Home care service
Companion care
Companion care is friendly, attentive company at home — someone to talk with, share a meal or a walk, keep an eye on how things are going, and help the day feel less empty.
Is this the right kind of help?
You might recognize some of these:
- They live alone and you worry about the hours between your visits and calls
- They’ve pulled back from friends, hobbies or church since a loss or a move
- Days go by with little conversation and not much reason to get up and dressed
- You’re driving across town constantly just to check they’re alright
- They’re physically capable, but low, forgetful about meals, or not quite themselves
If a few of those ring true, a conversation with a care coordinator is a good next step — there’s no obligation.
What’s included
- Conversation, reading together — the newspaper, a favorite book, letters from family — card games, puzzles, hobbies, music and looking through old photos
- A companion for walks, appointments, the salon, church or a coffee out
- Help planning the day and keeping a routine so time has some shape
- Light help around the house — a meal together, dishes, tidying, a load of laundry
- Reminders for meals, fluids and medication times
- A regular, informal check on wellbeing, with the family kept in the loop
The exact tasks are set in a written care plan you approve, and adjusted as needs change.
How Selectives delivers it
We match companions for personality as much as for availability — a shared love of gardening, the same football team, an easy way of talking. The right match is what turns a visit from a chore into something looked forward to.
Companion caregivers also notice things: a change in appetite, a new unsteadiness, mail piling up. Because they see your loved one regularly, they often spot small problems early, while they’re still small.
Who it’s for
Companion care suits older adults living alone, people who have become isolated after a bereavement or a move, and families who live far away and want a reliable, friendly presence checking in.
Typical schedules
- Five or more hours two or three afternoons a week
- A standing weekly visit for an outing and errands
- Daily check-in visits, morning or evening
Care agreements run for a minimum of three months, with two weeks’ notice required to cancel the agreement. Visits have a five-hour minimum and no weekly minimum. Please give 24 hours’ notice to change or cancel a visit; there is no late cancellation fee.
What it costs and how to pay
Pricing is provided after a nurse evaluates your needs. Visits have a five-hour minimum, with no minimum weekly hours. There is currently no additional rate for evening, overnight or live-in care.
Invoices are issued weekly or every two weeks, as agreed. We accept checks and bank transfers. No deposit or card on file is required.
Private pay is our primary focus, and we also work with long-term care insurance and Veterans benefits. Selectives also participates as a Maryland Medicaid provider under the Community Options Program; Medicaid services are subject to eligibility, authorization, program requirements, service availability and other applicable requirements. Contact our care team to discuss your needs and available options.
Companion care: common questions
What’s the difference between companion care and personal care?
Companion care is company, supervision and light help around the house. Personal care adds hands-on help with bathing, dressing and toileting. Many families start with companion care and add personal care later as needs change.
Can the companion take my mom to appointments and the store?
Yes. Companions can drive your loved one, or ride along, to medical appointments, errands, social visits and activities, and help from the front door through to getting home and settled.
How do you choose who visits?
We match on interests, temperament and language, and you meet the caregiver before care starts. If the fit isn’t right, tell us and we’ll change it — no awkward conversation needed.
Is there a minimum number of hours?
Visits have a five-hour minimum. There is no minimum number of hours per week.
Talk to someone today
A free, no-pressure conversation about what your family needs — call us, or start online and we’ll call you back.