A companion provider may also assist the recipient with such tasks as self-care needs, meal preparation, laundry and shopping; however, these activities shall not be performed as discrete services. This service does not entail handson medical care. Providers may also perform light housekeeping tasks, incidental to the care and supervision of the recipient. The service provides access to community-based activities that cannot be provided by natural or other unpaid supports, and should be defined as activities most likely to result in increased ability to access community resources without paid support. Companion services may be scheduled on a regular, long-term basis.

Companion services are not merely diversional in nature, but are related to a specific outcome or goal(s) of the recipient. Examples of acceptable companion activities are volunteer activities performed by the recipient as a pre-work activity; going to the library, getting a library card, learning how to use the library and checking out books or videos for personal use; shopping for groceries; or going to an animal shelter to learn about animals, and volunteering or assisting at the animal shelter.