Personal Assistant

Please note that Capability Scotland is not the employer, but acting on our client's behalf, who is the client.

Join a caring team helping keep an elderly lady in her own home by affording her family some independence! Could you spare a few hours at the weekend, or some weekday morning hours? 

Are you a local woman looking for a fulfilling part-time role in which you can make a meaningful contribution? If so, we’d like to meet you! In order to keep life feeling predictable and secure for Rosemary (86), when we’re working, out or need to go away, our aim is to maintain a seamless, familiar and stable environment at home, so that she can continue to enjoy the comfort of familiar surroundings without disruption. Your role might seem small, but it will be crucial in helping us establish a dependable routine, ensuring that Rosemary is well-cared for when we need to be doing other things or to take time to recharge. 

About Rosemary: 

Rosemary has mild to moderate dementia, which mainly affects her speech and ability to navigate her day without gentle guidance. She is calm, aware of her surroundings, and follows a familiar routine that helps her feel secure. She stays in her room for most of the day, enjoying TV or resting but needs help with her morning routine to start the day comfortably. 

Your Role: 

The morning routine involves:

• Helping Rosemary start her day with gentle guidance: waking her up, guiding her through her shower and helping her dress. 
• Preparing a light breakfast, giving medication from dosette box, and setting her up for the day.
• Note: While Rosemary is able to manage most personal hygiene tasks herself, she does need someone patient and kind to provide clear instructions and a helping hand and, of course, this may occasionally entail hands-on assistance. It's important that any applicants are comfortable with and confident in providing care for all eventualities, ensuring Rosemary's well-being in any situation. The role is not physically demanding but requires someone who can approach the task with understanding & respect for her dignity.
• Typically, these tasks take under an hour a day. But we’ve allowed two hours to cover unanticipated irregularities and to make the visit more relaxed and viable for you. You can enjoy some downtime yourself when Rosemary doesn’t need help, so it might be an idea to bring a good book, and there’s tea and coffee on tap! 

Why This Role Could Be Perfect for You: 

• Flexible Hours: We are currently looking for morning care. The shifts are 2 hours a day, 7 days a week, from around 10 am to 12 noon (with some flexibility – see below). Applicants can state preferences, and regular days will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. There is some flexibility if you can’t do all of your usual hours every week too.                

• Not too Early; Finish Before Lunch:  Because Rosemary enjoys a lie-in these days, the hours could fit neatly in between, for example, dropping kids off to school and your lunchtime. Timings can be flexible: e.g. a 9.30 or 10.30 start could still work fine for Rosemary and her family.  

• Possible Additional Income: As the team becomes more established, we anticipate being able to offer those who are available and interested additional care hours, including non-waking (sleepover) night shifts. 

What We’re Looking For:

• Compassion, Dependability and Patience: Experience in personal care or with the elderly is a plus, but what matters most is your ability to connect with and support Rosemary in her routine. Our goal is to find the perfect match for each role, rather than just filling the position. We’d prefer to wait for the right person than settle for someone who isn't a good match.
• Due to the rural location, having your own transport is essential. 
• This role is subject to a satisfactory PVG check. 
• Salary: £12.50 per hour
• Location: Shieldhill, between Lochmaben and Dumfries

Applying to work with Rosemary:

At the bottom of the advert you can submit your CV and a covering letter directly to our hour hiring service. If your application is successful, the employer will invite you to and interview.

For more information on this role, you can call Anne on 07395794168 or 01387 403108 using reference AMRS1124