A day in the life of a companion

At The Bespoke Life in Cheltenham, we provide a unique companionship service to each of our clients. Our aim is to provide the best quality support and friendship possible ensuring that each client forges a long-lasting relationship with their companion, enjoying every minute of the time they spend together. We aim to enrich our clients’ lives and enable them to get the best out of their day while we are on hand to assist them. Empowering everyone by continuing to nurture their independence and improve confidence in one’s abilities.

From a companion’s perspective, no two days are the same with our clients. So, we thought we’d would share with you the view from the other side. Let our companion, Sarah, walk you through what a day may look like for her.

Clocking in

When arriving at my client’s home, I ‘clock in’ on the mobile App. This allows the office team to know that I have arrived safely, and on time. The office can also track our location via GPS, this keeps us as companions, and our clients safe. It is also helpful for logging our mileage for our clients, if we decide to go out and about, making the logistics of billing transparent between The Bespoke Life and our clients and their families.

As a companion, before starting our visit, we can view the notes from the previous visit on the mobile App. This is so valuable to us as part of our work because it allows us to know how our client is and if anything significant has happened since our previous visit. For example, there could be a change to our client’s medication or an appointment that we need to be aware of. Knowing what our client has done since our last visit is also a wonderful topic for conversation and assures them that we are genuinely interested in how they are spending their time. We can also let our clients know about future visits coming up in their calendar, should they enquire.

Assessing our clients upon arrival and continually during our visit

When I arrive at my client’s home, I always take some time to assess how they are; it is a little like being a detective! I always ask how they have been since the last visit, and this is usually done over a cup of tea or coffee. One of the most important parts of the role of being a companion is to take the time to really listen and take note of anything of concern that we should be addressing with family or next of kin. Of course, we are all only human and sometimes significant situations or issues are dropped into conversation very casually over the course of a visit, it can go either way. However, how these are addressed is very important and it’s all about gauging what is best for each situation, taking into consideration all the facts, whilst retaining our clients respect and dignity. Continually monitoring our client’s health and wellbeing is so important, and this is an ongoing part of our role.

Home assessing

As well as making a note of how my client is, I always make a general note of the client’s home. For example, is it how it usually is? If it is always neat and tidy, has that changed since the last visit? It can be the simplest things that tell a story. Does a light bulb need changing? Is the space safe for them to move around? Has the washing up accumulated when it doesn’t usually? What does this tell me about the client? You can learn a lot from a few changes to the way in which people live and these things can be a good conversation starter with the client that can help you identify if they require a little extra help from us during the visit or in the future.

What are we doing today?

Although I may have some ongoing tasks that are logged for me to undertake on the mobile App, the real fun and enjoyment of the visit is usually decided over that important initial cuppa and chat. The aim is to do whatever the client wishes to that day.

“Today Mrs D decided that she needed to get a few groceries from the local supermarket. Together we set about devising a list. I assisted her by having a quick look through the cupboards and fridge. She had a general idea of what was needed but we added a few more things that were missing. It was a glorious day and so Mrs D suggested that we take a trip to the local park before we headed for the groceries, we had plenty of time to do both. Mrs D is still very independent but sometimes requires a wheelchair for the park so today we used that but also took her stick so that she could get some exercise and walk around the supermarket. Before we leave, we have a chat about making sure we have everything we need for the outing, keys, coat, water, bag, wheelchair and stick. We have a giggle about how forgetful we can both be.

The park is lovely, just enough sun and lots of people out and about enjoying the warmth of the day. We have a drink and slice of cake at the park café and while away the time chatting and laughing about all manner of topics. Lots of memories and differing opinions that give us both the opportunity to enjoy each other’s differing perspectives on life that have been formed in part by our own experiences. We amble through the park and settle a while by the duck pond, sitting silently, looking out onto the glistening water.

The supermarket isn’t too busy, so we take our time. I have the basket and keep a note of how Mrs D is doing. I know that if she needs a rest, I can take her to the on-site café and complete the rest of the shop myself. However, today is she full or energy, and inevitably as it is with shopping, we come out with a few more things that were not on the list!

We return to Mrs D’s home, and I assist with putting away the shopping and making her a drink before I leave. I always ask if anything else needs doing, sometimes it’s as simple as putting away some towels or making a phone call. We have a chat about ideas for my next visit and make a note of that. I leave ensuring that Mrs D has a wide smile on her face, that is ultimately my aim, I know then that I have done a good job!”

Making notes / clocking out

As a companion, we finish our visit a few minutes before departure, so that we can write up our notes about the events of the visit. We ensure that our notes are as precise as possible to give the clients and families a concise view of our visit and double check we have completed all tasks required on the mobile App before clocking out.

Rest and re set

Following my morning visit, I have a window of time for my break before my next client and some space to reflect over my mornings visit. This is a good opportunity to assess how the visit went and again to think about anything that I may have missed or wish to discuss or suggest with the office. I then switch off for a bit of downtime during lunch so that I am energised for my next client.

Different client, different space, different needs

For my next client, I follow the protocols of clocking in on the mobile App, looking at previous notes and tasks for the visit. Upon arrival i do my usual assessments.

Today my afternoon client is not feeling particularly well, so remains in their favourite chair with their feet up while we discuss the tasks for the visit. We have quite a long chat before I get started, talking through some concerns that have been on my client’s mind for a few days. Again, although the tasks are important, allowing my client space to talk is a clear priority for today’s visit. I ensure that they have a drink and make them some lunch before I get started.

It’s a shorter visit this afternoon, so each time I have completed a task I check in again with my client, we have a chat before I complete what’s next on my ‘to do list’. As time progresses through the visit, my client is more relaxed, and their overall mood improves. Once everything is completed, I do a quick spot check and make sure everything is in order, wash up the lunch plates and make another drink for my client. We discuss visits moving forward and the possibility of more support which my client is considering. My visit today runs over the booked time slightly, which does happen on occasion as we do not like to rush our clients.

I write up my notes and arrange to have a chat with my manager to go over a few things from my visit before clocking out.

As usual I have had two very contrasting visits that require a different skill set. Both enjoyable in different ways but also hugely rewarding. It is so nice to have a job that doesn’t feel like a job. Being able to make someone else happy really is time well spent.

Sarah, The Bespoke Life companion