Companion service
Translation and communication
Help being understood, in the language you think in.
Translation and communication is everyday language help from a companion who speaks the person's language: the phone call to the building office, the letter that arrived in English, the conversation with a neighbour or a shopkeeper. The person stays in charge of what is said, and the companion helps them be understood. It is non-medical, everyday support, from someone you choose. For medical, legal, or official interpreting, use a professional interpreter.
What a visit looks like
The phone on speaker at the kitchen table, the person saying what they want in their own language, and the companion saying it in English to the building office, then saying the answer back. A letter read aloud and put into words the person knows, so they can see what it is and who sent it. A chat with the new neighbour that finally goes past a smile and a wave.
The companion does not take over. The person decides what to say, and the companion carries it across. Many families find that this is also what takes the job off their children, who have been interpreting for their parents for years.
What a companion does
- Making everyday phone calls together, on speaker, with the person there and deciding what is said
- Reading everyday mail aloud in the person's language, and saying what it is and who sent it
- Helping with conversations at the shop, the building office, the library, or with a neighbour
- Writing a short note or message in English that the person has put into their own words
- Going along to everyday places where the person wants help being understood
- Helping the person find services and community groups in their own language
- Practising everyday English together, for the person who wants to
What a companion does not do
- Interpreting at medical appointments or hospital visits, or about health, treatment, or medication. Ask the clinic or hospital for a professional interpreter
- Interpreting for legal, court, immigration, police, or government interviews
- Certified or official translation of documents
- Explaining what a legal, financial, or government letter means for the person, or advising what to do about it
- Speaking for the person when they are not there, or making decisions on their behalf
- Filling in, signing, or submitting forms or applications for the person
A companion goes with you; they never drive you and never provide the vehicle. You arrange the ride, or you travel together by transit, taxi or rideshare.
Saheli is non-medical. Companions do not replace family, nurses, doctors, or personal support workers. They add something different: human presence.
On every visit, whatever the service, a companion does not provide:
- Counselling or therapy
- Advice about health, treatment, diet, legal matters, or money
- Lifting or transferring someone who cannot bear their own weight
- Handling money or signing documents
- Nursing or medical care, including injections, wound care, or monitoring a health condition
- Administering medication. A companion does not give, measure, sort, or apply it, or decide anything about it. Reminders for a plan already set are fine
- Anything that needs a regulated health professional
For anything medical, speak to a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. In an emergency, call 911.
Who this is for
People who live in one language in a place that mostly runs in another, and the families who have been bridging the gap.
At home
Someone who avoids the phone and the mail
The calls go unanswered and the envelopes pile up, because every one is in English. A companion who speaks the person's language sits with them and works through the pile, one call and one letter at a time.
Finding their place
Someone new to the country
A new address, a new building, a new neighbourhood, all in a new language. A companion helps with the everyday conversations while the person finds their feet, and points them to groups in their own language.
For a younger person
A young person still learning the language
A newcomer teenager, or a child who is more at home in the language spoken at home. A companion helps with the everyday conversations and practises alongside them. A parent or guardian arranges it and stays responsible for their care.
For families and caregivers
A family whose children have always interpreted
For years it has been the son or daughter on every call, often during work, sometimes as a child. A companion you choose takes on the everyday calls and letters, so the family can simply be family.
Staying independent
Someone who wants to speak for themselves
Being understood is part of being in charge of your own life. A companion carries the person's own words across, so the answer and the decision stay theirs.
Community and culture
Someone who misses conversation in their own language
Sometimes the help most needed is simply to talk in the language they think in. A companion who shares it brings that back into the week.
How it works
- 01
Browse companions
Use the filters to find people who fit your language, community, and needs.
- 02
Choose who feels right
Review companions and decide who you want to meet. Nobody gets assigned to you.
- 03
Agree on the details
You and the companion set the visits, tasks, and hourly rate before care starts.
Companions who offer this
Each companion sets their own hourly rate, and you see it before you book.
I enjoy spending meaningful time with people through friendly conversations, including regular telephone conversations, listening to their stories, go…
A warm, caring, and dependable companion dedicated to person-centered care.
I have a background in sociology and experience working in community-focused environments, which has helped me develop strong communication, empathy,…
Hi!
I enjoy providing compassionate care and engaging companionship.
I enjoy providing companionship and meaningful day-to-day support to seniors and individuals who may need a little extra help.
Questions
Can a companion interpret at a doctor's appointment?
No. Medical interpreting needs a professional, so ask the clinic or hospital for an interpreter when you book. A companion can still come along for company if the person wants them there and the clinic allows it. They do not interpret what the doctor says.
Can a companion translate documents for immigration or a government office?
No. Those need a certified translator, and official interviews need an official interpreter. A companion can help the person find one.
Can a companion make phone calls for me?
They make them with you. The call is on speaker, you are there, and you decide what is said. A companion does not call on your behalf when you are not there, and never gives out your passwords, banking details, or card numbers.
Can a companion explain a letter I received?
They can read it to you in your language and tell you what it is and who sent it. For a legal, financial, or government letter, they do not advise you what it means for you or what to do; they can help you contact the sender or your family to ask.
How do I find a companion who speaks our language?
Use the language filter when you browse companions. Every companion lists the languages they speak on their profile, so you can choose someone who speaks the person's language.
What does translation and communication cost?
Each companion sets their own hourly rate for translation and communication, shown on their profile before you book. Saheli adds a service fee as its own line before checkout, and the companion keeps their full rate.
Find care that feels like family
Browse vetted companions, matched on language and the traditions that already feel like home.