Companion Care for Seniors
Conversation, outings, meals together and a steady, friendly presence for an older adult who lives alone or spends long days by themselves. Post what you need for free and hire a caregiver directly.
What a companion caregiver can help with
- Conversation, cards, puzzles and shared hobbies
- Walks and outings to the park, library or senior center
- Company at meals, and help preparing them
- Rides or escort to appointments, church and visits
- Reminders for medication, meals and appointments
- Light housekeeping and laundry during the visit
- Calls or messages to update family who live away
What to know before hiring a companion caregiver
Isolation is a health risk, not only a mood. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found that nearly one in four Americans aged 65 and older living in the community is socially isolated, and linked isolation to higher risks of dementia, heart disease and early death (2020 report).
Companion care is non-medical. A companion does not bathe, dress or lift the person unless they also offer personal care, so say in your posting if those tasks may be needed later.
Questions to ask
- What do you enjoy doing with the people you care for?
- Are you comfortable driving, and is your car insured for passengers?
- How do you handle a client who does not want company at first?
- Which days and times can you keep the same week to week?
Companion Care by state
Each state page lists its cities. Each city page shows local Census figures and the Medicare-certified providers nearby.
Companion Care: common questions
What does a companion caregiver do in your area?
A companion keeps an older adult company and helps around the visit: conversation, activities, walks, meals, errands, rides and reminders. It suits someone who is mostly independent but lonely, or a family that wants someone to check in on weekdays.
Does Medicare pay for companion care?
No. Medicare does not pay for companionship or other custodial care when that is the only care needed (Medicare.gov). Some Medicaid home and community-based programs, long-term care insurance policies and veterans’ benefits do. Your Area Agency on Aging can also point you to volunteer friendly-visitor programs.
Find companion care for someone you love
Posting is free and takes about ten minutes. Caregivers near you can see it as soon as it is live.
Create your free family accountLooking for caregiving work instead? Create a free caregiver profile.
