Companion Services

What it is

Companion is non-medical help and supervision. It supports goals in the person’s Individual Support Plan (ISP) around safety, independence, being part of the community, or retirement.

It can happen at home or out in the community, during the day, or overnight when someone needs to be there to keep the person safe. For daytime support, the plan should include a flexible list of leisure and recreational activities drawn from the person’s own interests.

How it works

• One-to-one, or in a small group of up to three people with one worker.
• Up to 8 hours a day. The authorized time does not include the worker’s travel to the home or their breaks.
• No more than 40 hours a week when combined with personal care or with day or vocational services, such as Individualized Day Supports.
• It can be paired with In-Home Support or personal care on the same day, but not at the same time. It cannot run at the same time as respite or non-professional behavioral supports either.
• DC requires every companion worker to be at least 18, pass a criminal background check and hold CPR and First Aid certification, and the person receiving support must find each worker acceptable.

How to ask for it

• Talk to your DDA Service Coordinator, who must tell you about every waiver service and offer you a choice of providers.
• Ask for Companion to be written into the ISP, with the goals it supports and the hours you need.
• Choose your provider. The choice of agency is yours.
• Ask again when things change. The needs assessment is updated at least once a year and whenever support needs change significantly.

What Mercyland offers

Mercyland is a DDS-certified provider in Northeast Washington, DC. We provide Companion services in person, one-to-one or in small groups of up to three, for people whose ISP includes it. Whether it fits depends on your waiver, your ISP and our staffing, so call us to talk it through.