A Companion For Days That Feel Quiet And Long
Bespoke companionship and unhurried activities for older people, led by your unique interests.
A message from Susan
"I want to tell you, in my own words, why I started Countryside Companions."
Why families come to us
You Already Know Something Is Missing.
You don't need more information, you need someone kind, reliable and close by.
For your loved one
The Days Can Feel Long.
- The days feel long and quiet.
- You've lost the confidence to go out on your own.
- You worry that others are too busy to ask for their time.
- You miss having someone to talk with properly.
For the family
Carrying A Nagging Worry.
- The guilt of living too far to visit often.
- Anxious phone calls between busy days.
- Not knowing what's really going on at home or in the care home.
- Wishing someone kind was simply keeping an eye on things.
The problem with modern care
Physical Needs Matter. But They Aren't The Only Needs We Have.
Most care agencies focus on physical needs during their short visits, sometimes struggling to provide consistency of carer.
But we are inherently social beings. Connection is not a luxury on top of care, it is an essential part of wellbeing. Countryside Companions was built to fill exactly that gap, providing a consistent and unhurried presence, led by the person's own interests.
"the same trusted person, every visit."
What's included
A Service Shaped Around You.
Every visit is guided by the person I'm with. Here's a sense of what our time together might look like.
Genuine Conversation
A reliable, articulate presence, no uniform, no lanyard, no fuss. Company and conversation that flows naturally.
Trips Out, Made Easy
The village shop, church, a fete, an art exhibition or the theatre. I handle transport, parking and finding the loos!
Activities You Choose
Writing cards, potting up in the greenhouse, organising old photographs, or support to write your memoir.
Care-home Oversight
Regular visits benefitting from my extensive experience of working with care homes. So you know how Mum and Dad are actually getting on.
Feedback After Every Visit
A short update to the family after each visit, providing reassurance, or any raising concerns, straight away.
Continuity Of One Companion
The same trusted person every time, not a rota of unfamiliar faces.
Simple, transparent pricing
£35 Per Hour.
Minimum of two hours each week, enough time to do something meaningful and unhurried. The first 10 miles of travel is included; 35p per mile thereafter.
Susan Flowers (Former Nurse)
My experience
Nearly Forty Years Alongside Older People.
I was a nurse for nearly 40 years, mostly working with older people, both in their own homes and in local care homes. I've always been passionate about valuing older people, recognising and celebrating their unique life experiences. I believe in fostering confidence through stimulating interaction and connection with community.
Over my years as a nurse, I have witnessed so many people slip into loneliness and isolation, even when their physical needs were being well met. Countryside Companions is my answer to that: A personal, reliable, one-to-one service, shaped by the person I'm visiting.
I'd love to hear about your circumstances. There is no obligation in an initial phone call, just a chance to talk it through.
Qualifications & assurances
Trusted, Checked, Insured.
- Former Registered Nurse (RN), nearly 40 years of practice
- Extensive experience in community and care-home settings
- Enhanced DBS checked
- Fully insured
- Own transport, comprehensively insured for business use
Where I visit
Across Devon & Somerset.
Based in the countryside, covering the towns and villages between South Exmoor and Taunton. First 10 miles included; 35p per mile beyond. Happy to travel further afield by negotiation.
Kind words
From Clients & Their Families.
“Mum comes off the phone brighter after every visit. Susan has given her something to look forward to, and given us peace of mind.”
“I looked forward to Wednesdays. Susan doesn't rush, she listens, and she took me back to the church I hadn't visited in years.”
“Living in Australia, we felt so far away. Susan's updates after each visit changed everything for our family.”
Arrange a friendly chat
Let's Start With a Friendly Chat.
No pressure and no obligation. This helps me understand your situation before I pick up the phone.
- ✦ Free 20-minute call
- ✦ Answered personally by me
- ✦ Typically within one working day
Takes about a minute.
Questions, gently answered
Frequently Asked.
How long is each visit?+
The minimum is two hours each week, long enough for a proper cup of tea, a walk or a trip out, without feeling rushed.
How much does it cost?+
£35 per hour. The first 10 miles of travel are included; beyond that it's 35p per mile. Longer distances by kind negotiation.
What if my relative lives in a care home?+
I offer companionship and oversight in care homes too, with a written update after each visit so you always know how they are.
Do you wear a uniform?+
No uniform, lanyard or name badge. I dress as any friend or family member would.
Can we start with a trial?+
Yes. We always begin with a friendly chat on the phone, then an in-person visit so everyone can see if it feels right for them.