Job Description

Lead Carer / Care Coordinator for Elderly Dementia Patient, LA1, 15hrs/wk, 30/hr

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Apply at UKCIL.com. Reference: 9f470e70

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Lead Carer / Care Coordinator for Elderly Dementia Patient

Position Overview

We are seeking a compassionate

Lead Carer / Care Coordinator

to assist an elderly dementia patient in living safely and comfortably at home in Scotforth, Lancaster. This role is part-time (initially approx. 15 hours per week across 5 days, flexible) and focuses on both providing direct care and also coordinating care with a 3rd party provider, managing appointments, and ensuring the patient's needs are met with dignity and respect.

The coordinator will act as the point person between the patient, family, and any other caregivers or health professionals, keeping everyone informed and the care plan on track. The coordinator will report directly to the patient's family (adult children) and use collaborative tools (e.g. shared Google Sheets) to keep track of tasks and updates.

Key Responsibilities

Care Coordination:

Oversee and organise all aspects of the patient's daily care routine. This includes managing a structured daily schedule (provided in Google Sheets) covering meals, medication times, personal care, exercise, and social / leisure activities. The coordinator should ensure each day's plan is followed and adjust as needed for the patient's condition or preferences. A 3rd party provider is also in use for additional coverage and management of the care rota and personnel is also required.

Companionship & Engagement:

Offer supportive companionship and mental stimulation appropriate for someone with moderate dementia. This could include engaging the patient in general conversations, simple activities they enjoy (crafting, gardening, reading), short walks with the patient's dog, music, or other hobbies to help maintain cognitive function and quality of life. The coordinator should be patient and empathetic, using techniques to soothe anxiety or confusion common in dementia.

Appointments & Healthcare Liaison:

Schedule and coordinate medical appointments (doctor visits, therapy sessions, etc.) and provide transportation and accompaniment to these appointments. The coordinator must have their own carto drive the patient to doctor's offices, pharmacy, or run essential errands as needed. They will communicate with doctors, pharmacists, or nurses as necessary to advocate for the patient and relay important information back to the family.

Daily Living Assistance:

Provide or arrange hands-on support with activities of daily living - for example, assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and other personal care tasks. Ensure a safe home environment and that the patient's hygiene and comfort needs are met consistently.

Medication Management:

Manage the patient's medication schedule, reminding and administering medications at the correct times, tracking doses, and documenting that meds were taken. The coordinator will maintain an up-to-date medication list and watch for any side effects or issues (reporting concerns to family or healthcare providers).

Monitoring & Reporting:

Observe the patient's condition daily and note any changes in health, behavior, or mood. If there are concerns (e.g. changes in eating, mobility, memory, new health symptoms), inform family members and, if appropriate, consult medical professionals. Keep organised daily care logs and progress notes that the family can review (record what was done each day, how the patient was, any incidents). Maintain open communication with the family through regular updates (e.g. a brief summary of each week's highlights or concerns and potentially a weekly call with the patient's sons).

Administrative Tasks:

Keep track of care-related documentation. This includes updating the care plan as the patient's needs evolve, maintaining emergency information, and ensuring important contacts (doctor, pharmacy, neighbors, etc.) are readily accessible. The coordinator may also handle scheduling any paid caregiving shifts (if additional carers are involved) and ensure continuity of care (for example, orienting a substitute carer if the coordinator is on leave).

Qualifications & Requirements

Experience & Training:

Significant experience in elderly/dementia care is required (ideally 5+ years as a caregiver or care coordinator). Formal training or certification in dementia care is highly preferred. Candidates who are nurse-qualified (Registered Nurse or similar) or who have been senior carers/supervisors are ideal, as they can better handle medical aspects and care planning.

Knowledge:

Strong understanding of dementia and how it progresses, including best practices for communication, redirection, and ensuring safety for someone with memory impairment. Should be knowledgeable about proper caregiving techniques (safe transfers, fall prevention, personal care) and basic first aid.

Transportation:

Valid driver's license and own vehicle are required. The role involves driving the patient to appointments and running errands (e.g. grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions), so reliable transportation is a must.

Skills:

Excellent organisational skills to manage schedules, tasks, and documentation. Strong communication skills are needed to effectively liaise with family members and healthcare providers, and to patiently converse with the client. Must be adept with basic technology (smartphone, email, Google Sheets) to update care logs and schedules for family access.

Personal Qualities:

Compassionate, patient, and empathetic in nature - you genuinely care about improving the elder's quality of life. Reliable and trustworthy, with good judgement (since you may often work independently in the home). Able to remain calm and reassuring during moments of confusion or agitation in the patient. A problem-solver who can adapt to changing needs (flexible schedule, trying different approaches if a routine isn't working).

Certifications:

Up-to-date First Aid and CPR certification (for adults) is preferred to handle any emergencies. A DBS check (background check) is required (or willing to undergo one), as this is working with a vulnerable adult. (Having an existing enhanced DBS certificate is a plus, as noted by many experienced caregivers).

Other Details

The coordinator will initially work around 15 hours per week, e.g. roughly 3 hours per weekday. This can be adjusted based on the patient's needs and will likely increase over time. The schedule is not rigid but consistency is helpful - for example, visits/check-ins each morning Monday-Friday to organise the day's care. There is some flexibility to adjust days/times as agreed with the family. The position is a part-time, self-employed role (hourly pay) with the family as the direct client. The patient lives at home in the Lancaster area; local candidates (within ~5 miles) are preferred for ease of commute and familiarity with local services. The coordinator will collaborate closely with the patient's family.

Key Responsibilities

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Services

Meal Preparation Personal Care Social + Leisure activities Support to remain independent

Training

Essential PA Guide First Aid Dementia care

Transportation

Full UK driving license Own personal car

Medical

Safe Administration of Medication Continence Care

Please apply by clicking above or at ukcil.com