Self-Employed Personal & Household Care Worker
Purpose of the Role
To provide practical, personal and household support to an elderly couple living in their own home, enabling them to remain safe, comfortable and as independent as possible.
The care worker will operate on a self-employed basis, providing agreed care and support according to the needs of the individuals. The ability to work as part of a team is an essential requirement to this role, as is a measured outgoing personality.
Duties and Responsibilities
Personal Care
Provide respectful and appropriate assistance with personal care, which may include:
● Assistance with washing, bathing or showering.
● Assistance with dressing and undressing.
● Assistance with toileting and continence needs.
● Helping with mobility around the home.
● Assistance getting into or out of bed and chairs.
● General personal hygiene and grooming.
● Encouraging independence wherever reasonably possible.
● Observing general wellbeing and reporting any significant concerns to the family.
All personal care should be provided with consideration for the individual’s dignity, privacy, preferences and independence.
Medication
Provide assistance with medication in accordance with the individual’s prescribed medication regime and agreed care arrangements. This may include:
● Dispensing or administering medication from the medication supplied.
● Prompting individuals to take medication.
● Ensuring medication is taken at the appropriate time.
● Recording medication administered where a medication record is provided.
● Following instructions relating to medication which is conditional or “as required”.
● Reporting missed doses, medication errors or concerns promptly.
● Monitoring supplies and advising the family when medication is running low.
Meals and Drinks
● Preparing meals, snacks and drinks.
● Encouraging adequate food and fluid intake.
● Washing up and leaving the kitchen clean following food preparation.
● Checking basic food supplies and advising the family when items need replenishing.
General Household Duties
Undertake reasonable household tasks necessary to maintain a clean, comfortable and safe living environment, including:
● Washing and putting away dishes.
● Cleaning kitchen surfaces and appliances.
● General tidying.
● Vacuuming and sweeping.
● Cleaning bathrooms and toilets.
● Changing bedding and making beds.
● Laundry, drying, folding and putting clothes away.
● Emptying household bins.
● Light dusting and cleaning.
● Putting shopping or household supplies away.
● Identifying obvious household hazards or maintenance issues and reporting these to the family.
The role is intended to include normal day-to-day household tasks associated with supporting the couple in their own home, rather than heavy cleaning, gardening, building work or property maintenance unless separately agreed.
Companionship and General Support
Where time permits and according to need:
● Provide companionship and conversation.
● Encourage appropriate activity and engagement.
● Assist with answering the door or telephone where required.
● Help locate everyday items such as glasses, hearing aids or walking aids.
● Provide reassurance and orientation where necessary.
● Support established daily routines.
● Accompany or assist with reasonable activities within or around the home.
Safety and Wellbeing
The care worker should:
● Take reasonable steps to ensure both individuals are safe and comfortable before leaving.
● Report falls, injuries, significant changes in behaviour, mobility or general wellbeing.
● Report concerns regarding eating, drinking, medication or personal care.
● Report hazards within the home.
● Contact the family promptly where there is a significant concern.
● In an emergency, contact the appropriate emergency service before or alongside contacting the family as circumstances require.
Record Keeping
Where requested, the care worker will complete appropriate records, which may include:
● Medication administration records.
● Care visit notes.
● Records of meals or fluids where necessary.
● Notes regarding significant events, falls or changes in wellbeing.
Records should be completed accurately at or shortly after the relevant visit.
Confidentiality and Dignity
The care worker will respect the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of both individuals and will not disclose personal, medical, financial or family information obtained through providing care except where necessary for their care or safety.
Self-Employed Status
The care worker provides services on a self-employed basis and is responsible for their own:
● Income Tax and National Insurance obligations.
● Appropriate insurance.
● Business records and invoicing.
● Arrangements for periods when they are unavailable.
The care worker is responsible for determining how the agreed services are provided, subject to the care needs, safety requirements and agreed outcomes of the individuals receiving care.
Hours and visits will be agreed according to care requirements and availability and may be varied by mutual agreement.
Essential Requirements
The care worker should:
● Be reliable, trustworthy and respectful.
● Be comfortable providing personal care.
● Be competent and confident in assisting with medication.
● Maintain appropriate confidentiality.
● Have sufficient physical ability to undertake the agreed duties safely.
● Communicate promptly with the family regarding concerns or changes in circumstances.
● Have appropriate experience of caring for elderly or vulnerable adults.
A recent DBS check and appropriate public liability/professional insurance are essential for this role.
The hours of work are 6:30am until 11pm on a shift basis with alternating weeks.
Remuneration is dependent on experience and is paid weekly in arrears on Monday upon receipt of invoice prior to 9:00am Monday morning.
Pay: £12.71-£17.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
