Companionship care: introduced in 2007 by Gea Thuis

Wat is gezelschapszorg?

Companionship care revolves around attention, closeness, and human contact in daily life.

It is not about medical procedures or nursing care, but about spending time together. Think of having coffee together, taking a walk, grocery shopping, eating together, having a conversation, or just being together.

Gea Thuis gave this form of attention a name in 2007: companionship care.

How did companionship care originate?

De term gezelschapszorg werd in 2007 geïntroduceerd door Gea Thuis.

In de praktijk bleek dat veel mensen behoefte hebben aan iets wat tussen familie, huishoudelijke hulp en formele zorg in zit.
Niet gericht op behandelen of verzorgen, maar op aanwezig zijn, luisteren en samen de dag invullen.

The term 'companionship care' made it visible that attention and companionship are not a side issue, but are in fact of great value in daily life.

Waar staat gezelschapszorg voor?

Companionship care means that there is someone who has time.

Not rushed, but with calm and attention. Someone who drops by, listens, and does something together.

Through regular contact, a familiar face often emerges during the week. This provides recognition and a pleasant feeling.

Gezelschapszorg kan bestaan uit:

samen praten en luisteren
samen wandelen of naar buiten gaan
Doing little things together around the house
meegaan naar een afspraak of winkel
eating or cooking together
fill the day in a relaxed way
to be there for company and conversation

It is precisely this presence that often makes the difference.

What does not fall under companionship care?

Companionship care is different from medical or intensive care.

Therefore, the following does not belong here:

medical procedures
nursing care
personal care such as washing or showering
specialist treatment

When necessary, this can be arranged through other forms of care.

Companionship care stands separate from that and focuses on contact, attention, and being together.

Who is companionship care for?

Companionship care can be suitable for people who need more contact during the week.

Bijvoorbeeld:

elderly people living independently
people who sometimes feel lonely
ouderen van wie familie niet altijd dichtbij is
people who enjoy doing something together
informal caregivers who want some space every now and then

It always comes down to the same need: not having to do everything alone.

Why is companionship care so important?

Voor veel mensen maakt aandacht het grootste verschil.

A conversation, going outside together, or simply having someone around can make a day feel very different. It brings more variety, more companionship, and often more peace.

Companionship care shows that human contact is an essential part of well-being.