Job Description

Live-In Carer for female in her 60s - 2 days per week [Thu 4pm-Sat 4pm]

South Cambridge

Are you a calm and gentle person? Would your friends say you are quiet, kind and caring?

I'm recovering from a serious brain stem stroke. I have limited movement, and I can't talk clearly. I'm looking for a patient, kind, gentle and empathetic carer to help me through the day.

Care experience is essential, but the type of person you are is important too. I need someone who is not in a rush, who takes time to understand me, and who is calm and reassuring. I'm not looking for a 'chatty' or 'bubbly' person. I need someone who is quiet, and patient. My voice is very weak so you have to be a good listener. You need to listen carefully. You should also have a good memory so you can remember my routine and how to do things. This helps me feel confident and safe.

HOURS:

2 days per week [Thursday 4pm-Saturday 4pm]

DUTIES:

When you arrive on Thursday, if I am not yet up after my rest then you will get me up, give me a thickened drink and assist with any activities. We will prepare dinner together. After dinner I have my medication, and then you will get me ready for bed before I settle down to watch TV at around 8pm.

Friday morning will involve washing, dressing and helping with simple physio exercises, then breakfast (with a thickened drink and medication). Sometimes we may go out shopping together with my husband. You will help push a trolley, get the wheelchair in/out of the car, etc. Often after breakfast we will stay in. You will help me with some tasks like chop vegetables, exercise on my cycle machine, gardening, etc. and do some simple household chores (cleaning, washing, ironing).

Later you will help me prepare lunch and after clearing away I have a rest on the bed. After my rest you will get me up, give me a thickened drink and help with any activities. We will prepare dinner together. After dinner I have my medication, and then you will get me ready for bed before I settle down to watch TV at around 8pm.

On Saturday morning I have a shower and hair wash. You will help my husband and then do some household chores. After lunch I will do some activities and then have a rest. That's it!

EXPERIENCE:

Patience and a calm, caring attitude are very important.

A rehab or speech therapy background would be useful.

A background helping people with brain injuries or mood-affecting conditions such as Dementia would be an advantage.

You should be sympathetic to the trauma of paralysis and speech loss. I do get frustrated at times, especially when people don't listen or allow me time to speak. You need to take things slowly and listen carefully. If I do get frustrated, you won't take this personally but help me through these times.

Although a petite 5'2", I am wheelchair dependent and unable to shift unaided, so a fair degree of physical fitness is required. Full training using the hoist will be given.

Knowledge of general physiotherapy, massage, movement, etc. would be useful, although training will be given.

You should be comfortable assisting with all aspects of bowel care. A nursing background might be an advantage.

We have a friendly dog, Daisy, so you need to be OK with dogs too.

YOU WILL BE:

Able to travel to the south Cambridge area Utterly reliable Patient, calm and caring Hard working Physically fit to deal with handling / hoisting (Full training will be given) Preferably female (as the job involves personal care) Entitled to work the UK, with a national insurance number

COMMITMENT:

I am looking for someone to help on a long-term basis. You must be able to guarantee your continued availability.

This job would therefore suit someone who is not looking for full-time employment but an additional income, and can live away from home for a couple of nights at a time without difficulty. Additional availability to cover absences, holidays, or to stand in for longer periods in an emergency, would be welcome.

PAY:

708.76 Self-employed

TO APPLY:

Please send a C.V. and a Cover Letter telling me a bit about you and what you are doing now.

Important! You must include a Cover Letter with your application. Please address the following questions in your Cover Letter:

1. How does working Thursday 4pm-Saturday 4pm fit with your lifestyle and employment requirements?
2. Is this a position you intend to hold long-term?
3. Why do you want this specific job, and how can your skills help?
4. Are you comfortable with all aspects of bowel care and management?

We will contact potential applicants for a telephone interview in the first instance, and then ask for references as required.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 708.76 per week

Benefits:

Casual dress On-site parking
Licence/Certification:

Driving Licence (preferred)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person