Questions
Questions families ask
Tap a question to see the answer.
What we do and don't do
Is this a care agency?
No. We are companions: company, errands, outings and check-ins. We do not provide personal care (washing, dressing or help in the bathroom), we never give or manage medication, and we never give medical advice. If your parent needs personal care, we're happy to point you towards registered providers.
Will you drive my parent to appointments?
Transport isn't part of what we offer. We aren't a licensed taxi, and our fee is for our time and company, not for driving. We're happy to arrange a taxi, and we plan each outing around however your parent prefers to get there.
Can you collect prescriptions?
Yes, we can collect items from the pharmacy as an errand and bring them home, with the receipt. We don't open, sort or give medication.
How do you handle money and shopping?
We pay for shopping ourselves and send you a photo of every receipt; it is added to the next monthly bill at cost. Meals out on your plan are already included, up to the amount shown. We never hold your parent's bank card, PIN or online banking.
Can you arrange a handyman or other help?
Yes. We can find, book and oversee a trusted local handyman, cleaner, gardener or similar. Their bill is passed on at cost plus 10% for arranging and overseeing it, always agreed with you first. Extra tasks outside your plan are charged at €24 an hour, again agreed first.
What happens if my parent is unwell during a visit?
We call 112 first, then you, and we stay with your parent until help arrives. We write down what happened and share it with you.
Prices and paying
How much does it cost?
Essentials is €109 a month (a check-in visit every week). Companion is €299 a month: every week a social visit, a wellness outing and errands or household help, plus a lunch out each month with meals for both included (up to €50). Custom plans are €24 an hour plus €4 travel per visit, and can include dinners, culture visits, spa afternoons and more. Shopping is charged at cost with receipts.
Why do you ask for my card to join the waiting list?
So that we can hold places for families who are ready to start. Your card is saved securely by Stripe, not charged. We only take the first month if we offer you a place and you haven't withdrawn. You can withdraw from your account page at any time before then, with no charge.
Is there a place next month?
We take a small number of families so that every family gets proper time. When you join you are in the queue for next month's intake, but a place may not be free next month. If it isn't, you keep your place in the queue and we tell you as soon as one opens.
Can I pay in pounds?
Our prices are in euros. UK debit and credit cards work fine; your bank converts the amount. The pound prices on this site are approximate.
How do I cancel?
Give one month's notice by message or email; there is no exit fee. If the first month isn't right for you, cancel within 7 days of the first visit and we refund the plan fee (less €4 travel per visit already made, and any meals already enjoyed), or within 14 days for a 50% refund. Shopping is always paid back at cost, as it has already been bought.
Is there an introductory offer?
Yes, for a limited time the first month of the Companion plan is €199 instead of €299. After that it is €299 a month.
Safety, privacy and trust
Who will visit my parent?
A companion from our small team: a retired, local, English-speaking person of a similar generation. We introduce them to you and your parent on a video call before visits begin, and the same person visits each week wherever possible. Rose Retiree Companions was founded by Roslyn, a retired career educator who lives in Peyia and herself enjoys being a companion to other women.
Will you post photos of my parent online?
No, not without separate written permission. Photos in your WhatsApp updates are only taken with your parent's written consent and are only sent to the family contacts named on the client form.
Who gets the updates?
Only the family contacts named on the signed client form. We don't use group chats with anyone else.
What do you do with our information?
We keep the minimum (names, contacts, emergency contact, GP and preferences), keep it private, and delete it 12 months after you leave unless we must keep invoices longer for tax. See our privacy notice.
Getting started
Which areas do you cover?
Peyia, Coral Bay, Kissonerga, Chloraka in the Paphos district of Cyprus.
Can we talk before signing up?
Yes. Every family gets a free 20-minute video call with their companion before the first visit, and you are welcome to ask questions by WhatsApp or email first.
My parent lives in Cyprus and I live in the UK. Is that normal for you?
Yes, that is exactly who the service is designed for. You hear from us after every visit, and you can call or message us whenever you need to.
I am an older person living alone. Can I sign up for myself?
Of course. Many people arrange a weekly visit and errands for themselves. Choose "myself" when you join.
Still wondering about something? Ask us.
Ready when you are
We take a small number of families each month so every family gets proper time. Join the waiting list for next month's intake: your card is saved, not charged, until we offer you a place.