Twelve questions to ask before hiring a companion

Choosing someone to spend time in your parent's home is a big decision, and most families make it during a stressful week. These twelve questions cut through the marketing and show you how a provider really works.

Checks and insurance

First, is every companion PVG checked, and are references taken up and verified? Second, is the service insured for visits and for outings in a car? Third, who supervises the companions, and how often?

Continuity

Fourth, will the same companion come every week? Fifth, what happens when they are on holiday or unwell, and will we meet the cover person? Sixth, how do you match a companion to a person, and what happens if the match is not right?

The visits themselves

Seventh, what is included in a visit, and what is not? Eighth, can the companion drive my parent to an appointment or the shops? Ninth, how do you keep me informed after each visit, especially if I live far away?

Money and commitment

Tenth, what is the full price, including travel, evenings and weekends? Eleventh, what notice do I give to change or cancel a visit, and how are cancellations charged? Twelfth, is there a minimum contract, and how do we stop if it is no longer needed?

What good answers sound like

A confident provider answers all twelve without hedging, puts the price in writing, and is willing to tell you when they are not the right service. Be wary of anyone who avoids the question about cover, or who cannot explain how staff are paid. Pay and continuity are closely linked.

Our answers

Every Niamz companion is PVG checked, insured, reference checked and paid the real Living Wage. You get a named companion, a named cover companion, a clear price before anything starts, and a free phone conversation first. Cancellation terms are discussed and agreed as part of your contract, so nothing is a surprise.

Book a free callback at a time that suits you, or call 01236 359027 and ask us all twelve.