Live in Carer/Personal Assistant

Seeking a kind, trustworthy, Live in Carer/Personal Assistant for a lovely 85 year old lady who lives in South Wales.

We are looking for the right person to provide support to the client to enable her to continue living safely in her own home with dignity and respect. Client has moderate vascular dementia which is causing short term memory loss, coupled with significant visual impairment, and some hearing loss.

These conditions along with being elderly, make her vulnerable, and impact her safety and ability remain fully independent, as well as hiding the bright, caring, interested person she still is inside. Her awareness of her condition, long term memory,  logical reasoning and desire to do as much for herself as she can, are currently good, so establishing  a happy, respectful working relationship whilst offering support/stimulation to maintain cognitive function are key elements of the care required.

Assistance is required with personal & social care and light domestic duties from a carer who will also provide companionship and conversation and promote clients well-being and self-worth through shopping and preparing healthy food, encouraging gentle exercise, engaging in conversation and planning  trips out of the house and other stimulating activities to help retain memory and enjoyment of life. Driver preferred, and a car is available to help client to visit friends, and access church, social outings and appointments. 

Because the right personality match is so important to the client, this assignment is offered initially as one month trial , with a view to long term assignment  if it mutually agreeable to both client and carer. Salary £500-£600 per week (subject to experience, and employed/ self-employed status),  and negotiable e.g. if clients care needs change over time.  Package includes reasonable expenses for traveling to and from clients home, all meals (ideally eaten with client), own 'live in' room/personal space  in clients home  and use of family car. 

Self-employed applicants preferred, with the expectation that if self-employed, the carer may arrange her own relief cover, eg for days off/ holidays  with an approved relief carer of their choice. Opportunity for regular short periods of carer time out is also available, e.g. when client spends time with her sister, or other family members who occasionally visit or take client out. DBS check required