Friendly Conversation
Regular chats and genuine interest in your life and stories
Companionship Care
Combat loneliness with regular visits from friendly, trusted companions. Professional companionship care across Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire, helping your loved one stay connected, active, and happy at home.
- Combat Loneliness
- Trusted Companions
- CQC Regulated
CQC Rated Good
Regulated companionship care
9.2/10 on homecare.co.uk
Independently verified reviews
From £18/hour
Affordable companionship visits
Same Carer Each Visit
Building genuine friendships
What is Companionship Care?
Companionship care is a type of home care focused on providing emotional and social support rather than personal care tasks. A companion carer visits regularly to offer friendly conversation, share activities, accompany you on outings, and provide genuine company that helps combat loneliness.
Unlike personal care which focuses on physical support with tasks like washing and dressing, companionship care centres on emotional wellbeing and social connection. It's about building a genuine friendship while supporting independence at home.
With 940,000 older people often feeling lonely in the UK
Companionship care addresses a critical need. Research shows loneliness can be as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, increasing mortality risk by 26%. Regular companionship visits provide the social connection that supports both mental and physical health.
Our companion carers become trusted friends who understand your routines, interests, and preferences. Whether it's chatting over a cup of tea, playing cards, going for a walk, or helping with technology to video call family, companionship care is tailored to what brings you joy and connection.
Shared Activities
Games, hobbies, crafts, and activities you enjoy together
Social Connection
Outings, appointments, and staying connected with community
Emotional Support
Someone who listens, understands, and genuinely cares
Why is Companionship Important for Older Adults?
The UK is facing an unprecedented loneliness epidemic among older adults. Research consistently shows that social isolation has serious health consequences that extend far beyond emotional wellbeing.
940,000
older people often feel lonely (7% of over-65s)
2M+
over-75s live alone in the UK
1.5M
older people eat Christmas dinner alone
9 in 10
lonely people report being unhappy or depressed
26%
Increased Mortality Risk
Loneliness increases mortality risk by 26%, equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes daily
Source: Holt-Lunstad et al., 2015
50%
Higher Dementia Risk
Social isolation increases the risk of developing dementia by 50%
Source: The Lancet, 2020
50%
Heart Disease Risk
Loneliness increases risk of coronary heart disease and stroke by 30%
Source: Valtorta et al., 2016
70%
Cognitive Decline Reduction
Regular social activity can reduce cognitive decline by up to 70%
Source: Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center
The GOOD NEWS
Companionship Makes a Real Difference
Regular companionship visits can reverse these risks. Social connection reduces depression, maintains cognitive function, lowers blood pressure, strengthens immune response, and significantly improves quality of life. It's never too late to benefit from meaningful companionship.
Signs Your Loved One May Need Companionship Care
It can be difficult to recognise when a parent or loved one is becoming isolated. Here are some common signs that companionship care could help.
Withdrawing from Activities
No longer attending clubs, groups, or social events they previously enjoyed
Declining Invitations
Regularly turning down invitations to visit family or friends
Mood Changes
Appearing low, anxious, or less interested in things that used to bring joy
Reduced Self-Care
Letting personal appearance or home cleanliness slip
Expressing Loneliness
Mentioning feeling lonely, isolated, or that nobody visits anymore
Living Far from Family
Family members live too far away to provide regular visits and company
Worried about a loved one? Call us on 01707 707599 for a friendly, no-obligation conversation.
Who Benefits from Companionship Care?
Companionship care is suitable for anyone who would benefit from regular friendly visits and social connection, regardless of whether they need personal care support.
People Living Alone
Over 2 million over-75s live alone in the UK. Regular companionship visits provide essential social connection and someone to share the day with.
Those with Distant Family
When family live far away and can't visit regularly, companionship care bridges the gap with consistent, friendly visits.
People with Early Dementia
Regular companionship provides mental stimulation and routine that research shows can slow cognitive decline.
Those Recently Bereaved
After losing a spouse or partner, companionship care offers consistent support during a difficult transition.
Recovery After Illness
Following hospital stays or illness, companionship supports emotional recovery alongside physical healing.
Family Carer Respite
Companionship care gives family carers a break while ensuring their loved one has quality company.
What Does a Companion Carer Do?
Our companion carers provide a wide range of activities and support tailored to individual interests and preferences. Here's what a typical companionship visit might include.
Conversation & Chat
- Friendly conversation over tea
- Listening to stories and memories
- Discussing news and current affairs
- Reminiscence and life history
Games & Puzzles
- Card games and board games
- Crosswords and word puzzles
- Jigsaw puzzles
- Brain training activities
Reading & Learning
- Reading aloud from books
- Newspapers and magazines
- Audiobooks together
- Learning new things
Music & Entertainment
- Listening to favourite music
- Watching TV and films together
- Radio programmes
- Singing along to old favourites
Hobbies & Crafts
- Gardening and plants
- Knitting and crafts
- Art and drawing
- Photography
Outings & Shopping
- Accompanied shopping trips
- Walks in the park
- Café visits
- Garden centre trips
Appointments & Trips
- Doctor and hospital appointments
- Hairdresser visits
- Day trips and outings
- Family events
Meals & Nutrition
- Preparing meals together
- Sharing lunch or dinner
- Baking and cooking
- Ensuring good nutrition
Technology Support
- Video calls with family
- Using tablets and phones
- Social media connection
- Online shopping help
Memory & Connection
- Looking through photos
- Creating memory books
- Writing letters to family
- Maintaining social connections
Tailored to Individual Interests
Every person is different, so we take time to understand what activities bring joy and meaning. Your companion carer will adapt visits to your preferences, whether that's lively conversation, quiet reading time, or adventures out and about.
The Benefits of Companionship Care
Companionship care offers profound benefits that extend far beyond having someone to talk to. Regular social connection has been proven to improve physical health, mental wellbeing, and overall quality of life.
For families, knowing that a trusted companion is visiting regularly provides invaluable peace of mind, especially when distance or work commitments make frequent visits difficult.
- Reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation
- Lower risk of depression and anxiety
- Better cognitive function and mental sharpness
- Improved physical health outcomes
- Maintained independence at home
- Stronger connection to community
- Regular routine and structure
- Family peace of mind
Combat Loneliness
Regular friendly visits provide the social connection that combats isolation and improves emotional wellbeing.
Mental Stimulation
Engaging conversation and activities help maintain cognitive function and can slow mental decline.
Improved Mood
Companionship reduces depression and anxiety, leading to a more positive outlook on life.
Peace of Mind
Family members gain reassurance knowing their loved one has regular, quality company.
Genuine Friendship
Build a real relationship with a consistent companion who becomes a trusted friend.
Stay Independent
Support that enables continued independence at home rather than moving to residential care.
Companionship Care vs Personal Care:
Understanding the Difference
While both types of care support independence at home, they focus on different needs. Many people receive both types of support together.
| Support Type | Companionship Care | Personal Care |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Emotional & social wellbeing | Physical care needs |
| Conversation & company | Included | Included |
| Shared activities & hobbies | Included | Sometimes |
| Accompanied outings | Included | Sometimes |
| Light housekeeping | Included | Included |
| Meal preparation | Included | Included |
| Medication reminders | Included | Included |
| Washing & bathing | Included | Included |
| Dressing assistance | Not included | Included |
| Toileting support | Not included | Included |
| Mobility assistance | Light support | Included |
| Typical hourly cost | £18-30 | £22-38 |
Our Companionship Care Services
We offer flexible companionship care to match different needs and preferences. From regular hourly visits to 24-hour live-in companionship, we tailor support to what works for you.
Hourly Companionship Visits
Regular visits from 1 hour upwards, scheduled at times that suit you. Perfect for a chat, activities, or accompanied outings.
- Minimum 1 hour visits
- Flexible scheduling
- Same carer consistency
Daytime Companionship
Companionship during daytime hours when loneliness can be most acute. Share meals, activities, and conversation.
- Morning, afternoon, or all day
- Meal companionship
- Activity-focused visits
Evening Companionship
Company during evening hours for those who find nights particularly lonely. Dinner, TV, and settling routines.
- Dinner companionship
- Evening activities
- Settling to bed
Live-In Companionship
24-hour companionship for those who need ongoing support and company. A live-in companion provides constant friendship.
- 24/7 companionship
- From £1,200/week
- Dedicated companion
Respite Companionship
Temporary companionship to give family carers a well-deserved break while ensuring their loved one has quality company.
- Short-term arrangements
- Family carer relief
- Holiday cover
How We Match You with the Right Companion
The success of companionship care depends on finding the right match. That's why we invest significant time and care in understanding who will be the best fit for you or your loved one.
Our matching process goes beyond availability. We consider personality, interests, communication style, and life experience to create pairings where genuine friendship can flourish.
Once matched, you'll have the same companion visit each time. This consistency is essential for building the trust and familiarity that makes companionship care so valuable.
Shared hobbies and interestsPersonality and communication styleLife experience and backgroundScheduling preferencesPet compatibilityLanguage and cultural considerations
Step 1
Understanding You
We take time to learn about interests, hobbies, personality, and preferences during the assessment.
Step 2
Careful Matching
We match companions based on shared interests, personality compatibility, and practical considerations.
Step 3
Introduction Visit
We arrange an introduction visit so you can meet your companion before regular visits begin.
Step 4
Consistency
You'll see the same companion each visit, building a genuine friendship over time.
How Much Does Companionship Care Cost?
Companionship care is typically more affordable than personal care as it focuses on social and emotional support rather than hands-on physical care.
Hourly Companionship
£18 - £30per hour
Regular visiting companionship care
- Minimum 1 hour visits
- Conversation and activities
- Light housekeeping included
- Accompanied outings
Live-In Companionship
£1,200 - £1,500per week
24-hour companionship at home
- Dedicated live-in companion
- All meals and activities
- Light housekeeping
- Overnight presence
Personal Care (Comparison)
£22 - £38per hour
For reference - personal care rates
- Hands-on personal care
- Washing and dressing
- Medication support
- Mobility assistance
Regional Pricing Note
Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire rates align with South East pricing (higher end of range). The Homecare Association recommends a minimum rate of £32.14/hour for 2025-26 to cover full costs of care delivery
Funding Options for Companionship Care
Need help understanding funding options? Call us on 01707 707599 for guidance.
Request Free QuoteAttendance Allowance
Up to £108.55/week (2024) for those over 65 with care needs. Not means-tested.
Local Authority Funding
Following a care needs assessment, councils may contribute to care costs.
Direct Payments
Receive funding directly to arrange your own care with a provider of your choice.
Private Funding
Many families fund companionship privately as it's more affordable than personal care.
Areas We Cover
We provide companionship care across Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire from our CQC-registered branches. Local carers serving local communities.
Hertfordshire
CQC Rated GoodBased in Hatfield
Our Hertfordshire branch provides companionship care across the county, from our office at 32 Market Place, Hatfield AL10 0LN.
- St Albans
- Watford
- Hemel Hempstead
- Stevenage
- Hitchin
- Welwyn Garden City
- Hatfield
- Letchworth
- Waltham Cross
- Borehamwood
- Harpenden
- Potters Bar
- Bishops Stortford
- Royston
- Baldock
- Knebworth
- Brookmans Park
- Shenley
- London Colney
- Wheathampstead
- Berkhamsted
- Tring
- Rickmansworth
- Abbots Langley
- Redbourn
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough
01733 911656Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
Our Cambridgeshire branch covers Peterborough and surrounding areas, from our office at Stuart House, East Wing, St John's Street, Peterborough.
- Peterborough
- Cambridge
- Huntingdon
- Ely
- St Neots
- March
- Wisbech
- St Ives
- Ramsey
- Yaxley
- Whittlesey
- Chatteris
- Soham
- Littleport
- Sawston
- Godmanchester
- Stamford
- Sawtry
- Eye
- Crowland
- Thorney
- Market Deeping
Not sure if we cover your area? Call us on 01707 707599 to check availability.
OUR PREMIER CARE SERVICES
Flexible visiting care, from occasional support to regular daily visits.
Our carers help with everyday tasks that make the difference between struggling at home and thriving at home.
Learn MorePersonal Care
Dignified support with washing, dressing, bathing, and getting ready for the day. Our carers take their time and respect your privacy.
Learn MoreCompanionship & Wellbeing
More than just company – our carers build genuine relationships. From shared cups of tea to trips to the shops, we help reduce loneliness.
Learn MoreMedication Support
Help with medication reminders, prompts, and administration where agreed in your care plan. Our carers are trained and follow clear guidance to keep you safe.
Learn MoreDementia Care at Home
Calm, consistent support from carers who understand dementia. We focus on maintaining routines, reducing anxiety, and helping families feel confident.
Ready to Arrange Companionship Care?
Take the first step towards combating loneliness for your loved one. Contact us for a free, no-obligation conversation about how companionship care could help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Companionship Care
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please call us on +44 1707 707599.
Chat with our team.