About us
Passionate about companionship for older people…
Meet the owner
I’m Sarah Rugg, and I care passionately about getting older people the right kind of support.
In 2005, I was spending a lot of time with my Nan. At that time, she didn’t need personal care and her medical care was minimal, but she was starting to need a little more support. She was still living her life and doing the things she loved, but things were taking a little longer and she was becoming slightly unsteady which was knocking her confidence. Everyone in the family was working full time, or lived out of the area, so I started to look for some outside help. I found out very quickly that the kind of help I wanted for Nan, wasn’t readily available.
That’s when I decided to start my own companionship business – Viva Assist. I wanted to help my Nan, and other older people, to continue to enjoy their lives and keep their independence. I also wanted to offer a solution to families – to give peace of mind that their relatives would be looked after by caring, dependable companions.
I made every mistake in the book when I set up my business! But we now have a team of 20 companions, and a thriving business that provides a wonderful, valuable service. I want to share everything I’ve learnt, to help other people to get up and running, quickly and successfully, in their own companionship businesses. I have so much advice that I’m excited to share (including all those things that you absolutely should not do!) to help people find a career they love, as their own boss, making a difference.
Sarah Rugg – Owner
What is a Companionship Business?
Whether it’s just one person, or a small team of people, a Companionship Business helps older people to continue living the life they love. Typically, customers enjoy day trips to garden centres, cafes and theatres and would like someone to go with them – trusted friends. Other people might simply enjoy a cup of tea and a good chat. Companions can also help with grocery shopping and taking the stress out of organising and getting to appointments. It’s all about mental wellbeing – helping older people who need company or someone to lean on.
How is companionship different from medical or personal care?
Medical or personal care is usually provided by companies on behalf of local councils or private companies, and services are offered by qualified medical or care professionals. Typical services would include bathing, dressing, and giving medication. Companionship is much less about physical care and more about mental wellbeing – helping older people to continue living the life they love.
Who can offer companion services?
Great companions care deeply about the people they look after, and often build strong friendships. They are naturally caring, compassionate and thoughtful. A companionship business would suit someone who really wants to make a difference to people’s lives and is perfect for someone who needs to work flexible hours to fit in around other work or family commitments.
Find out if our FAB-Senior programme is right for you.
Flexible hours | Part time | Full time | Around another job |Around other commitments… you can build a business to suit you!
Meet Eddie, my Dad
He was a real character and my inspiration. Four months after his brain tumour diagnosis, he passed away.
We donate a percentage of our profits to The Brain Tumour Charity, a cause close to my heart.
