Nestorbot
Social ServiceISCO 5162

Companion

A companion is a person who carries out household tasks and prepares meals for the people they assist in those people's own homes, and who keeps them company. Those assisted may be elderly, may have particular needs or may be ill, and the role is about helping with daily life rather than providing clinical care.

Take the free testCheck yourself in a minute ↓AI risk: 20/100 (low risk)

Check yourself in a minute: companion

Rate 5 of the 15 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

wash the laundry

empathise with the healthcare user

prepare sandwiches

use food preparation techniques

iron textiles

About companion

In the household, the companion cleans surfaces, does the laundry, applies cooking techniques to prepare a meal and makes sandwiches, does the shopping, and sees that the person is taken to medical appointments on time. None of it is complicated work, and all of it is what makes staying at home possible.

Beyond the practical tasks, the companion keeps the person company and provides entertainment, playing cards or reading stories aloud, and listens actively, which in this role means noticing what has changed in what someone says from one day to the next.

Communication reaches beyond the person assisted. The companion communicates with clients, meaning the family or the service that arranged the care, and keeps them informed about how the person is doing. The companion also accompanies the person on walks and outings.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (15)

wash the laundrywash the laundryWash or clean clothes by hand or by use of a washing machine.communicate with customerscommunicate with customersRespond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.empathise with the healthcare userempathise with the healthcare userUnderstand the background of clients` and patients’ symptoms, difficulties and behaviour. Be empathetic about their issues; showing respect and reinforcing their autonomy, self-esteem and independence...prepare sandwichesprepare sandwichesMake filled and open sandwiches, paninis and kebabs.use food preparation techniquesuse food preparation techniquesApply food preparation techniques including the selecting, washing, cooling, peeling, marinating, preparing of dressings and cutting of ingredients.iron textilesiron textilesPressing and ironing in order to shape or flatten textiles giving them their final finishing appearance. Iron by hand or with steam pressers.clean surfacesclean surfacesDisinfect surfaces in accordance with sanitary standards.clean roomsclean roomsClean rooms by cleaning glasswork and windows, polishing furniture, vacuuming carpets, scrubing hard floors, and removing garbage.relate empatheticallyrelate empatheticallyRecognise, understand and share emotions and insights experienced by another.listen activelylisten activelyGive attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of cus...accompany peopleaccompany peopleChaperon individuals on trips, to events or appointments or to go shopping.prepare ready-made dishesprepare ready-made dishesPrepare snacks and sandwiches or heat up ready-made bar products if requested.make the bedsmake the bedsClean sheets, turn mattresses, plump pillows and change cushions.use cooking techniquesuse cooking techniquesApply cooking techniques including grilling, frying, boiling, braising, poaching, baking or roasting.keep companykeep companyBe with people to do stuff together, such as talking, playing games or having a drink.
Optional (12) — show
provide first aidprovide first aidAdminister cardiopulmonary resuscitation or first aid in order to provide help to a sick or injured person until they receive more complete medical treatment.give advice on personal mattersgive advice on personal mattersAdvise people on love and marriage issues, business and job opportunities, health or other personal aspects.feed petsfeed petsMake sure that pets are given appropriate food and water on time.drive vehiclesdrive vehiclesBe able to drive vehicles; have the approapriate type of driving license according to the type of motor vehicle used.remove dustremove dustRemove dust from furniture, blinds and windowsills using specialised dust cloths or hand-cleaning items.support nursessupport nursesSupport nurses with the preparation and delivery of diagnostic and treatment interventions.buy groceriesbuy groceriesPurchase ingredients, products and tools that are necessary for daily housekeeping activities.provide dog walking servicesprovide dog walking servicesProvide dog-walking services, including activities such as agreement of services with the customer, selection and use of handling equipment, interaction with the dog, and safe and responsible dog walk...use gardening equipmentuse gardening equipmentUse gardening equipment such as clippers, sprayers, mowers, chainsaws, complying to health and safety regulations.assist clients with special needsassist clients with special needsAid clients with special needs following relevant guidelines and special standards. Recognise their needs and accurately respond to them if needed.wash vehicleswash vehiclesWash and dry vehicle and ensure that paint is kept intact by waxing and polishing vehicle using the appropriate tools.support individuals to adjust to physical disabilitysupport individuals to adjust to physical disabilityAssist individuals to adjust to the implications of physical disability and to understand the new responsibilities and level of dependency.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

home care aide7 shared essential skillsdomestic cleaner5 shared essential skillsdomestic housekeeper5 shared essential skillspersonal shopper3 shared essential skillspharmacist3 shared essential skillspharmacy assistant3 shared essential skillspharmacy technician3 shared essential skillsprivate chef3 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What does a companion do?

Companions perform housekeeping duties and meal preparation for the people they assist on their own premises such as elderly people or people with special needs or who suffer from an illness. They also provide entertainment activities such as playing cards or reading stories. They may do shopping activities as well as punctual transportation to doctor's appointments, etc.

What skills does a companion need?

A companion needs 15 essential skills, including wash the laundry, communicate with customers, empathise with the healthcare user, prepare sandwiches, use food preparation techniques.

Will AI replace companion jobs?

The AI disruption score for companion is 20/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: communicate with customers, prepare ready-made dishes, wash vehicles. Most resilient: provide dog walking services, keep company, empathise with the healthcare user.

Quick Facts

SectorSocial Service
ISCO GroupPersonal service workers
Essential Skills15

Is companion right for you?

Take the free 10-minute Career Portrait to see which career direction fits your motivations and strengths.

Take the free test