Companionship Care in Gloucestershire: What It Is, Who It’s For and How Ellia Can Help
Loneliness is one of the most pressing issues facing older adults in the UK. According to Age UK, over 1.4 million older people report feeling often lonely, with those living alone or experiencing health challenges particularly at risk. In Gloucestershire, where the population of over-65s continues to grow, the need for consistent social contact and everyday support is becoming more urgent.
At Ellia, we understand that not everyone needs personal or medical care. But many people do benefit from a regular friendly face, someone who checks in, shares a cup of tea and helps make daily life a little easier. This is where companionship care comes in.
Prefer to Watch?
Watch our 60-second explainer video below to understand what companionship care is and how it differs from other types of home support.
What Is Companionship Care?
Companionship care is a form of non-medical home support designed to offer conversation, emotional connection and light practical help. It is not the same as personal care or nursing. Instead, it focuses on presence, routine and building a genuine relationship over time.
Companionship care might involve:
A regular visit for a chat, a walk or a shared hobby
Help with shopping, meal planning or attending local appointments
Playing cards, doing crosswords or reading the newspaper together
Light housework like folding laundry, watering plants or making a cup of tea
Support to get out and about if confidence or mobility has declined
What makes companionship care different is the emphasis on continuity and human connection. There’s no uniform, no clinical checklist, just a calm and consistent presence that helps someone feel more like themselves.
For those who live alone, have lost a partner or are far from family, this kind of support can make a real difference to mental and emotional wellbeing. It helps people feel seen and valued rather than simply looked after.
How Ellia Offers Companionship Care in Gloucestershire
At Ellia, we’ve built our service around what matters most to people in their own homes: familiarity, comfort and trust. We don’t deliver personal care or medical services. Instead, we specialise in in-home companionship and practical support, helping older adults live well in the places they love.
We do this through our Meet Your Assistant model. When someone begins working with Ellia, we carefully match them with a regular assistant based on their needs, preferences and personality. This same person visits each time, building familiarity and confidence over the weeks and months.
We know that it’s not just about what our assistants do – it’s about how they are. They’re there to listen, support, laugh, encourage and take the pressure off daily tasks. It’s gentle, thoughtful help that sits in the background but makes everyday life feel lighter.
Our services are flexible and shaped around the individual. We offer:
One-off or short-term support after a life event or hospital stay
Regular weekly visits to provide company and continuity
Help with day-to-day errands, household organisation and light cleaning
Support for families who live far away and want peace of mind
You can explore more about how we work and the types of home help we offer on our website.
Who Is Companionship Care For?
Companionship care is ideal for anyone who:
Lives alone and would benefit from regular company
No longer feels confident doing errands or leaving the house
Has recently been bereaved and is feeling isolated
Is recovering from illness or surgery but doesn’t need medical care
Has adult children or relatives who live far away and can’t visit often
Wants to stay at home but needs help with routine and motivation
We often hear from families who say, “Mum is doing OK physically but she’s just not herself lately.” That’s often a sign that some gentle support could help. Having someone pop in regularly can restore routine, build energy and offer a renewed sense of connection with the world.
Unlike traditional home care agencies, Ellia is not built around personal hygiene or complex care plans. We’re focused on being there, not doing everything – a distinction that matters to many people who want to retain independence without the structure of formal care.
If you’re not sure what kind of support is right, Gloucestershire County Council’s Your Circle directory is a useful starting point for understanding local care services. But if what you need is time, consistency and human connection, companionship care may be exactly what you’re looking for.
Why Companionship Care Matters
Social isolation isn’t just sad – it’s linked to increased risk of cognitive decline, heart disease and depression. In 2023, the Campaign to End Loneliness highlighted that regular social contact is as important to health as good diet or exercise.
At Ellia, we believe that a small amount of consistent company can change everything. Our assistants don’t rush in and out. They take time. They learn someone’s tea order. They remember birthdays. They notice when something’s not quite right. They’re present in a way that makes older adults feel seen, not managed.
For families, knowing that someone kind and reliable is visiting each week brings reassurance too. It’s not just about the older person – it’s about supporting those who care for them.
Looking for Companionship Care in Gloucestershire?
If you think someone you love might benefit from companionship care, we’d be happy to talk. There’s no pressure or sales pitch – just a chance to explore whether Ellia’s approach could be a good fit.
You can read more about our approach to support or get in touch for an informal chat.
Companionship care is a quiet kind of care – but it matters. And we’re proud to offer it right here in Gloucestershire.
