Company, outings, shopping and the things that make a week worth having
Companionship
Time with someone who comes to see you, not to do a task: a walk along the river, the market on Tuesday, the library, a game of cards, help with letters and the phone, or just a pot of tea and a proper conversation.
Loneliness is one of the biggest risks to older people's health, and one of the easiest to do something about. Companionship visits are for people who are managing at home but have too many long, quiet days.
We match companions carefully: someone who also likes rugby, or speaks Welsh, or knows the hills, or simply has a similar sense of humour. Visits are usually two or three hours, once or twice a week, and can include an outing in the carer's car: Abergavenny market, the castle, a garden centre, a café in Crickhowell, the cemetery on an anniversary. Companions also help with the small practical things that get harder: shopping, letters, the phone, a hospital appointment.
Families who live away often start with companionship and add personal care later if it is needed, which means the person already knows and trusts the carers. Companions notice changes, a person eating less or more confused than usual, and tell the family and the office.
What it includes
- Visits of two or three hours
- Outings in the carer's car
- Shopping, letters, phone calls
- Hospital and GP appointments
- Matched by interests and language
- Changes noticed and passed on
What it costs
£29.50 an hour on weekdays, usually in visits of two or three hours. Mileage for outings at 45p a mile. The cost estimator works out a weekly figure, and explains what the council may pay towards.
Questions about companionship
Can the companion speak Welsh?
Eleven of our carers are Welsh speakers. Say so on the enquiry and we will match a Welsh speaker where we can.
Is mileage extra?
Yes, 45p a mile for outings in the carer's car, recorded in the diary. There is no charge for the carer travelling to you.
Talk to Bethan or Tomos about care.
Ring, send the enquiry form or drop into Frogmore Street. We will talk through what is needed, explain the costs and the council's part honestly, and arrange a free first visit at home, usually within a week.