Job overview
This is a permanent, part-time visiting care role supporting an 88-year-old gentleman with COPD and dementia. The carer will provide companionship and practical support, including driving to appointments. The ideal candidate will be friendly, chatty and positive, with excellent listening skills and the ability to engage the client through his varied interests in history, engineering, geography and documentaries.
Key responsibilities
The carer will visit the client's home and have the following responsibilities:
- Drive the client to appointments
- Provide friendly companionship and emotional support
- Engage the client through conversation about his interests and knowledge
- Support the client's wellbeing and help lighten the mood
About the client
Age: 88
Medical conditions: COPD and dementia
Additional health needs: Reduced mobility, hard of hearing, anxiety and depression
Background and interests: The client lives with his wife, who is his main carer, with family support nearby. He has wide-ranging interests including transport, engineering, history (local and broader), nature, geography, science and maths. He is passionate about music and singing, having been a keen entertainer. Although his short-term memory is poor, he has considerable knowledge to share and enjoys doing so. He is not suited to group activities due to communication difficulties and may be on the autistic spectrum. The client responds well to visiting local areas to discuss their history or watching documentaries and discussing the content. He can be quite loud due to long-standing hearing difficulties, but is not aggressive. He is emotionally sensitive, and this is becoming more pronounced as his dementia progresses.
Work environment
Smoke-free and pet-free home.
Requirements
Essential:
- Fluent English speaker
- Valid UK driving licence with own vehicle
- Up-to-date DBS clearance
- Care Certificate qualification
- CQC mandatory training
Working pattern
9 - 15 hours per week, offered as either:
- 1-2 hours per day, 5 days per week, or
- 3 hours per day, 3-4 times per week
Days and times are flexible and negotiable to suit both parties.
Who this role would suit
A friendly, chatty and positive carer with excellent listening skills. Someone who is capable of providing genuine companionship, engaging with the client's interests and knowledge, and helping to lighten the mood and improve overall wellbeing.