Can anyone advise on paid care/home help/errand work?

[Bucketsofdynomite]

Trying to find a flexible part time job for next year and have thought about doing some kind of sitting/shopping/tidying/befriending type work for housebound/elderly people in their own homes. Would be grateful if anyone could advise me thanks. For instance I have no idea what it's actually called or whether I'd need any qualifications or what kind of agency to approach.

[Ceolas]

I worked for a home care agency. You find them in the phone book/yellow pages next to nurses' agencies. Or often nurses agencies will have a homecare branch.

However, although there is a degree of befriending, shopping, housework etc. for a lot of clients the work involves personal care. I.e toileting, washing, dressing etc. Is that more than you were prepared for?

Local councils often operate a similar service through their social work department, so it is worthwhile checking their website for vacancies.

HTH

[Ceolas]

Oh and it certainly is flexible. With the agency I worked for, you were able to say how many hours you could work, what days/times, etc. They often asked you to do more but understoond when you said you couldn't.

[Bucketsofdynomite]

Thanks ceolas, that sounds great. Have no care experience other than my small kids but I'm sure I could handle bigger bums sensitively. Do you think they'd give training or would I need to sort something out myself? Or do they chuck you straight in?

[Ceolas]

They offered a training course. It was a week long covering moving/handling, food preparation, basic first aid, etc. Might be worth ringing and asking.

Do you have a branch of Carewatch nearby? Don't know if they're nationwide. From what I hear, they offer a thorough training course and good rates of pay.

[Ceolas]

Carewatch