Personal Care Assistant

**Hi. I am a woman of 52 years, living in Norwich with my partner and daughter. I am a writer and creative person who loves to read, write poetry and prose, and craft items when I am able. I am keen to get back into my garden again at some point.

I’m living with severe rheumatoid arthritis, premenopausal bone and muscle pain, and intense fatigue, which greatly limit my mobility meaning I currently spend all of my time in bed and require daily support with personal care and light household tasks.

My movements are slow and painful so tasks take longer than they would otherwise. I would like gentle support with movement and exercise to strengthen muscles so I can move around more easily in the future. I have a manual wheelchair which it would be great to be able to use again to get out into nature and my local community.

I have a good sense of humour and am usually quite upbeat and positive however my challenging situation means I am prone to moments of depression and feeling weepy. I have good days and less good days so need people around me who are kind, empathetic, patient and understanding.

**About the Role**:
I’m looking for a reliable, friendly, and compassionate female personal assistant/carer to support me with day-to-day personal care and occasional household tasks, as well as providing company and assistance. With the right support and therapies, I hope to improve my mobility and independence in time.

**LOCATION: Norwich, NR3**

**JOB DESCRIPTION**

**Morning Support**:
Help getting out of bed when I am able
Assist with personal care (washing, dressing, toileting)
Support getting back into bed if needed
Ensuring room & equipment are clean and organised
Arrange essential items within reach (books, laptop, medication, etc.)
Refilling hot water bottles and making tea

**Evening Support**:
Provide similar personal care assistance as in the morning

**Occasional / As Required**:
Light house tidying and occasional laundry
Assistance with small movement exercises & walking if able
Gradual support to get outdoors into the garden or local community when possible
Providing support as needed

**PERSON SPECIFICATION**
**Essential**:
Kind, patient, sympathetic, understanding approach
Able to demonstrate empathy without patronising
Good communication skills and sense of humour balanced with a mature approach to work
Friendly, calm, confident manner remaining mindful of my right to privacy, dignity & respect
Have an understanding of the need for confidentiality in all areas of work
Able to follow instruction and/or act independently as appropriate
Physically confident to assist with movement
Reliable, trustworthy & honest character

**Desirable**:
Flexibility in working hours to accommodate our individual needs
Experience in a similar care or support role
Relevant qualifications or training

**SUMMARY TERMS & CONDITIONS**
**Rate of pay**: £12.38 per hour for employed PA and £14.94 per hour for self-employed PA

**Hours and times of work**: up to 9 hours / week. Flexible times - to be negotiated at interview:
**Mon-Fri Morning shift (8:30-10am) + Sat (10:30am-12pm)**
**Total 9hrs / week**
**OR**
**Mon-Wed Evening shift (8-8:45pm) + Thurs-Fri Morning shift (8:30-10am) + Sat (10:30am-12pm)**
**Total 6hrs 45mins / week with additional 15mins / weekend or 1hr every 4 weeks**
**OR**
**or Mon-Wed Morning shift (8:30-10:10am) + Thurs-Fri Evening shift (8-8:45pm)**
**Total 6hrs 30mins / week with additional 30mins / weekend or 1hr every other weekend**

Other working arrangements can be discussed, for example, all mornings or all evenings

**Annual holiday entitlement**: equivalent to the work I would normally expect to be done during 5.6 consecutive weeks (statutory entitlement)

**THIS POST IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING**:
**DBS**:A satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, the cost of which will be covered by the employer

**References**: Satisfactory references from two referees, including current or most recent employer

**Probationary period**: Completion of a satisfactory probationary period of six months

**Key Responsibilities**:
**Services**
- Personal Care
- Domestic Care
- Social + Leisure activities
- Support to remain independent

**Training**
- Essential PA Guide
- Moving & Handling
- Food Hygiene
- First Aid
- Hand hygiene

**Medical**
- Safe Administration of Medication