Wellbeing Assistant (Personal Assistant)

Ref: ES348

Location: Forest Row

Details

This role is to support a Woman

Drivers licence required: Yes

Own vehicle needed: Yes

Employment status:

employed

Hours per week:

Regular hours are needed on Tuesday. Shift hours and time (but not day) are negotiable; currently shifts are 4 hours, 8am until 12pm

Hourly pay rate:

£13.57 to £14.89 depending on experience

About the role and me:

I am seeking a highly empathetic and compassionate individual to join a small team to help me continue to live as independently as possible at my home in Forest Row. I would particularly like to hear from you if you feel you possess the unique set of gifts, skills and understanding to make a real difference to my wellbeing and sense of independence.

Previous wellbeing/personal assistant experience is not essential, but the right set of values is. I’ve been living with my condition for 10 years and in that time I have learned a lot about myself and my needs. Importantly, I’ve learned that I can’t manage alone and that working closely with W/PAs has really helped me live day to day, not just survive.

I would like you to know:

I am a 63 year old woman living with acquired brain injury that has left me with a lot of permanent physical damage and disability. These include mobility and balance problems, visual and hearing impairments, and fatigue.

I’m a wheelchair user, largely homebound, often in bed, and limited when up and about.

In terms of impact on my daily life, it is similar to someone living with advanced multiple sclerosis. But also, I am at increased risk of getting seriously ill from infection, as I have a weakened immune system. In my home PPE is used by me, my W/PAs and any visitors, in addition to ventilation and social distancing. It is important that I avoid exposure to illness causing germs.

Although I now need a lot of help and support, I like to think I meet life’s challenges with a positive attitude and a good sense of humour. I remain highly motivated with a strong drive for independence and desire to live life with purpose. I have intact cognitive functioning, but pain and fatigue are likely to cause reduced functional performance.

Care and support at home:

I live alone and self-fund three wellbeing/personal assistants, and two private physiotherapists. They have been with me between 2 and 6 years. In addition, I am supported by family, friends and neighbours. My sister and son live in London, my brother lives in the Caribbean. At my worst, or when acutely ill, I require full support with all activities of daily living. I pay for LifeLine.

A bit about my life so far:

I have enjoyed a wide and varied career, mostly within the NHS. I was retired on medical grounds in 2015. I’m interested in politics around health and disability, and input into various organisations. I hope I can make a difference for people living with complex needs.

Duties include:

  • Cleaning and laundry (this aspect of the role is very important as I have a weakened immune system)
  • Support with meeting hydration needs, and some food and meal preparation
  • Housekeeping, including shopping, stock control, organising cupboards, plant care
  • Support with getting to and from appointments

Induction with existing W/PAs, and on-the-job support and training is provided.

This role will include wearing PPE (scrubs, masks, indoor clogs), which is provided.

Candidate qualities:

  • Professional
  • Motivated and flexible
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work on a one-to-one basis
  • The ability to listen and learn
  • An understanding and receptive to the challenges and needs of those living with a long-term condition, including physical disabilities
  • An understanding and receptive to infection prevention and control requirements for those vulnerable to infection and respiratory disease transmission

Additional requirements

Non-smoker due to medical reasons

Notes:

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be willing to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check if required.

Please note, if you are successful in your application for this position, you will be either engaged directly or employed by the individual employer and not by Independent Lives. The role may be offered on an employed or self-employed basis, depending on the suitability and agreement with the employer. If the role is employed, you will be entitled to holiday pay and issued an employment contract.

*Exemption for gender is claimed under the Equality Act 2010 Part 1 Schedule 9

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