Get the Answers You Need 

What is Companion Care,? 

Companion care is a type of in-home care service that provides assistance through companionship, encouragement and sometimes redirection.  Care will typically include a number of ways to make daily living easier, safer and engaging for the care recipient.  This can include assistance with errands, remind of the days tasks, encourage positive and healthy lifestyle. 

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Do you help with personal care, such as changing, using the restroom or showers? 

Unfortunately, no.  If your loved one needs help with grooming, showering and toileting, they will need a personal care partner.  What I can do is remind them to use the restroom prior to an outing. Assist in minor things if needed such as reminding or provide verbal cues if their dressing is not appropriate for the weather or it might be time to make a trip to the salon or suggest a girls afternoon getting a pedicure. ​

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My loved one struggles with walking at times, can you help with this? 

Being unsteady at times is not a problem and a part of life we all eventually will be dealing with.  I will encourage the use of physical aids such as canes and walkers especially on outings to ensure we are safe.  

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My loved one is supposed to use a walker but doesn't. Can you help? 

I will do my best to encourage both directly and indirectly through regular casual conversations and provide positive reinforcement.  We can work together to change the view of the walker from "something old people use" to a handy, helpful set of wheels! 

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My loved one has a wheelchair / scooter can you help us? 

Possibly, it will depend on the circumstances in which they are using the chair.  If they have a chair /scooter for outings and it's handy as they get tired but can still tend to their personal care needs, then YES, I can provide companion care.  If someone is dependent upon a wheelchair / scooter for excursions,  I'm able to drive your vehicle as mine is not able to accommodate. During warm weather,  we can roll and stroll around the neighborhood if a vehicle is not available. 

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I appreciate all your great ideas, but my mom only wants to watch TV and isn't one for "activities"...

After meeting with you and your loved one, my job is to spend time getting to know your mother, her interests, and figure out what motivates her over the first few days.  We might not be taking square dancing lessons or playing Bingo at the community center, but together through trust and friendship building, I'm confident we will (re)discover interests, explore curiosities and "run errands" to encourage a more active lifestyle.  Mom could be "blossoming from her cocoon" within a month or it may take several months, it will happen organically and it will be wonderful.  

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Do you provide short term assistance, or respite care? 

The simple answer is Yes. 

• Companion care can be helpful when recovering from illness or when newly released from the hospital or a rehabilitation center. A companion caregiver or "sitter" can provide assistance with errands, standing, reminding of medication schedules, encourage rehabilitation exercises and ensure the loved one is safe during this transition. 

• In times of transition, a companion sitter can help a senior with mild cognitive impairment stay focused and safe whether they are still living at home or in a senior community. 

• Often family members such as siblings or children will step in to assist their loved one as independent living becomes a bit of a struggle.  Over time, this becomes emotionally exhausting for family.  Respite care provides families the emotional break often needed.  I strongly suggest allowing yourself these breaks as part of Self Care. 

 

What do you charge? 

Effective Jan 2024, 3 hour minimum will be $125.00.  Additional time at will remain same at $35 hour for any time over 3 hour visit for companion care services.  One hour morning or evening check-in, assistance, including breakfast is $60 for the hour.  If using my vehicle for outings / errands, rate is $0.62 cents per mile if we are traveling out of the area (7/2022 IRS mileage rate).  Billing is done weekly and an EIN number is provided for Tax purposes.  There is a $60 fee for cancelled visits. 

 

How do you schedule? 

I offer services in blocks of time starting at 3 hours.  Morning slots are 8:30-11:30 and Afternoon slots begin at 1:30 and typically end at 4:30 depending upon the person and our day.  I currently work Tuesdays through Saturdays, with Sunday / Monday's off.  Occasionally I have cancellations and a slot will open for that week. Feel free to check in for last minute appointments etc. 

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Are you vaccinated? 

Yes, I'm vaccinated and fully boostered from Covid-19.  I will provide proof upon request.  I'm only working with those who are also vaccinated & boostered.  2023, I will continue to take home rapid tests once a week to ensure the health and safety of all the families I work with. 

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