We are looking for a kind, reliable and organised Personal Assistant / Support Worker to provide one-to-one support to a 63-year-old gentleman living with Alcohol-Related Brain Damage (ARBD).
This is a very personal role and we are looking for the right person, rather than simply someone to complete a list of care tasks.
He is physically fit, intelligent and able to manage his own personal care. He has a wonderful character and is a very likeable, respectful and kind gentleman. He does not require physical assistance with washing, dressing, mobility or toileting.
His main difficulty is short-term memory. He may not remember what happened yesterday or, at times, earlier the same day. Because of this, he needs someone who can provide friendly prompts, establish routines and quietly make sure the important things in everyday life don’t get forgotten.
The aim of the role is to help him remain safe, happy, independent and in control of as much of his own life as possible.
What the role involves
You will visit for approximately each day. Hours can be discussed and there is some flexibility.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Friendly prompting around personal hygiene, including showering regularly, changing underwear and clothing, brushing teeth and cleaning dentures.
- Keeping a simple record of clothing worn so that you can discreetly prompt regular changes of clothes.
- Encouraging a good morning routine, including making his bed, opening curtains and airing the property.
- Making sure he has an evening meal available. This doesn’t need to involve elaborate cooking – it could be preparing a sandwich, arranging a frozen meal or something similarly straightforward.
- Helping him make a weekly shopping list and taking him shopping.
- Occasionally taking him out for a coffee and cake or a short trip to give him a change of scenery and some companionship.
- Prompting him to take rubbish out and keep on top of everyday household tasks.
- Supporting him to keep his home clean and comfortable, including vacuuming, sweeping, mopping floors, washing dishes and cleaning the bathroom.
- Ensuring his washing is done weekly, including accompanying him to the launderette when required.
- Prompting and supporting him to wash his bedding approximately every two weeks.
- Periodically reminding him about things such as trimming his fingernails and toenails.
- He currently understands how and when to take his medication, but you will be expected to periodically check that this remains on track.
- Keeping itemised receipts for any purchases made on his behalf so that these can be reimbursed.
The person we’re looking for
The most important qualities for this role are patience, kindness, reliability and consistency.
Because of his memory difficulties, you need to be comfortable repeating prompts without becoming frustrated. The right person will understand how to encourage someone to do something without making them feel they are being told what to do.
We would particularly like someone who is:
- Warm, friendly and easy to get along with.
- Patient and understanding.
- Extremely reliable and punctual.
- Organised and able to establish consistent routines.
- Respectful of dignity, privacy and independence.
- Observant enough to notice when something has been forgotten or when routines begin to change.
- Comfortable keeping brief notes/records where necessary.
- Able to build a genuine, professional and trusting relationship.
- Confident working independently in someone’s home.
Previous experience in care, support work, dementia care, acquired brain injury or a Personal Assistant role would be beneficial, although the right personality and approach are extremely important to us.
Essential requirements
You must be able to drive and have your own car, as the role will include shopping trips, visits to the launderette and occasional social outings.
A full DBS check and satisfactory referenceswill also be required.
Hours & pay
– approximately per day.
There is flexibility around the exact hours and these can be discussed with the successful applicant.
Pay starts at £25 per hour and may increase depending on experience and suitability.
This could be an ideal position for an experienced carer or support worker looking for a regular one-to-one role without the pressures of traditional care work.
Above all, we are looking for someone who will treat this gentleman with dignity and respect, while helping him maintain his independence and quality of life.
If you are dependable, compassionate and feel you could build a positive relationship with him, we would be very pleased to hear from you.
Please apply with a brief description of yourself, your relevant experience and why you feel you would be suitable for this particular role.
Pay: From £25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
