Companion care may be provided on a formal or informal basis. Some older adults have friends who stop by periodically for a friendly visit and help them manage the household tasks.

Companions typically make regular visits, which may vary in frequency depending on the care recipient’s unique needs. Usually, companions visit at least weekly, while some may visit two to three times per week or even daily to help older adults prepare meals, take care of laundry, and other tasks. Schedules may also vary depending on appointments. If an older adult has an appointment scheduled outside of typical visit hours, companions will often adjust their schedules to accommodate these needs or make arrangements for other transportation.

Companions provide a variety of services that makes life more manageable for older adults, but companionship itself is perhaps the most important, particularly for seniors who live alone and find it difficult to get out of the house. Older adults living independently often experience loneliness and isolation, and companions engage in conversation, take walks with their care recipients, and play games like card games or board games, and simply provide a listening ear and someone to talk to.

Older adults and people with disabilities may also struggle with mobility and other challenges that make carrying out everyday tasks like washing dishes and laundry difficult. By taking care of tasks like light housekeeping, companions alleviate a tremendous burden from their care recipients, resulting in greater quality of life.