Before hiring a home companion, it is important to understand the common responsibilities involved in this type of arrangement. A home companion is different from home health care in that medical services are not provided. A home companion also will not provide end-of-life preparation services. That is considered hospice care. A home companion really is just that: someone who will come into a home and assist another with general daily living tasks. Here is a summary of most common home companion responsibilities.
Companionship
As the name implies, a home companion primarily offers companionship. Ideally, the home companion will be the same person day in and day out so that a relationship can develop. As for companionship, that involves keeping a person company while inside the home but it also means getting out together. Attending theater, dining at a restaurant, playing Bingo, and whatever other activities the client enjoys are typical “outside home” activities.
Meal Preparation
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks – the number of meals a home companion will prepare depends on the visitation schedule that is worked out and contracted for. In addition to preparing the actual meal, the home companion usually will also do the cleanup afterwards.
Errand Running/Transportation
Grocery shopping, prescription pickup, taking a pet to the veterinarian, transporting the client to medical, dental, and hair appointments, going to the post office, and taking a client to the mall for a day of shopping are examples of errand running/transportation.
Mail Sorting
A home companion can help the client sort through daily mail. Together with the client decisions about which mail can be thrown away, which is a bill in need of payment, and what to do with everything else are made.
Housekeeping/home maintenance
Vacuuming, dusting, window washing, making beds, cleaning bathroom and kitchen, changing light bulbs, laundry, light yard maintenance, and arranging for professional services are the types of services that would fall under this category.
Light Bookkeeping
As for this category, a home companion primarily will focus on writing checks should the client or family determine this service is needed. Unless other responsibilities are designated legally, a home companion won’t get more involved in a client’s finances.
Personal Care
What is considered common home companion responsibilities in this category include tasks such as assisting with bathing or showering, assisting with teeth brushing, helping to get onto the toilet and/or into the shower/bath, hair care, dispensing medication, and helping with getting dressed.
These are the most common home companion responsibilities but of course, the task list will vary depending on the person or company that ultimately is providing this type of service. If is always a good idea to sit down and discuss what is needed first and then put together a contract.
The contract should not only outline the types of services that the companion will provide, but it is also should specify the agreed upon visitation schedule and a fee/payment schedule. That way there is no misunderstanding. Daily, several times a week, and in some cases, around the clock companionship is available.
