Purpose
To reduce feelings of isolation by accompanying people through everyday tasks that may feel difficult, stressful, or overwhelming to do alone, and to make visible that care is not only about getting things done, but also about being present with one another.
What need does it address?
- Ensuring that people do not have to face stressful situations alone, such as hospital visits, administrative procedures, or important appointments
- Supporting the participation of older adults, people with disabilities, and people with limited mobility in everyday life
- Helping people adapt to a new city, school, or neighborhood
- Providing emotional support during anxiety-inducing situations
- Strengthening relationships of trust and solidarity in everyday life
How can it be practiced?
1. Identify situations where accompaniment may be helpful.
Not every form of accompaniment requires practical assistance. Sometimes simply being present is enough.
For example:
- Going to a hospital appointment
- Shopping at a market or grocery store
- Visiting government offices or completing administrative procedures
- Attending an event for the first time
- Going for an evening walk
- Exploring a new neighborhood together
2. Create a care companion network.
Within your group of friends, apartment building, workplace, or community, you can create a small network of people who can be contacted when accompaniment is needed.
People can share in advance when and how they may be available to accompany others.
3. Talk about needs beforehand.
A short conversation before providing accompaniment can be helpful.
For example:
- “It’s enough just to have you with me.”
- “I may not feel like talking.”
- “I might need help taking notes during the appointment.”
- “Maybe we can have tea together afterward.”
4. Adapt accompaniment to the individual.
Everyone’s needs are different.
Some people simply want company, while others may benefit from transportation support, reminders, or practical assistance.
5. Reflect together afterward.
You might ask one another:
- What felt supportive today?
- Is there anything we would like to do differently next time?
These small reflections can help strengthen relationships of care.
Things to consider
- Accompanying someone does not mean making decisions on their behalf.
- Respect each person’s pace, boundaries, and preferences.
- Not everyone can provide accompaniment all the time; participation should be voluntary.
- Privacy should be protected and shared information kept confidential.
- The goal is not to solve problems, but to help people feel that they are not alone.
The Ihtimam Perspective
Ihtimam Rituals offer practical ways to strengthen care relationships in everyday life. However, lasting solutions to the invisibilization of care require changes not only in daily practices, but also in organizations, policies, and systems.
For more structural approaches, explore the Care Policy Recommendations Tool:
Shared by
This ritual was shared by one of İhtimam’s Co-Nurturers.
Ihtimam Rituals is a living collection of care practices developed by individuals, communities, and organizations in their everyday lives. You can contribute to this collective archive by sharing a ritual that strengthens care relationships in your own daily life.