How much does companionship cost?
Companionship starts from £25 an hour. A senior companion typically costs £25 to £35 an hour, because every AirCarers companion sets their own rate and shows it on their profile before you book. Visits start at one hour, there are no contracts, and payment is held until 48 hours after the visit. This is help before care, in Hertford, Ware, Hoddesdon, Broxbourne, Bishop's Stortford and Sawbridgeworth, across the SG11 to SG14, EN10 to EN11, CM21 and CM23 postcodes.
What a senior companion costs, at a glance
- Companionship starts from £25 an hour
- Companions set their own rate, typically £25 to £35 an hour, shown on their profile before you book
- Visits start at one hour, so you can try a single visit first
- No contracts, no minimum commitment and no joining fee
- Payment is held until 48 hours after the visit
- Companions set their own hourly rate, and most of what you pay goes to the companion
How pricing works
- Browse companions and see each person's rate up front
- Pick the companion that suits the visit, a relaxed afternoon, a lift to the shops, or company to an appointment
- Book the hours you need; no long contracts, no minimum commitment
Cancelling 24 hours or more before a visit is free. Cancelling from 2 hours up to 24 hours before costs half the visit price. Cancelling less than 2 hours before costs the full visit price. Any cancellation charge goes in full to your companion. This applies to bookings made on or after 2 October 2026.
Why rates vary
Companions bring different experience, and you can choose accordingly. Someone like Bea, with 30 years of nursing experience, may charge around £30 an hour and be a reassuring choice for getting to a hospital appointment. For a weekly cuppa, a chat and a walk, another lovely companion may charge less. You decide what fits.
Fairer by design
Traditional agencies can keep most of what families pay. With AirCarers, companions set their own hourly rate, and most of what you pay goes to the companion. More of your money goes to the person actually spending time with your relative.
Common questions
What is a senior companion?
A senior companion is a friendly, vetted local companion who visits regularly for company, conversation, walks and outings, plus practical help around the home such as a cup of tea, a hand with light tasks, or a lift to an appointment. This is companionship, not personal or clinical care.
How much does a senior companion cost?
Companionship starts from £25 an hour. Every companion sets their own rate based on experience and the type of visit, typically £25 to £35 an hour, shown clearly on their profile before you book, with no agency markup and no minimum commitment.
How much does companionship care cost in the UK?
Across our six East Hertfordshire towns, companionship care costs from £25 an hour, typically £25 to £35 an hour depending on the companion's experience and the type of visit. Visits start at one hour, there are no contracts, and payment is held until 48 hours after the visit.
Does the cost include DBS checks and insurance?
Yes. Every companion is enhanced DBS-checked, ID-verified, insured and trained before their first visit, at no extra cost to you. The hourly rate you see on a companion's profile is the price you pay. Companions set their own hourly rate, and most of what you pay goes to the companion.