Welcoming a new Companion into your home is an exciting journey, full of potential for joy and connection. Let’s set the stage for a positive and fulfilling relationship with your Companion.
Introduce the Idea of a Companion Gently
When introducing a Companion, it’s natural for emotions to run high. Open and honest conversations with your loved one can ease the transition. Explain who the Companion is, their background, and what to expect during their visits. Emphasize that the Companion has been carefully vetted for safety and compatibility.
Foster a Warm Introduction
The first meeting should be about creating comfort and familiarity. Encourage a “getting to know you” conversation by asking open-ended questions about interests, hobbies, and past experiences. Plan a few activities they can enjoy together, like playing games or taking a walk. This helps to establish a connection right from the start.
Give a Thoughtful Tour of Your Home
After the initial introduction, show the Companion around the house. Explain the layout and daily routines, ensuring they understand your loved one’s preferences. Clear verbal and written instructions for tasks and a schedule for the day or week can help everything run smoothly. This makes the Companion feel more at home and able to provide the best support.
Create an Emergency Contact List
Keep important phone numbers easily accessible. This should include family, friends, and emergency services, along with their relationships to the person receiving companionship. This ensures that in any situation, the Companion knows who to contact.
Showcase Your Loved One’s Personality
Highlighting your loved one’s interests and personality can help build trust and familiarity. Share photos of family, pets, and friends, and encourage conversations about them. Emphasize that your loved one has a say in how their days unfold with the Companion, making the relationship feel more like a partnership than a service.
Set the Stage for a Smooth Transition
Make introductions in a relaxed setting, like during a meal or a casual walk, to keep the atmosphere low-key and stress-free. There’s no rush – take the time needed to ensure everyone feels comfortable and connected.
Look Forward to a Joyful Partnership
By preparing thoughtfully and creating a welcoming environment, you set the stage for a successful and rewarding relationship with your new Companion. With trust and understanding established from the first day, you can look forward to many happy moments together.
The Villi team is here to help
Do you need help with a loved one? Then consider Villi’s homemaker and companionship services. Our team of friendly, compassionate Companions takes great pride in serving people in their own community who need light assistance with daily chores, some company and conversation, or convenient transportation for errands, appointments, or trips to the store.
Explore our services to learn more about our:
- Homemaker and companionship services
- Easy-to-use scheduling platform
- “Best Value” service pricing
- Only 1-hour service minimum
Sign-up in seconds to enjoy free 24hr access to our on-demand scheduling platform, where you can view our team of vetted compassionate companions.
If you have questions about our services, please feel free to call 1-844-624-5646 to speak to one of our caring service Advisors.
Reference Links:
Loneliness and Social Isolation — Tips for Staying Connected
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/loneliness-and-social-isolation-tips-staying-connected
Non-spouse companions accompanying older adults to medical visits: a qualitative analysis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6419819/
A Tool to Strengthen the Older Patient-Companion Partnership in Primary Care: Results from a Pilot Study
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3945188/