FAQs
Q. How long do your visits last?
A. Our visits are a minimum of 1.5 hours to ensure that our
time with you is not rushed and that you get the most out of your time with
your companion.
Q. How often can I have visits?
A. As often as you wish. These can be pre booked so you know
when you are having a visit each week or they can be ad hoc. All we need is 24
hours’ notice to guarantee one of our companions is available.
Q. How do I arrange a visit?
A. Simply call 07720 931509. When you enquire, we will
arrange an initial visit to discuss your requirements. If you would like a
regular visit, we will talk through the best time and day for you. Ad hoc
visits can be arranged by phoning us between 9am and 5pm during the
week. We welcome calls from relatives and friends of loved ones who may be looking for support locally.
Q. I require help for just a couple of weeks while my family
are away – are you able to help?
A. Yes – we can offer short term companionship visits. Just
call us to discuss.
Q. How do I pay for visits?
A. Visits are invoiced on a monthly basis and should be
settled within seven days.
Q. How do I reimburse a companion for things they may pay
for me, such as shopping?
A. These can either be reimbursed direct to your companion
or they can be billed at the same time as the monthly invoice, with
accompanying receipts.
Q. What happens if I become ill or need medical advice or
help?
A. By establishing a close relationship with you, we are
often able to see potential health issues. With your consent, we will liaise
with family, doctors and community health services.
Q. Can my companion take me out of my home for a walk or
visit to a café for example?
A. Our companions are not insured to take you out of your
own home either on foot or by car although this is something we may offer in the future.
Q. What if my needs change and I require personal or nursing
care?
A. We will help you discuss your requirements going forward
with your doctor, medical practice and family.
Q. Can I cancel a visit without incurring costs?
A. We require 24 hours’ notice if you wish to cancel a
visit, otherwise the full cost will be payable.
Q. Will you hold my keys securely?
A. Keys, keycode numbers and alarm codes are stored
privately in a protected and unnamed environment. We will ask you to sign a
‘Key Release Form’ that we will also sign, to confirm confidentiality and
security.
Q. What reassurance do I have that the person coming into my
home is trustworthy?
A. Our recruitment process is of the utmost importance to
us. All our companions are carefully selected by Nicola, the business owner, to
ensure they share her commitment and passion that our clients are at the heart
of our company. All our companions have DBS checks.
Q. Will I always receive the same Companion at the same day
and time each week?
A. We understand that consistency and continuity is vital
for you to get the most out of our service. You will be visited by the same companion each time unless they are unable to be there due to illness or holidays. If someone different is visiting, you
will be notified in advance.
Q. What times are you open / are the companions available?
A. We operate 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Our
companions may work outside those hours, depending on the needs of our clients
– see Prices & Hours page for more details.
Q. Will you do personal care if I need it?
A. We are unable to offer any form of personal care or
administer any medication.
Q. How will you look after my personal details?
A. We abide by the GDPR and will ensure that your data is
stored and handled in line with regulations. We will provide you with a copy of
our Privacy Notice.
Q. Are you insured?
A. Yes, Frank & Frieda Home Companions holds Public
Liability Insurance.
Q. What sort of Covid 19 precautions do you take?
A. All our companions will be following the government's
guidelines at all times. They wear face
masks and gloves and we ask them to wash their hands regularly using hand
sanitiser. Whenever possible, our companions will stay 2 metres away from you.
