss of their partner or a loved one.
- Needs reminders to take their meals and medications on time.
- Feel isolated from family and friends or need more social interactions.
These are some of the general circumstances when having companion care can save an elderly individual from crippling loneliness and isolation.
Get the best companion care services from Total Caring
If you are looking for a legitimate and reputed companion care service in the UK, make sure to check out Total Caring. We are one of the top home care agencies in the country, and we are currently offering our services in the South London and Surrey area.
At Total Caring, we offer a range of home care services, and companion care is one of our specialties. We only hire trained and professional caregivers and companions for this job. That means you will never have complaints about the quality of our services.
We also have different care packages for people with varying needs. No matter what type or level of care you need, Total Caring can offer you affordable rates. Contact us today to know more about our services and our charges.
