Companionship
Someone to talk to, walk with and look forward to.
A screened, trained companion who lives nearby visits your parent for conversation, hobbies, walks and outings. Loneliness is hard on health; a regular friendly visit helps.
$29/hour
What's included
- Conversation, reading aloud, cards and board games
- Walks around the neighbourhood
- Going to appointments, the bank, the library or a place of worship
- Short errands and picking up a few things
- Company during the day while family is at work
- Letting you know how the visit went
Not included
- Housework, laundry and cooking (choose Home Help)
- Bathing, dressing or the toilet (choose Personal Care)
Who provides it
A Nearkin Companion: 18 or older, interviewed, references checked, a vulnerable sector police check, and Nearkin training in communication, dementia, safety and boundaries.
How we screen caregiversFamilies often choose it when
- Your parent lives alone and spends long days without company
- They've stopped going out because getting there feels like too much
- You want a regular check-in on weekdays while you work
- They'd enjoy someone who speaks their language
What a visit can look like
A three-hour Tuesday afternoon: tea and a chat about the news, a slow walk to the pharmacy and back, then a game of cards before dinner. You get a short note afterwards.
Common questions
How long is a visit?
At least 2 hours. Most families book 2 to 4 hours, once or a few times a week.
Can the companion drive my parent?
By default, caregivers go with your parent by transit or taxi, and you pay the fare. Tell us if you need something else and we'll see what's possible.
Can I ask for a companion who speaks my parent's language?
Yes. Tell us the language when you request care and we'll match by language as well as location and availability.
Nearkin does not provide nursing or medical services, such as injections, wound care or managing medication doses. For those, ask Ontario Health atHome (call 310-2222, no area code) or your parent's doctor.
Other services
Not sure which level? Take the care level quizEstimate a week or a month of care
Tell us what your parent needs.
We'll match a caregiver who lives nearby. No subscription, no contract.