Personal Assistant (PA)

This is primarily a companionship role. Person F enjoys being with people and would benefit from a warm, patient and reliable person who can spend time with her, share activities and help her feel connected. The job description lists the full range of support that may sometimes be needed, but many health, personal care and household tasks are occasional rather than routine. About the employer: The employer is the Person F's sister who is looking to organise daily support. Person F is a 55-year-old woman who is deaf and partially sighted. She has diabetes and attends kidney dialysis three days a week. She lives with her husband and is generally independent with her personal care. She enjoys company, conversation, games and getting out when she feels able. She has specific dietary needs relating to diabetes and kidney health, so support with preparing or making sure a suitable nutritious meal is available is an important part of the role. Social duties: 1) Key part of the role: a) Providing friendly companionship and building a trusting, positive relationship. b) Spending relaxed time together, including conversation, Scrabble, card games and jigsaws. c) Helping Person F keep in touch with family and maintain regular social contact. d) Encouraging confidence, choice and independence, rather than doing everything for her. e) Regularly accompanying her on walks. Occasionally organising swimming, the gym, bowling, crazy golf or the cinema. 2) Health & Medication Support a) Help organise medication and provide reminders so doses are not missed. b) Check medication stocks and flag when supplies need replenishing. c) Change the Dexcom diabetes sensor when required. Training can be provided. d) Check that her hearing aid is working and, if needed, accompany her to the hearing centre 3) Mobility & Wellbeing a) Encourage and support prescribed walking-steadiness and stretching exercises. b) Help keep key routes through the home clear and reduce trip hazards. c) Offer supervision or reassurance when needed because Person F uses a walking stick and has reduced balance. 4) Food and practical support a) Prepare, or make sure there is, a suitable nutritious meal that meets her specific dietary needs and can be reheated safely. b) Provide light practical help such as changing bedding weekly and supporting with laundry, particularly hanging, drying or heavier items. c) Check the personal and downstairs bathrooms and clean them when needed so they remain safe and hygienic.. 5) Occasional personal support a) Person F is generally independent with showering, dressing and using the toilet. b) Occasionally provide reassurance or practical support so personal care can be completed safely and with dignity.

A female

• of the right personality and approach matter as much as previous care experience. We are looking for someone who is:
a) Warm, friendly and genuinely enjoys the company of others. b) Patient, easy-going and a good listener. c) Reliable, punctual and able to provide consistency. d) Respectful, non-judgemental and committed to dignity, choice and independence. e) Positive and encouraging, with a good sense of humour. f) Observant and able to notice when Person F may be tired, stressed or need reassurance. g) Flexible and able to respond calmly when needs or routines change. h) Comfortable working independently and maintaining appropriate confidentiality and boundaries.
• (This is permitted under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, where gender is an occupational requirement for privacy, dignity, and personal care.)
Essential Requirements a) An enhanced DBS check, or willingness to complete one. b) A driving licence, access to a car and appropriate insurance. c) An awareness of Muslim culture and respect for Person F's values and dietary requirements. d) Able and willing to support activities when appropriate. e) Good relationship-building and communication skills. f) Willingness to learn about diabetes, kidney-related dietary requirements, hearing support, medication routines and fall prevention. Desirable but not essential a) Experience in care, support work, companionship or working with a vulnerable adult. b) Basic awareness of diabetes or blood glucose monitoring. c) Confidence supporting routines, mobility or gentle exercise. d) The ability to notice signs of stress or discomfort, even when someone says they are fine. Training and support Induction will cover how Person F communicates, her likes and dislikes, her diabetes and medication arrangements, food requirements, family boundaries and the best ways to support her safely and respectfully.

Flexible hours will be agreed with the successful candidate. Because the role may occasionally involve personal care, female applicants only will be considered. This is an occupational requirement under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010, to protect privacy and dignity. Hours of work: Flexible hours to be agreed. Rate of pay: This is a self-employed role for which the minimum rate of pay is £14.06 per hour. Interested?