Companionship and sitting in Birmingham
Find a self-employed carer for companionship in Birmingham, Lee Bank and Ladywood and the places around. It's free for families, and you choose who to speak to.
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Carers and cleaners are joining Carers & Cleaners across Great Britain. Leave your postcode and email, and we'll let you know as soon as someone offering companionship joins near you.
About companionship and sitting
What it usually involves
Regular visits for company: a chat over a cuppa, a game of cards, a walk, reading the paper together, or simply being there so someone isn't on their own all day. Sitting can also mean staying with someone while a family carer goes out.
How a self-employed carer can help
The same person each visit, so a real friendship can grow. Many will happily make a drink or a sandwich while they're there. If they notice something worrying, they'll let you know.
Questions worth asking
- What do you enjoy doing with the people you visit?
- Are you happy to go out, for example to a café or a club?
- What's the shortest visit you'll do?
- Are you happy to be around pets?
Around Birmingham
Self-employed carers often cover several nearby places. Within 5 miles of Birmingham:
- Lee Bank 0.6 miles
- Ladywood 0.6 miles
- Digbeth 0.8 miles
- Brookfields 0.8 miles
- New Town Row 0.9 miles
- Deritend 0.9 miles
- Hockley 1 mile
- Highgate 1.1 miles
- Nechells Green 1.2 miles
- All Saints 1.2 miles
- Newtown 1.2 miles
- Bordesley 1.2 miles
- Aston New Town 1.3 miles
- Spring Vale 1.3 miles
- Gib Heath 1.5 miles
Days out near Birmingham
Getting out together is often the best part of a visit. A few ideas within 5 miles:
- Birmingham Museum and Art GalleryMuseum, free entry, 0.1 miles
- Gas HallGallery, 0.1 miles
- City Centre GardensPark, 0.2 miles
- Thomas GardensGarden, 0.3 miles
- Edgbaston Reservoir Local Nature ReserveNature reserve, 1.5 miles
- Star City Visitor MooringsPier, 2.6 miles
- Erdington ReservoirViewpoint, 3.8 miles
Local help and support
- Birmingham City Council
Ask the council's adult social care team for a free care needs assessment, or a carer's assessment if you look after someone.
- Age UK Advice Line
Free, confidential advice for older people, their families and carers, on care, money, benefits and more. Call 0800 678 1602.
Helpful guides
Questions families ask
How long is a companionship visit?
Whatever you agree. Many families start with an hour or two, once or twice a week. Some carers have a minimum visit length, so it's worth asking.
Can a companion take Dad out?
Many will, on foot, by bus or in their own car. If they drive, ask whether their car insurance covers business use.
What does self-declared mean?
The provider has told us, but we haven't seen any documents. It's fine to ask to see certificates or proof of insurance.
Also in Birmingham
Care
- Personal care
- Dementia care
- Respite care
- Help after a hospital stay
- Overnight care
- Live-in care
- End of life support
- Meal preparation
- Shopping and errands
- Appointments and outings
- Medication reminders
- Light housework
Cleaning
Companionship and sitting nearby
Why I started Carers & Cleaners
When my mum, Jean, was diagnosed with dementia, I found it surprisingly hard to find good local help. In the end we found a wonderful independent carer, and later a cleaner, by word of mouth. I built Carers & Cleaners so other families don't have to rely on luck.
Martin
Are you a carer in Birmingham?
Join Carers & Cleaners for £1 a year and be found by families looking for companionship near you. There's no commission: you set your own rates and families pay you directly.
Carers & Cleaners is an introduction service. We don't vet or employ anyone, and what carers and cleaners tell us about themselves is self-declared. Families choose who to speak to and agree everything with them directly.
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