Description of the companion profession
A companion, whether a lady or a gentleman, is an individual who provides companionship to an elderly person to prevent isolation and loneliness. This person is employed by a private family or an individual and may either reside at the employer’s home or not. They organize walks, activities, and stimulate the elderly person physically and intellectually.
The companion also takes care of household chores such as home maintenance, cleaning linens, ironing, grocery shopping, and purchases related to household needs, as well as meal preparation.
Depending on the level of autonomy of the elderly person, the companion may also assist with dressing, personal hygiene, feeding, and mobility.
Companions do not have a medical role; their mission is to ensure the tranquillity of the person at their home and make their life as pleasant as possible to avoid placing them in a retirement home.
A companion can manage the clothing of the person, take care of their appearance, and ensure the daily intake of all medications. They may also conduct exercises to maintain the employer’s well-being (walking, strolls, or even massages).
They must also be a companion, as the name suggests, and organize social activities such as theater outings, park visits, and other forms of entertainment. It is a profession that is relatively unknown as such in France.
However, it is a profession at the heart of personal service, helping combat the isolation of the elderly by sharing activities and conversations with them.
Qualities of a Home Companion:
- Listening skills
- Empathy
- Discretion
- Compassion
- Availability
Role of a Home Companion:
- Accompany the elderly person in their daily life
- Engage in daily conversations with the person
- Brighten the person’s life
- Take care of the elderly person
- Provide companionship to the person
Responsibilities of a Home Companion:
- Share interests with the elderly person
- Engage in conversations with the elderly person
- Provide companionship to the elderly person
- Accompany the elderly person to leisure activities
- Household maintenance
- Cleaning the elderly person’s linens, ironing
- Grocery shopping
- Meal preparation
Contact one of the recruiters from the “Morgan & Mallet Caregiver Agency” to meet candidates for home companions.