A Hard Act to Follow

Friendly company and fun, right in your loved one’s home.

“Because good company is a hard act to follow.”

In-home companionship for homebound neighbors in St. Louis. We bring conversation, games, music, and genuine friendship — engaging visits that keep your loved one connected, stimulated, and smiling, and give you a real break too.

Request a Visit Apply to Work

Or call (314) 657-7224 · 8 AM–6 PM

Danny Lawrence, founder of A Hard Act to Follow, in downtown St. Louis with the Gateway Arch behind him

Good company, right at home.

More than a visit — real connection

Being homebound can be lonely, and a quiet house can make the days feel long. We’re here to change that. A Hard Act to Follow brings companionship and social connection to people who can’t easily get out — conversation, favorite music, games, hobbies, and the simple joy of a friendly face. Our visits are about keeping your loved one engaged, stimulated, and growing, not just passing the time — and they give family caregivers a well-earned break, too.

Why we’re different

Most companion services hand you a rigid plan. We don’t. With us, it’s à la carte — you choose the visits and the activities that fit your loved one.

  • Choose the activities

    Music, games, conversation, crafts, reminiscing — pick whatever lights your loved one up.

  • Choose your hours

    Simple 2, 4, or 6-hour visits. Book what fits your week, not a one-size-fits-all plan.

  • Pay for what you use

    Transparent hourly pricing with no padded packages. You pay for the time and help you actually need.

How it works

  1. 1

    Tell us about your loved one

    Share a little about who they are and what they enjoy.

  2. 2

    Pick your hours

    Choose a 2, 4, or 6-hour visit and the activities that fit.

  3. 3

    We show up

    A friendly companion arrives for good conversation, fun, and connection — and you get a real break.

What we do

A few of the ways we spend a visit — mix and match whatever your loved one enjoys.

  • Companionship & conversation

    A friendly face, real conversation, and genuine attention for someone who is homebound or isolated.

  • Games & activities

    Cards, Uno, puzzles, trivia, and other simple games that keep visits fun and the mind active.

  • Music & favorite pastimes

    Favorite songs, sing-alongs, hobbies, and the pastimes that bring a smile — the things they love most.

  • Memory engagement

    Memory games and gentle, patient conversation for loved ones living with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

  • Encouragement & motivation

    A cheerful nudge with at-home routines and goals — like practicing speech with Alexa after a stroke.

  • A reassuring presence

    If a loved one is disoriented or can’t get around easily, we keep them calm, secure, and good company until family returns.

We’re companions — not caretakers

We keep things simple, social, and clearly within bounds. We are not a medical or home-healthcare agency — no nursing, cooking, errands, driving, or personal/bathroom care. Our visits are in-home companionship, focused on connection, activity, and fun. Out of respect for privacy and safety, our companions never enter the bathroom or bedroom.

Simple, honest pricing

Starting at $33 per hour. Choose the visit that fits your week.

  • 2-Hour Visit

    $33/hour

    $66 total

    A short, cheerful visit — a game, good conversation, or favorite music.

  • 6-Hour Visit

    $33/hour

    $198 total

    A big part of the day filled with company and fun, so you can work or travel with peace of mind.

  • Need to go longer? Hours beyond your booked package are $40/hour.
  • Private pay. Care is paid out of pocket — we do not currently bill health insurance.
  • Late cancellations. A late-cancellation fee applies; details are in your service agreement.

Meet Danny

A Hard Act to Follow was founded by Danny Lawrence, who has been blind since age eleven. That experience is exactly why this work matters to him — he knows firsthand what it means to depend on others, to value independence, and to be treated with dignity rather than pity.

Danny is a two-time Missouri state wrestling champion and was inducted into the Alpha Sigma Lambda honor society at Washington University in St. Louis. People who’ve watched him work tend to say the same thing — he’s a hard act to follow — and that’s the standard he brings to spending time with your family.

Danny Lawrence wearing his Alpha Sigma Lambda honor cords at Washington University in St. Louis
Inducted into Alpha Sigma Lambda at Washington University in St. Louis.

Where we serve

We come to you, within about a 10-mile radius of Highway 40 (I-64) & Grand Blvd in St. Louis — covering St. Louis City and many close-in St. Louis County communities, including:

  • Midtown & Central West End
  • The Grove / Forest Park Southeast
  • Shaw & Tower Grove
  • The Hill & Dogtown
  • Soulard & Lafayette Square
  • Downtown & Midtown
  • Southampton & St. Louis Hills
  • Clayton & Richmond Heights
  • University City & Olivette
  • Maplewood, Brentwood & Webster Groves
  • Shrewsbury & Affton
  • Normandy & Wellston

Common ZIP codes: 63101, 63103, 63104, 63108, 63109, 63110, 63112, 63113, 63116, 63117, 63118, 63119, 63123, 63124, 63130, 63139, 63143, 63144.

Not sure if you’re in range? Just ask — we’ll let you know.

Request a visit

Tell us about your loved one so we can bring the right kind of company. Danny will follow up with you personally. Your information is kept private and used only to plan visits.

Your contact info
About your loved one

Note: we’re companions, not a medical service — our visitors do not provide nursing or personal/bathroom care.

Getting to know them

This helps us pair your loved one with the right companion and plan visits they’ll look forward to. There are no wrong answers.

What does your loved one enjoy? (check any that apply)

How would you describe their personality?

Lately, how connected does your loved one feel?

How much company would they most enjoy?

Visits & scheduling

Visits are private-pay (out of pocket). This just helps us plan something that works for you.

Work with us

Love spending time with people and brightening someone’s day? We’re looking for warm, dependable companions for homebound neighbors in St. Louis. Companions are paid $20/hour. A background check is required, and we’ll ask a little about who you are and what you enjoy.

About you
Your interests & experience
A few quick scenarios

There are no trick questions — just pick the answer that’s most honestly you.

1. A client tells you the same story for the third time today. You…

2. A client is having a bad day and snaps at you unfairly. You…

3. A client is embarrassed about needing help with something. You…

4. Your tasks are done, but the client is lonely and just wants to talk. You…

5. The family is running late and your shift goes 20 minutes long. You…

6. You notice a client seems more confused than usual. You…

7. Honestly, what draws you to this work most?

8. How would you describe your patience?

Background check