Companion care is non-medical support for an older adult who is mostly independent but lonely, isolated, or struggling to keep up with daily life. A companion caregiver provides conversation, company on outings, help with errands and light meals, and a regular friendly presence. It does not include hands-on personal care like bathing or medication administration.

If your parent is safe at home but spending too many days alone, companion care is usually the right first step, and it is the most affordable type of in-home support.

What does a companion caregiver actually do?

Companion care is flexible, but most visits include some mix of:

  • Conversation and company: cards, puzzles, walks, looking through photos, or simply being present
  • Accompaniment to appointments, church, the hairdresser, or social events
  • Errands together or on the senior''s behalf: groceries, pharmacy pickups, the post office
  • Light meal preparation and shared meals
  • Help with hobbies, technology, video calls with family, and correspondence
  • Light housekeeping tied to the visit, like tidying the kitchen after lunch
  • Reminders to take medication (but not administering it)
  • A regular check-in that gives the family peace of mind

What it does not include: bathing, dressing, toileting, transfers, wound care, or giving medications. Those are personal care or home health services, which cost more and are regulated differently.

Companion care vs. personal care vs. home health

Families often mix these up, and the difference matters for both cost and licensing:

  • Companion care: social support, errands, meals, and supervision. Non-medical, usually unlicensed or lightly regulated, about $20 to $35 per hour.
  • Personal care (home care aide): hands-on help with bathing, dressing, and mobility. Requires a trained aide, about $25 to $40 per hour.
  • Home health care: skilled nursing, physical therapy, or medical care ordered by a doctor. Provided by licensed clinicians, often covered by Medicare when medically necessary.

Many families start with companion care and add personal care later as needs grow. A good local provider will tell you honestly when it is time to step up.

How much does companion care cost?

Companion care is the least expensive form of in-home support. Typical ranges in the US and Canada:

  • Independent local companions: about $18 to $30 per hour ($25 to $40 CAD)
  • Agency companion care: about $25 to $40 per hour, with minimum visit lengths of 2 to 4 hours
  • Live-in or overnight companionship: priced daily, varies widely by market

Independent micro-providers, the kind listed on CareProximity, are often at the lower end because there is no agency markup, and they can usually offer more flexible schedules than a large agency''s minimum hours.

Does Medicare cover companion care?

No. Original Medicare does not cover companion care, because it is not medical care. Medicare only pays for skilled home health services ordered by a doctor.

There are a few partial exceptions worth checking:

  • Some Medicare Advantage plans include limited in-home support benefits
  • Medicaid home and community-based waivers in some states cover companion-type services for eligible seniors
  • Long-term care insurance policies often cover companion care once benefit triggers are met
  • Veterans may qualify for VA home-based programs or Aid and Attendance benefits
  • In Canada, some provincial programs and veterans benefits cover homemaking and companionship hours

For most families, companion care is paid out of pocket, which is why the lower hourly rate of an independent local provider matters.

Signs your parent might need a companion

Companion care is worth considering when you notice:

  • They mention loneliness, or you realize days pass without them seeing anyone
  • They have stopped driving and are losing touch with friends and activities
  • The fridge is empty or full of expired food because shopping feels overwhelming
  • They skip appointments because getting there alone feels hard
  • You are calling every day out of worry, and it is wearing on both of you
  • Early memory issues mean they should not be alone all day, but they do not need hands-on care yet

How to choose a companion caregiver you can trust

Because companion care is unregulated in most places, the vetting is on you. Ask every candidate:

  • Can you provide a recent background check and two references from local families?
  • What does a typical visit look like, and how do you handle a client who is quiet or resistant at first?
  • Are you insured, and do you have your own transportation?
  • What is your backup plan if you are sick or away?
  • How will you keep the family updated after visits?

Then do a trial visit. The single best predictor of success is whether your parent genuinely likes the person, so involve them in the choice and be willing to try a second companion if the first match does not click.

Finding companion care near you

CareProximity lists independent companion care providers and small local businesses across the US and Canada, so you can find someone in your parent''s own neighbourhood rather than a rotating agency worker. Browse companion care and daily support providers in your city, or use the free Match Me service and we will hand-match you with vetted local specialists.

For the next step after companion care, see our guides on making the home safer and choosing transportation support.