Companion care
Is companion care right for your parent?
Companion home care from Sonshine Companion Care means a local caregiver comes to your parent's home for company, meals, errands and rides, so they can keep living the way they choose. We provide non-medical in-home companion care across Pensacola, Pace, Milton and Pensacola Beach.
Available 24/7 · Non-medical care · Locally owned since 2009
- Your parent lives alone and misses company. A caregiver visits on a schedule you set, to talk, share a meal or go for a walk.
- Meals, errands and appointments are getting harder. A caregiver can plan and prepare meals, shop, run errands and drive your parent where they need to go.
- You live out of town, or you need a break. Regular visits give you someone local to count on. For longer relief, see respite care.
What is included
What companion home care includes
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Conversation and company
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Meal planning and preparation
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Cleaning and laundry
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Shopping and errands
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Rides to appointments and outings
Whose car is used depends on the client.
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Medication reminders
We remind. We don't give medication.
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Trip and outing planning
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Pet management
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Home well-being visits
You choose which of these your parent needs, and you can combine them with homemaking or transportation.
What is companion care, and where does Florida law draw the line?
Companion care is non-medical company and help at home. Under Florida law, a companion spends time with or cares for an older adult, goes with them on trips and outings, and may prepare and serve meals. A companion may not provide hands-on personal care (Florida Statutes section 400.462).
Bathing, dressing and toileting are hands-on personal care. That is a different kind of care from what this page describes, so ask us on your first call about anything beyond companion care.
Elderly sitter services: someone there when you can't be
Florida law uses the words companion and sitter for the same role. If you're looking for a sitter for your mom or dad, this is the service: a caregiver who spends time at home with them while you're at work or away.
You set the days and hours. For nights, see overnight care.
How it works
How companion care works with Sonshine
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Call or send a message
Tell us who needs help and what a good week looks like. Call 1 to 3 days before you want care to start.
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Meet for free
Your first consultation is free, at your home or wherever your parent lives.
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Set the schedule
You choose the days per week and hours per day.
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Care begins
The first week is prepaid, then you pay week to week.
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Homemaking
Cleaning, laundry, meals and shopping.
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Transportation
Rides to appointments and outings.
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Overnight care
A caregiver through the night.
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Respite care
A break for the family caregiver.
Good to know
What to know before you call
Companion care near you
Sonshine serves families in Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, Pace and Milton.
- Pensacola
- Pensacola Beach
- Pace
- Milton
See our service areas for each one.
Who provides your parent's care
- Our care providers are independent contractors.
- They complete Level II screening as required by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).
- They complete AHCA-required dementia training.
- Every client gets a customized care plan built around their history, preferences, favorite foods and routines.
- We aim to send the same provider each visit.
Staci Miron has owned Sonshine since 2009. Meet Staci.
Cost and how to pay
Every schedule is different, so call for a quote.
Original Medicare generally doesn't pay for custodial care when it is the only care someone needs (Medicare.gov), so families usually arrange companion care themselves.
Sonshine accepts long-term care insurance when the policy pays without a nurse's signature.
Call for a quote: (850) 764-6638Popular questions
Companion care questions
What is companion care?
Companion care is non-medical help at home for older adults: company, meals, errands, rides and light housekeeping. It doesn't include nursing or hands-on personal care.
How is companion care different from personal care?
Companion care is company and everyday help. Personal care is hands-on help such as bathing, dressing and toileting. Florida law says a companion may not provide hands-on personal care.
Does Medicare pay for companion care?
Usually not. Medicare.gov says Original Medicare doesn't pay for custodial or personal care at home when it is the only care you need. Sonshine accepts long-term care insurance when the policy pays without a nurse's signature.
Can companion care help someone who lives alone?
Yes. A caregiver visits on the schedule you set, for company, meals, errands and rides. You choose the days and hours at your free consultation.
Is companion care available overnight or 24/7?
Yes. See overnight care and 24/7 live-in care for how each one works.