Providing care and compassion
Our Companion Program was created in 2002 by families of residents who wanted their loved ones to have additional care and companionship beyond what is provided and funded through the Ministry of Health.
Companions are not regulated healthcare providers and, as such, cannot provide care services. They supplement the care that is provided by our care staff, but do not replace it. Our companions are carefully selected, they complete a comprehensive orientation process and they are offered a range of educational endeavors to help them support residents and families in optimizing the quality of life of the residents.
Companions supplement the care provided by Weinberg Residence staff; they do not replace it. Services provided by companions can include:
- Social companionship
- Accompaniment on outings and personal appointments
- Personal meal assistance
- Additional showers and/or baths
- Additional personal assistance
- Additional exercise assistance
- Light housekeeping
Companions are independent contractors who are paid by the family. However, all administrative and management processes are done by the Companion Program Coordinator onsite at Louis Brier Home & Hospital. The Coordinator is responsible for the companion selection process, interviewing, on-boarding, orientation, scheduling and education of all companions. In some cases, the Coordinator also coordinates the compensation and is the liaison between the family and the companion, especially when family members reside outside of the city or province.
The added value of companions is insurmountable and, while our care staff are dedicated to providing quality safe care, our funding and resource limitations may not always consider opportunities for caring and service delivery that is not directly tied to health outcomes. We recognize that while being physically well, psychosocial, spiritual and mental wellbeing is as equally important. Our companions play a significant role in meeting those needs and keeping our residents achieve the quality of life that they desire.
For more information, or to arrange companion services, please contact Myla Carpio-Pelayo, Companion Program Manager, at (604) 267-4688 or mpelayo@louisbrier.com