Has anyone had a 'mothers help'?

[Stuckforthefourthtime]

Have any of you had a mother's help or other carer come for an afternoon or two during the week? If so, what did they do and was it worth it?

I have 4 small DCs including a newborn. Between school runs for our older 2 and then being home all day with the younger 2, I struggle to keep the house in a good state and also to give enough individual attention.
DH used to work from home and help a lot, but has just started a new job and is away 7-7 during the week, most of our family has moved overseas, and my mum who used to be around a lot now needs care herself.
I have a dream of a nice older lady - or maybe a teenager full of energy - who could come around and play Duplo with the younger ones while listen to the DS1 reading, or help with the endless washing, or stir a pot if the baby needs a feed k in the middle of dinner prep etc
Is this a thing? Or any other advice appreciated!

have you considered an au pair op? I had 2 girls came to work as an au pair and improve their english etc when dc3 was tiny. like yours, my dh works very long hours and school run, activities and keeping on top of everything was very stressful. it was a great experience and I found it really helpful to have an extra pair of hands around 5 days a week.

now dc3 is 9 months the au pair as gone. my cleaner is the same age as my mum and has started being a more of what i would think of as a mothers help. she still does my cleaning and will also babysit a bit, help with the washing or will look after the little ones if I need to do something like have a clear out of clothes they've out grown. so useful. Hope you find something/someone that can help you out.