Whitegreen Companions

Make a plan for the week you want.

A free, printable workbook for you, a loved one, a friend or family. Start with the person’s wishes, then work through the practical details.

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Start here: what does the person want?

Use this together, not as a form to complete about someone behind their back. You can write on a printed copy. Keep it private: it may contain personal information. You do not need to send it to Whitegreen.

If you are worried but cannot yet describe the need, read the signs and questions guide. There is no score to calculate. The point is to make a conversation clearer.

Their own words

Ask: “What would make the week more enjoyable?” Record the answer as they give it, even if it differs from the family's first idea.

Something I would enjoy more of:

Something I want to keep doing for myself:

Something I do not want from a visit:

Look at an ordinary week

Include visits, calls, clubs, personal care and quiet time the person values. An empty space is not automatically a problem. Ask which gap, if any, they would like to change.

Separate the support needed

Company and ordinary practical help: conversation, shared interests, shopping together, a chosen outing or light household tasks may fit companionship.

Personal care or specialist support: if washing, dressing, using the toilet, administering medicines or other support outside companionship may be needed, discuss the appropriate service. Consider the whole proposed period, including less predictable needs.

What the proposed visit would cover:

Support to discuss with another service:

Choose a first visit to discuss

Start with one purpose. Company at home does not need an elaborate activity. An outing needs time for preparation, travel and getting home, not just time at the destination.

Preferred day, time and length:

First activity or interest:

Alternative if we change our mind or the weather changes:

Work out the budget openly

Whitegreen's weekday rate is £28 an hour. For example, a two-hour visit costs £56. One each week averages £242.67 a calendar month using 52 weeks divided by 12. Outings, other agreed expenses and different visit times can change the total. Use the cost planner and full prices.

Do not rely on an unconfirmed benefit award or assume a council direct payment can fund a service without checking its conditions. Agree who pays and who receives invoices; paying does not automatically give access to private visit information.

Visit cost and likely extras:

Agreed payer and budget limit:

Ask a provider these questions

• Can you offer the proposed routine at this full postcode?
• Who would visit, and can we meet them before deciding?
• How do the main companion and absence cover arrangements work?
• What checks and preparation apply to this role?
• What support is outside the visit, and what happens if needs change?
• What is the complete price, including transport and agreed extras?
• How much notice is needed to cancel, change or stop?
• Who is our contact if someone is late, unavailable or there is a concern?
• What can be shared with family, and how is that agreed with the person?

Write down unanswered questions rather than filling in what you hope the answer is. The provider comparison guide explains what to look for.

Settle contact, access and information sharing privately

Agree the main contact, an alternative and who may receive updates. Discuss any safe access arrangement directly with the provider. Do not write keysafe codes, bank details or medical records on a copy you might share widely.

Who coordinates arrangements:

What the person wants shared, and with whom:

Questions to settle privately before visits:

Review after the first few visits

Ask the person what they enjoyed, what they would change and whether they want the visits to continue. If a family carer is taking a break, ask whether the arrangement works for them too. Do not judge a visit only by how many tasks were completed.

When we will talk about it again:

What is working:

What we want to change:

Your next step can be a question

You do not have to finish this pack before calling. Whitegreen can discuss the situation, explain its scope and prices, and confirm availability before arranging a free meet-and-greet. The person can decline after the meeting without booking paid visits.

Whitegreen Companions: 07888 874689 · hello@whitegreencompanions.co.uk · www.whitegreencompanions.co.uk

Talk the plan through with us