The short answer
A companionship visit focuses on friendly company and agreed activities. Household help focuses on practical jobs such as changing bed linen, laundry or light tidying. Both can ease everyday pressure, but you should choose based on what the person wants—not on their age.
Side-by-side comparison
| What matters | Companionship | Household help |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Conversation and time together | Agreed everyday jobs |
| Typical activities | Tea and conversation, games, interests | Laundry, bed linen, light household routines |
| Customer involvement | Person chooses the activities | Person can do tasks together or ask for help |
| Arrangements | Agree interests, time and cost | Agree task list, supplies, time and cost |
| Personal care | Not included | Not included |
When each option fits
Companionship visit
Companionship can suit somebody who would enjoy conversation, a shared interest or company during an ordinary activity. Ask what the person actually likes. A visit need not follow a standard entertainment programme, and it is not emergency monitoring or a nursing service.
Household help
Household help makes sense when there are clear practical jobs to do. Write down the priorities, decide which tasks the person wants to stay involved in, and agree what can fit into the proposed visit. If both practical work and social company would help, discuss the combination rather than assuming one appointment covers everything.
Questions to ask
- Is the priority company or a finished household task?
- Which activity or chore matters most to the person?
- How involved do they want to be?
- How long would a comfortable visit be?
- What will the work cost, and who agrees the arrangements?
- Which privacy, access and worker checks apply?
Frequently asked questions
Can companionship and household help be combined?
You can enquire about both. The provider must agree the tasks, visit duration and price; don't assume household work is automatically included in a companionship visit.
Is either service a replacement for personal care?
No. Neither includes bathing, dressing, toileting, medication administration or nursing under Home Help Direct's current practical and social support offer.
Scope and safety
Neither service involves help with washing, bathing, dressing, toileting, medication administration, clinical care or constant supervision. If those are needed, seek an appropriately qualified or registered provider. Family involvement and visit updates require the person's consent.
Further reading
Further reading from UK organisations: