Sidekick FAQs

Yes. All of our Sidekicks are adults aged 50+.  We believe support from people who truly understand the experiences, values and what it means to move into mid-life and beyond is invaluable when it comes to creating a natural sense of comfort and connection. 

Anyone 50+ who finds they can benefit from the services of a sidekick are welcome. Age related challenges can begin in mid-life and we are here to support you. 

For example, a woman going through menopause and still working may find that her brain or energy levels have temporarily gone off line. She begins to feel that she cannot keep up, but is still working.  We can be a compassionate friend to help her handle her home and completely relate to her. 

Another example may be someone who has lost a spouse and finds themselves unable to keep up. They can benefit from a trusted sidekick to be their friend and household assistant. 

Also, anyone who finds themselves experiencing a health related event  can benefit from temporary assistance. 

Yes. Every Silver Sidekick undergoes a level two background check through the Agency for Health Care Administration. Yes, each sidekick is covered by liability insurance for your peace of mind. Your safety and trust are our top priorities.

Our rates are competitive and straight forward. We start with a minimum of 3 hour visits.  If your desire is less than that we will charge a little more for each hour. While it will be more per hour, you spend less than you would for the three hour minimum visit. We also provide discounts for bulk hours. Pricing details are provided during a free consultation so we can tailor the plan to your specific needs and budget. 

Silver Sidekicks provides non-medical support only. We do not assist with bathing, dressing, medication management, or any medical tasks. Our focus is companionship, homemaking, and practical help that supports independence and quality of life.

This is not uncommon. There are a variety of reasons that a person may feel hesitant.  Once we understand the hesitation we can work to alleviate the concerns.  We approach the hesitation with compassionate empathy. We grow trust through patience and respect. Because our Sidekicks are peers (fellow seniors), many people find the experience feels more like a friendly visit than “having help.” We’re happy to start slowly and build trust at a comfortable pace.

Yes, many of our Sidekicks can provide accompaniment to appointments, grocery shopping, other errands, or social outings. Transportation availability depends on the individual Sidekick and will be discussed during our initial call. 

Our sidekicks who prefer not to transport clients will assist in coordinating transportation needs. Also, under no circumstances do we recommend that sidekicks drive a clients car.  

Absolutely. Many clients start with a short introductory visit. This gives both you and the Sidekick a chance to meet, talk, and decide if it feels like the right match before committing to ongoing support.

As a social worker, Judy can come into the home (when desired) to complete a thorough assessment focused on safety, organization, and overall well-being. From there, advise you on resources and services available in the community that may be helpful.  With your permission, she can also communicate with medical professionals and other providers to help coordinate in-home services and make sure everything is working smoothly. Additional support may include:

• Helping prioritize needs and create a simple action plan.  
• Connecting you with local programs, benefits, or support services. 
• Assisting with organizing important documents or information.  
• Offering guidance during transitions (such as returning home after a hospital stay, downsizing, etc.).  
• Checking in periodically to reassess needs as circumstances change.