Personal Assistant

The main goal of this role is companionship, and to assist me in maintaining my independence and confidence in going out and about in the community and to structured activities. I need help when communicating with people and in daily tasks at home e.g. organising and finding my belongings, eating and drinking, recreation etc. Your support will allow me to maintain an active, more confident life despite my health challenges. It will also help my family to have regular time for their work, interests and activities. I am awaiting a social services review which may increase my support plan in the medium to longer term., 16 hours available each 4 week period, with one or two sessions per week at 2-3 hours each. This could look like: 2 x 2 hours per week x 4 weeks (p/week) Or Week 1 & 3: 1 x 2 hours, 1 x 3 hours (5 p/week) Week 2 & 4: 1 x 3 hours (3 p/week) Days and times can be arranged flexibly around availability but our preferred session times are: Tuesday am/pm, Wednesday pm, Thursday am/pm, Friday early pm Occasional availability for 2 hours on Tuesday evenings would be helpful We would be interested in hearing from candidates seeking options for occasional casual cover for ad hoc shifts., Though a part-time job, this will be a proper job requiring a National Insurance number to be submitted. A trial period will be necessary in the first instance. The wage will be paid four weekly and appropriate holiday pay given. The post is subject to satisfactory references and a DBS (Police) Check - which will need to be carried out before employment can commence. The cost of this will be met by the employer (Local Authority).

I have Lewy Body Dementia (DLB); this brings Parkinsons symptoms which impact my movement, balance, co-ordination of small practical tasks, and speech. As a family we are continually adapting as my condition changes and are keeping a positive outlook and good humour. Due to the unpredictable nature of DLB, my attention span can be poor, my memory and vision can play tricks on me and I am prone to forgetting recent events, or losing the thread in conversation. My voice is now very quiet, and I feel tired more often. In my earlier years I worked for the Bank of England in London, as an administrator. Later, I did freelance copy editing and maintained several gardens in the local area. My passion for gardening inspires me to study this via online courses! I also enjoy local history, and have a keen interest in steam trains and current affairs. I spend time watching murder mysteries/ thrillers and documentaries, and like getting outdoors daily for walks or a potter in town, though now I need some support to get out and about safely. I have been enjoying some small group activities and coffee mornings for those with dementia but need a helper with me.,

• Someone who is gently encouraging and motivating
• A calm and friendly person who can reassure me if I worry about
anything
• Someone who has similar interests to myself or appreciates my
interests
• A driver with business class insurance who can take me out and
about
• A person who can go with the flow as my days can fluctuate - my
energy can dip on some days and so plans can change
• Someone who can be patient and listen well, as my speech can be