Frequently Asked Questions About Our Companionship Support Service

TrueCare Companionship is a local Hertfordshire visiting service that focuses solely on friendly human connection. We are not a regulated care provider, so no washing, dressing or medication is involved. Instead, our trained companions spend quality time chatting, sharing interests, accompanying clients on walks, appointments or hobbies, and simply being there when family cannot. This personal approach lifts mood, reduces isolation and reassures relatives that their loved one is enjoying meaningful company while remaining independent at home every single day.

No. We work alongside domiciliary carers, district nurses and family members, adding the social element that busy care schedules often cannot cover. Our companions never undertake personal care or clinical tasks, so there is no overlap or conflict with regulated providers. Instead, we coordinate visit times to suit existing routines, making sure the client is comfortable, stimulated and heard. This flexible partnership means each person receives both practical assistance from caregivers and genuine friendship from us every single visit happily.

Every companion is selected for warmth, reliability and good conversation skills. We conduct enhanced DBS checks, verify references, and interview face-to-face to ensure genuine empathy. Successful applicants complete induction covering safeguarding, first aid, dementia awareness, infection control and confidentiality. Ongoing supervision, spot checks and regular training updates keep standards high. We also match companions to clients based on interests, personality and availability, meaning visits feel natural and enjoyable from day one for everyone involved, bringing peace of mind to families.

Your time together is completely personalised. Many clients enjoy reminiscing over photo albums, playing cards, gardening, gentle exercise, puzzles, baking, craft projects or simply sharing a cup of tea and conversation. Companions can accompany you on scenic walks, community groups, faith services, library visits, shopping trips or medical and hair appointments. We are happy to read aloud, help write letters, explore technology, or watch a favourite film. Whatever sparks interest, we’ll adapt the visit around you each friendly relaxed session.

Visit length is flexible. Most clients book one-hour sessions, but ninety-minute or two-hour visits are equally popular, especially when outings are planned. We believe quality matters more than clock-watching, so our schedule always allows a comfortable margin for conversation, mobility and travel. You can arrange multiple visits each week or occasional top-ups around family commitments. Simply tell us what suits your lifestyle and budget; we’ll confirm a regular day and time or adjust whenever circumstances change without extra hidden fees.

Absolutely. We encourage relatives, neighbours or close friends to join whenever they wish, particularly at the start of the relationship. Shared activities help everyone get to know one another and ensure the client feels comfortable. Many families use our visits to catch up virtually; companions can facilitate video calls or share photos after each session. Whether you pop in for ten minutes or stay for the full outing, our goal is to create inclusive, enjoyable experiences together for all generations.

Based in Stevenage, we currently visit clients throughout the town and neighbouring villages including Knebworth, Hitchin, Welwyn, Codicote, Letchworth and Baldock. We also travel across wider North Hertfordshire, East Hertfordshire and parts of Central Bedfordshire when time allows. Mileage is kept reasonable so companions are never rushed. If you live slightly outside these places, please get in touch; we are expanding steadily and will always try to accommodate new areas or recommend a trusted partner within our growing friendly network.

Our transparent pricing is simple: one inclusive hourly rate with no weekend or bank-holiday surcharges. The fee covers travel within our service area, activity planning, written visit notes for families and regular wellbeing updates. We invoice fortnightly and accept bank transfer or standing order. Because we do not provide regulated personal care, funding through local authority care packages is uncommon, but many clients use Attendance Allowance or private funds. Contact us for the latest rate and bespoke visit options today.

Plans change, and we understand. You can cancel or move a visit without charge by giving us 24 hours’ notice. If shorter notice is unavoidable due to illness or emergencies, we will do our best to rearrange within the same week so no one misses out. Visits cancelled on arrival may incur the full fee to cover companion time and travel. Equally, if we ever need to change a booking, we’ll offer an alternative slot that suits you perfectly too.

Getting started is straightforward. Phone, email or send us a website enquiry and we’ll arrange a free, no-obligation home visit to discuss needs, interests and preferred times. A family member or friend is welcome to attend. After confirming details, we’ll hand-pick a compatible companion and schedule a trial visit. If everyone is happy, we book regular sessions and forward a service agreement for transparency. There are no joining fees, just friendly support from the very first hello to your doorstep.