Companionship care for the Elderly
Loneliness is common among older adults and can affect both mental and physical health. Companion care provides meaningful company, emotional support, and helps older people stay connected to the world around them. At Elder, we offer visiting and live-in companion care services tailored to your loved one’s needs.
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What is companion care?
Companion care is designed for older adults experiencing loneliness, social isolation, or needing emotional support. It can involve visiting carers who provide companionship during the day or live-in carers who offer 24-hour support.
Unlike traditional care focused solely on physical tasks, companion care prioritises mental wellbeing, enabling older people to continue enjoying hobbies, social activities, and daily routines while staying safe and supported.
Why is companionship so important in later life?
Loneliness in older adults
Social networks often shrink with age. According to Age UK, over 2 million people over 75 live alone in England, and 940,000 over 65 report feeling lonely. Loneliness can reduce confidence, motivation, and overall quality of life.
The holiday effect: Christmas and social isolation
Older adults may feel especially isolated during the holidays, with 1 million reporting heightened loneliness at Christmas. Winter weather and closed services can intensify isolation, making companion care even more crucial.
Types of companion care services
Visiting companion care
Ideal for older adults who are fairly independent. Carers can visit regularly to provide company, help with household tasks, meal preparation, or social activities.
Live-in companion care
For those needing more support or constant company, live-in care offers 24/7 companionship and personal care in the comfort of home.
Befriending services and social clubs
For socially active older adults, volunteer-led services or social groups provide friendship and community engagement, often at no cost.
What does a companion carer do?
Companion carers help older adults live fulfilling and independent lives, including:
- Emotional support: Listening, reminiscing, and meaningful conversation
- Supporting interests: Encouraging hobbies and favourite activities
- Meal assistance: Cooking, sharing meals, and promoting nutrition
- Daily activities and outings: Shopping, appointments, trips, and social events
- Domestic help: Light household chores, laundry, tidying
- Continuity of care: Consistent carers build trust and stronger relationships.
What are the benefits of companion care?
- Reduced loneliness and social isolation
- Improved mental wellbeing and confidence
- Enhanced daily motivation and structure
- Emotional relief for family caregivers
- Safe engagement with hobbies, outings, and social events.
David's story
The emotional connection that formed at home between David’s loved one and her carer became just as important as the practical support.
“She cried because the carer was leaving and everything else and she was like we’re friends, you know, so they’d become friends. They’ll watch TV together, have biscuits together and I couldn’t ask for anything more than a companion also at this time.”
Read more
How much does companion care cost in the UK?
The cost of companionship care can differ a lot depending on the level of support needed.
While visiting care is often the most affordable form of paid companionship, you’ll be charged according to the hours of care provided. If you only need a few hours a week, you may be able to keep the cost of care below £100.
However, if you’re looking for full-time support or more dedicated help with daily tasks too, the cost of visiting care may be comparable to that of full-time live in care.
With Elder, live-in care can start from £1,150 a week, however, you’ll have an elderly companion with your loved one 24/7, and get more personalised care for your money.
Your loved one may be eligible for funding from their local council to help with the cost of care. Ask the social services department for a care assessment, this will work out if they’re eligible for paid help. They will follow this with a financial assessment and look at their financial assets to understand how much money they need for care, and if they have the means to pay for it.
How Elder can help you find companion care
At Elder, we connect families with vetted, self-employed carers through our personality-matching platform.
More Choice
Choose from carers tailored to your loved one's requirements and speak with them to ensure they're the right fit. Easy to change if you're not satisfied.
More Support
Our family support specialists ensure you get the right care for your loved one, whilst our clinical teams ensure their needs are safely met.
More Control
With our custom-built app, you can manage and set your care hours, as well as collaborate with your family so everyone stays informed and connected.
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