Personal Assistant

Independent Lives; Emsworth; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

Independent Lives is seeking a caring Personal Assistant to support a 61-year-old husband living with CANVAS, a rare genetic condition, in his home.

You will assist with personal care, dressing, showering, meals, mobility aid, and companionship. The role requires patience, discretion and reliability.

As the family value calm, quiet support and safe, dignified care, you should be comfortable with pets and able to work quietly, following instructions and taking initiative.

Qualifications

• Ability to provide medication prompting and personal care.
• Respect for privacy and confidentiality.
• Ability to work quietly with someone who has limited speech.

Responsibilities

• Medication prompting/administering
• Personal grooming
• Eating and drinking assistance
• Moving and handling
• Other relevant duties as required

Skills

Medication prompting

Personal care

Mobility assistance

Reliability

Empathy

Job description

We're looking for a caring, patient and friendly Personal Assistant to support my husband, aged 61, as we navigate life with CANVAS, a rare genetic neurodegenerative condition he was diagnosed with 12 years ago.

As his energy levels decline, he needs help with personal care, dressing, showering, preparing meals, moving safely around the home using his rollator or wheelchair, gentle exercise and occasional outings on his mobility scooter.

He's not a big talker these days and enjoys his rest, but show him photos from his adventures as a professional yacht skipper in the Arctic or our family holidays, and you'll often see a big smile! An After Eight Mint helps too!

We're a close-knit family who still love getting outdoors when the weather allows, exploring places on his off-road mobility scooter and enjoying time with family and friends. We're looking for someone kind, reliable and understanding who can help him stay comfortable, maintain his dignity and enjoy life's little pleasures.

Duties

• Medication prompting/administering
• Personal grooming
• Eating and drinking assistance
• Moving and handling
• Other relevant duties as required

Additional responsibilities

• Respectful of the employer's privacy and confidentiality
• Reliable with good timekeeping
• Able to both follow instructions and work on own initiative
• Fit and healthy to undertake the required duties
• Honest and cheerful
• Must be comfortable with pets
• Able to always work to high standards of health & safety
• He can get overstimulated by lots of noise so he prefers a quieter approach. Someone who can take the time to listen - as one of his symptoms is slurred speech.
• An ability to be efficient with personal care tasks as he gets fatigued easily.

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be willing to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check if required. If the role is offered on a self-employed basis, you will be responsible for the cost of your own DBS check.