Anonymous
Post 09/21/2022 21:03     Subject: Companionship rates
Anonymous wrote:Having been through this, your expectations are way too high unless you are willing to make it full time and pay A LOT. I think you need to try doing all that with mom for 2 weeks and think about how realistic it is for a low pay job. it's easier to find someone who doesn't have to drive her around. You may want to hire a separate person just for doctor's appointments.

I found it worked best to be highly grateful for a fraction of the things on your list and to give tips if mom likes the person. You are lucky just to have someone kind to sit with her, make a snack and take her for a walk.


OP here. I'm not sure what gave you the impression this would be a low paying job. I was trying to get input on a fair rate and was thinking in the $30-$35 an hour range. I've done these things for my mom for many years and my grandparents before that, all while working a full time
job. I fully understand what is required and will of course pay well.

Anonymous
Post 09/21/2022 20:57     Subject: Re:Companionship rates
OP here. Thank you to the posters that responded with hourly ranges. It's super helpful and inline with what I was thinking.
Anonymous
Post 09/21/2022 20:56     Subject: Companionship rates
Anonymous wrote:OP, I looked at your post earlier today. I still don't have a good answer for you but wanted to respond as I've dealt with 4 elders who have since passed. The value of a service is there is back-up. Almost no one wants (only) a 4-5 hour job unless it's someone who is usually available but doesn't, daily, always have to be available Take me for example. Young retiree. I would do this but there would be big chunks of time when I couldn't. I like to travel. Every couple of months I might be gone for 10 days at a time.

This would be a sought-after gig for someone who IS employed by a service since it sounds relatively easy and fun.


OP here. Thank you so much for the insight. I'm hoping this is short term, maybe just a few months until my workload lightens and I can get back to doing all of these things with her.
Anonymous
Post 09/21/2022 18:05     Subject: Companionship rates
Having been through this, your expectations are way too high unless you are willing to make it full time and pay A LOT. I think you need to try doing all that with mom for 2 weeks and think about how realistic it is for a low pay job. it's easier to find someone who doesn't have to drive her around. You may want to hire a separate person just for doctor's appointments.

I found it worked best to be highly grateful for a fraction of the things on your list and to give tips if mom likes the person. You are lucky just to have someone kind to sit with her, make a snack and take her for a walk.
Anonymous
Post 09/21/2022 17:49     Subject: Companionship rates
Since the service is taking a big cut ... maybe 40%? If you find someone to pay privately, of course that's ideal
Anonymous
Post 09/21/2022 17:25     Subject: Companionship rates
We've paid $25/hour. 5 hour minimum so $2,500 a month.
Anonymous
Post 09/21/2022 17:16     Subject: Companionship rates
A man would be in great demand. He could probably choose his hours, as many or few as he wanted. Men are needed to care for other men, to do the lifting. Also dressing, showering. He should consider a AS/Nursing facility. They need him badly and he could probably ask for whatever arrangement he would like.
Anonymous
Post 09/21/2022 17:01     Subject: Companionship rates
This is exactly the kind of work my husband is looking to do. He wants to work part time for a few hours but he’s not a Medical resource. He is hoping to be paid $25-40 an hour. Depending on responsibilities.
Anonymous
Post 09/21/2022 16:59     Subject: Re:Companionship rates
In case it's helpful, I looked at a similar scope of services for a relative in NC (Asheville area) a few months ago and was quoted $24-$28/hr with a 4 hour minimum/week (this was consistent across 3 firms I spoke with). Exact pricing would depend on an initial visit and assessment of the elder's needs and condition. These were smaller local firms and not national agencies.

My relative's situation changed so we didn't go through with it.
Anonymous
Post 09/21/2022 16:51     Subject: Companionship rates
^ pp again. From your list, I'll tell you what I wouldn't want to do. Take her shopping. Take her shopping with me. I'd do her shopping. Get a list from her and do her shopping. That's just me.
Anonymous
Post 09/21/2022 16:48     Subject: Companionship rates
OP, I looked at your post earlier today. I still don't have a good answer for you but wanted to respond as I've dealt with 4 elders who have since passed. The value of a service is there is back-up. Almost no one wants (only) a 4-5 hour job unless it's someone who is usually available but doesn't, daily, always have to be available Take me for example. Young retiree. I would do this but there would be big chunks of time when I couldn't. I like to travel. Every couple of months I might be gone for 10 days at a time.

This would be a sought-after gig for someone who IS employed by a service since it sounds relatively easy and fun.
Anonymous
Post 09/21/2022 11:23     Subject: Companionship rates
Hi,

I'm looking to hire a companion to help my mother for 4-5 hours a day. She's had some recent health issues, but is able to do most things for herself.
She doesn't need help with medication, showering or cleaning.

I'd like this person to:

- prepare a light meal
- take her grocery shopping
- pick up meds
- doctor's appointments
- short walks
- movies or other recreational activities
- other misc. errands

Thank you for any input!

How much can I expect to pay and where would I look for someone? Is an agency my best option?