For families · Elder care
How do I find someone to accompany a senior to medical appointments and treatments?
An appointment companion goes with your parent to a doctor, a test or a series of treatments: getting there, waiting, keeping them company and getting them home. You can hire an independent companion or caregiver for this by the visit or on a regular schedule. Agree in advance what they will do, and keep medical decisions with your parent and family.
In 60 seconds
- An appointment companion helps an older person get to, through and home from medical appointments and treatments.
- Typical help includes the ride or taxi, finding the right department, waiting together, taking notes and settling your parent back at home.
- Companions do not give medical advice, make medical decisions or do nursing tasks.
- Regular treatments, such as weekly sessions, work best with the same companion every time.
- Write down the appointment details, who to call and what your parent wants shared with the companion.
- In New Brunswick, bilingual companions can help at both English- and French-language hospitals.
What does an appointment companion do?
An appointment companion goes with an older person to medical appointments and treatments so they do not go alone. They help with the trip there and back, finding the clinic or department, checking in, waiting and keeping your parent calm and company. Afterwards they bring your parent home, make sure they are settled and tell the family how it went.
- Driving, or riding along by taxi or bus
- Help with coats, walkers or a wheelchair, if trained to do so
- Finding parking, the right entrance and the right department
- Waiting together, including during long treatments
- Writing down what the doctor said, if your parent agrees
- Settling your parent at home and texting the family an update
What can an appointment companion not do?
An appointment companion is not a nurse or a substitute decision-maker. They should not give medical advice, decide on treatment, give or adjust medication, or sign consent forms for your parent. Those stay with your parent, their health team and anyone legally named to act for them. A companion supports the visit; your parent stays in charge.
If your parent needs help to understand or remember what is said, agree beforehand whether the companion may sit in on the consultation and take notes. Ask the clinic too, since some appointments have room for only one person.
How do I find a companion for regular treatments?
For a series of treatments, look for one companion who can come every time, since a familiar face makes long or repeated visits easier. Share the full schedule up front, including how long each session usually lasts, so the companion can confirm they are free for all of it. Plan a backup person in case they are sick.
On Maple Care you can post a free, private elder care request that shows only your city: describe the appointments, the schedule and whether you need a driver, and local professionals who fit can reach out. You can also contact a professional first. Either way, you interview them, check references and agree the terms directly.
What should I give the companion before the appointment?
Give the companion a short written sheet before the first appointment. Include the date, time and exact address, the department or room, your parent’s health card and any papers they must bring, mobility needs, what your parent is comfortable having shared, and who to call if plans change or something goes wrong.
- Appointment date, time, address and department
- What to bring: health card, list of medications, referral or test papers
- Mobility needs: walker, wheelchair, help in and out of a car
- What your parent agrees the companion can hear or note down
- Family contact, and a backup contact
What help is there in New Brunswick?
In New Brunswick, the Extra-Mural Program provides home and community health care, such as recovery after surgery, medication management and dementia support, but it does not replace a companion for outings. The province’s seniors programs and 211 can point you to community services near you. Many families add private hours from an independent companion for appointments.
In Greater Moncton, appointments are often at The Moncton Hospital or the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre. If your parent is more at ease in French or English, ask for a companion who speaks that language. Maple Care lets you post your request in English or French for Moncton, Dieppe, Riverview and cities across Canada.
Free to post. Your contact details stay private.
Frequently asked questions
Can a companion drive my parent to appointments?
Some companions drive, some ride along by taxi or bus. If they drive your parent in their own car, ask whether their car insurance covers driving clients and agree who pays for parking and mileage. Confirm they can help your parent in and out of the car safely, especially with a walker or wheelchair.
Can the companion come into the doctor’s office?
A companion can come into the appointment if your parent agrees and the clinic allows it. Decide beforehand what your parent wants the companion to hear and note down. Your parent, or the person legally named to decide for them, still speaks with the doctor and makes every medical decision.
How long do treatment appointments usually take?
It depends on the treatment. A check-up may take an hour with travel, while some treatments take several hours and repeat weekly. Ask the clinic how long each session usually lasts, then book the companion for the whole time, including travel and waiting, so nobody has to leave early.
What should I check before hiring an appointment companion?
Interview them, ideally with your parent present, and call at least two references from recent care work. For elder care, ask for a current vulnerable sector check. Look at their badges and certificates, and agree in writing on what they will do, the schedule, the rate and who to call in an emergency.
Can I get help for an appointment at short notice?
Sometimes. Post your request as soon as you know the date and say clearly that it is short notice; some professionals keep openings for one-off visits. For regular treatments, book one companion early and keep a second name ready, so a change in their schedule does not leave your parent going alone.
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