**Job Title**
**Personal Assistant / Carer**
**Purpose of the job**
Kind, artistic and patient personal assistant/carer required for intelligent, adorable mature woman with Downs Syndrome, with recent symptoms of dementia living in the family home in Hampstead (shared with some family members).
She has previously led a full creative and independent life including as a paid employee in the past.
We are looking for 1 or 2 personal assistants to join an existing team to support with personal care (including continence management) and enable partaking in a range of activities at home and in the community.
The client enjoys drawing, painting, sewing, socialising, conversation and singing.
She was a trustee of The Downs Syndrome Association for many years and continues as an ambassador.
**Hours and rate of Pay**
20 - 22 hours per week (full days and ½ days -exact hours and days to be discussed)
£13.15 per hour
**Main Duties**
Assisting another PA or family member in toileting, changing clothes and bathing.
Support with domestic duties (changing/washing bed linens/ cleaning)
Support with reading, writing and understanding any correspondence
Support to take part in activities such as walking, art classes and trips out.
Support with shopping when required
Support with physical tasks that the client cant do independently such as carrying the shopping or walker up two flights of stairs to the flat
Support and encourage to complete daily exercise (daily walk)
Support with use of public transport
To prepare and cook meals
Liaise with Health professionals and officials when required
The main duties identified in the job description are examples of the expectations required; there may be occasions where you are reasonably requested to provide additional activities to be undertaken inside or outside of the home.
**Personal Assistant Specification**
You must be honest, trustworthy, and reliable.
You must respect the clients privacy and always maintain her dignity.
You must be enthusiastic and flexible with a caring disposition.
You must be able to work well independently.
Ideally you will have similar interests and be willing to participate in activities with the client when required.
Preferably have an artistic/creative background.
You are accountable to the family member of the client who will be the employer in all aspects of your work.
You will work closely with the clients family to determine how best to support her
You need to be able to support the client with physical tasks such as carrying her walker up the stairs
You need to be able to use your own initiative
An appreciation of nutrition and a familiarity with healthy eating, and scratch cooking is essential to the role.
You should always ask the client or family members what her needs are and listen to such directions and requests.
Excellent proficiency in English language communication, both written and verbal is required for this role.
Experience of dementia would be desirable.
The post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure which will be funded through your employer.
A car driver could be beneficial but not essential
Due to the personal care aspects of this role, the personal assistant needs to be female.
This is an official employment and wages will go through a payroll company.
You will be entitled to paid holiday (pro rata) and a work place pension.