Plan a companion visit around something the person wants to do
Example. A parent in Sugar House enjoys cooking but has stopped going to the grocery store alone. Start with a shared grocery list and a visit to put food away and prepare lunch together. Ask whether the person prefers an outing, company at home, or a mix of both.
What to check before the first visit
- Choose one activity they look forward to.
- Agree on one practical task for each visit.
- Ask who drives, whose car is used and how transportation is billed.
- Decide what you want the provider to tell you after a visit.
Where the scope needs confirmation
If the person needs hands-on help with bathing, toileting or moving between surfaces, ask about personal care and the provider’s scope. Discuss clinical needs with the treating team.
Compare companion care with personal care →
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Build the visit around a real routine
Write down two or three specific goals before comparing agencies. A useful request is 'help Dad make lunch and get ready for his Thursday appointment,' rather than simply 'check on Dad.' Ask each provider which tasks its caregivers can perform and how those tasks become part of a written plan.
Include the person receiving support in the discussion. Their preferred meals, conversation, activities, and level of privacy should shape the visit. The right arrangement should feel understandable to them as well as manageable for the family.
- Which parts of the day feel lonely or difficult?
- Would meal preparation, light household help, or accompaniment be useful?
- What would a successful first week look like?
Compare the practical details
For an Ogden or Layton household, give the provider the actual ZIP, preferred days, visit times, and any transportation needs. Ask whether transportation means the caregiver drives, accompanies someone else, or helps arrange a ride. Confirm vehicle and insurance requirements directly.
Get a written quote that shows visit minimums, travel charges, cancellation terms, and the process for a missed visit. Agree on who receives updates and what information the person receiving care has agreed to share.
Keep the scope clear
Companionship is different from nursing or rehabilitation. If hands-on bathing, transfers, or clinical care are also needed, ask for an assessment of those needs rather than assuming a companion visit includes them.
Questions families ask
Does Medicare pay for companionship by itself?
Medicare generally does not cover ongoing non-medical long-term care. Ask your plan about specific benefits; do not assume a companion-care invoice will be covered.
Can the family try a small schedule first?
Ask the provider about its minimum visits and review process. Choose a schedule that meets the person's needs, then agree on a date to discuss how it is working.
Useful sources
Sources reviewed October 15, 2026. External resources are provided for information; listing them does not imply a partnership or referral arrangement.