Frequently Asked Questions

Companion care focuses on social, emotional, and practical support — conversation, accompaniment, help with everyday tasks, and a reassuring presence. It is not a medical or nursing service. Clinical care involves regulated health interventions such as medication administration, wound care, or clinical assessment, which fall outside the scope of companion care.

No. Companion care is strictly non-clinical. A companion will not administer medication, carry out any clinical procedure, or provide nursing interventions. If clinical support is required, this should be arranged separately through a registered healthcare provider or community nursing service.

Clinical care addresses physical health needs, but many people also benefit from consistent social contact, emotional support, and practical help that falls outside a nurse or carer's clinical remit. Companion care fills that gap — providing unhurried time, genuine conversation, and a steady, familiar presence.

No. Home care agencies typically provide personal care (washing, dressing, continence support) and may employ multiple carers on a rota. Harebell Home Companions offers a private, one-to-one companion relationship — consistent, unhurried, and focused on quality of connection rather than task completion.

Every visit is shaped around the individual. It might involve a walk, a shared meal, help with correspondence or appointments, conversation over tea, or simply a calm and attentive presence. There is no fixed agenda — the focus is on what feels most valuable on that particular day.

Frequency is agreed at the outset and can be adjusted as needs change. Some clients prefer a regular weekly visit; others arrange more frequent contact or occasional support around specific events or transitions. Telephone companionship is also available for those who prefer or require remote contact.

Telephone companionship offers regular, scheduled calls for those who would benefit from consistent social contact but are unable to receive in-person visits, or who simply prefer to connect by phone. Calls are unhurried and conversational — a reliable point of contact and a familiar voice.

Yes. Consistency is central to the Harebell approach. The same companion will visit each time, allowing a genuine relationship to develop and ensuring that the person receiving support feels at ease.

All information shared — by the client, their family, or their wider care team — is treated with complete discretion. Nothing is shared with third parties without explicit consent, except where there is a safeguarding concern that requires it.

In-person companion care is available across Gloucestershire, Bristol, and the Home Counties. Telephone companionship is available regardless of location. If you are unsure whether your area is covered, please get in touch — enquiries from outside the primary coverage area are always welcome.

Yes. Companion visits can take place in a care home, hospital, or any other setting where the individual is residing, subject to the facility's own visiting arrangements. Please mention this when making an enquiry.

Accompaniment to appointments, events, or outings beyond the standard coverage area may be possible by arrangement. Please discuss your specific requirements at the initial consultation.

The first step is to make an enquiry using the form on this website, or by telephone. An initial conversation will follow to understand your situation and what kind of support would be most helpful. There is no obligation at this stage.

Yes. Before any visits begin, an introductory meeting takes place — either in person or by telephone — to discuss needs, preferences, and practical arrangements. This is also an opportunity for the client and their family to ask questions and ensure they feel comfortable before proceeding.

At the enquiry stage, it is helpful to share a brief outline of the situation, the type of support being considered, the preferred location, and any particular preferences or requirements. More detailed information can be gathered at the initial consultation.

Where possible, requests at short notice will be accommodated. Availability cannot always be guaranteed, so early enquiry is encouraged — particularly for regular or ongoing support.