COMPANION LADY: Offer accommodation in exchange for service

You or one of your loved ones feels lonely or is in a situation of dependency. Do you have a room to offer in exchange for a bit of presence or help? Call on a companion lady or gentleman, in return for a free room or accommodation.

A win-win relationship for both parties

We know that more and more elderly people are alone, some even dependent. And places in health care homes, reception centers, or retirement homes are rare and expensive.

The presence of a companion lady can therefore prove vital in many situations.

Indeed, elderly people can find themselves isolated and very quickly become socially withdrawn. Their children or families are not always present, having their own lives and constraints.

Thus, in addition to providing security and a feeling of comfort, the presence of a third party offers welcome support in carrying out certain daily tasks. Especially since, living with the elderly person, their presence is even there at night, when medical aides may no longer come.

Welcoming a young or less young person thus allows for the creation of intergenerational bonds and brings solutions. This relationship of trust between the Host and their Co-habitant implies a respect to have for the other.

Obviously, families are not excluded from this type of arrangement, because when both parents work, it can be difficult to take care of daily tasks without calling on outside help. Whether it is for cleaning, babysitting, homework help, personal assistance... Housing in exchange for services allows you to have a trusted person at home without spending too much money.

Finding the right candidate

Today, many young or less young people are looking to live at low cost and have skills, know-how, or even interpersonal skills to exchange.

During your meeting with your future supportive Co-habitant, make sure they have the necessary qualities to be a companion lady or gentleman. Such as patience, empathy, kindness in addition to possibly more technical skills because their role will primarily be to know how to engage amicably with your mother or father and provide the moral or even emotional support necessary for their quality of life.

What to avoid

You will need to be patient and understanding, because a companion person should not perform tasks that belong to medical staff or others.

This person is there to offer their help but is not at your disposal strictly speaking.
They should feel comfortable and benefit from a comfortable environment for the duration of their stay with you. It will be important to assess your compatibility through preliminary interviews.

What to offer them?

Only offer accommodation that you are authorized to rent or sublet. At minimum, a decent, clean room of at least 9m² that matches your listing. There must be easy access to sanitary facilities, toilet, and kitchen.

The rent to barter is an estimate corresponding to the rent price in a standard rental but can also correspond to the number of service hours to be performed in exchange for the accommodation.

For a clear relationship

Keep in mind that allowing someone to come live with a loved one in a situation of dependency requires reassurance. Before handing over the keys, make sure the exchange is clear. For this, do not hesitate to make an au pair employment contract which will legally define your relationship indicating the duties of each party.

 

Furthermore, ask your future companion lady or gentleman for a home insurance certificate. This insurance is available at low cost from specialized partners.

You can then start your new relationship in complete peace of mind.