So how do we value a Just Company companion? This is a question we are often asked, a question hard to answer. The question is what is the ‘price’ of companionship? Someone who brings happiness and friendship, is dependable, respectful and trustworthy. This companion brings relief from long periods of isolation, and boredom – a welcome break from being trapped in one place, with no break, sometimes for days and weeks at a time.
Why is it hard to answer? Because there are a multitude of variations. Firstly, companionship is what you pay for.
This is the feedback from a daughter who asked Just Company to visit her mum, who is in a residential home, twice a week for four hours: ‘I want to share something mum said to me the other day. She was very tearful that day, but she enjoyed opening some presents I had taken her. After she had opened them all, she said – ’ “Do you know what the very best present I have received is?” I said I couldn’t guess and she kept telling me she wasn’t sure she could tell me what it was. But when I pressed her, she told me that her very best Christmas present was Viv (Just Company companion), because she has transformed my life.” We both shed a tear!'
Another client wrote to say: ‘(My Just Company companion)…picked me up for my day out. I had chosen to visit the Lake District, which included a trip to Brantwood, then lunch followed by a lovely sail on the steam yacht gondola. It was a delightful day out. This was a birthday present from my son and will take some following next year. He (my son) was so pleased that he will be recommending Just Company’.
Secondly, the ethos of Just Company is to recruit only companions who are of a standard which reflects the experience and understanding they bring to the company. Reflecting the quality of our companions is evident in how much we pay them. We will not just pay the minimum wage or even living wage, we pay our companions a wage appropriate to their quality, their work experience and standard of practice expected. Just Company is not just about visiting someone and maybe doing jobs about the home and garden, it is about building meaningful relationships. It’s about breaking the isolation and loneliness often experienced by older people as they become less able to get out and about. It's about keeping mentally and/or physically active and enjoying life.
“I really look forward to you coming, to take me out and away from these four walls.”
The best way to get a sense of the costs and whether this is the right solution for you is to have an initial chat with us. So drop us an email or click the 'get in contact' button at the bottom of the page.
A companion is a friend who is dependable, trustworthy and exclusively selected to meet your needs. They’ve been chosen for their ability to enhance and encourage you to remain active and involved.
Find out moreWhether you want a trip to the shops, an afternoon tea, a walk in the countryside or you just want to sit at home and have a good old natter, Just Company will make it happen.
Call us and chatIt all starts with a conversation. You contact us and we'll ask a host of questions about the person who's need of companionship to assess their needs and whether we can provide the required. support.
Find out moreJust Company was started by Vivienne and Fran after they both experienced difficulties with not being able to see an elderly relative as often as they would have liked. They searched for a companionship company who could take their relative out to enjoy their favourite pastimes. They found plenty of companies offering people to go and sit in their relative’s home but not one that would indulge their loved one with wonderful outings. They set up Just Company to offer what they could not find.
They both know what it is like to feel useless and guilty about not seeing their loved ones as often as they would like. This is the inspiration for Just Company because they know they are not the only ones in this situation.
Vivienne is a trustee for Kendal Dementia Alliance Association and is actively engaged in supporting individuals and families who are feeling the effects of dementia.
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