Apply at UKCIL.com. Reference: 9f470e70
Overview
Lead Carer / Care Coordinator for an elderly dementia patient in Scotforth, Lancaster. This part-time role (initially around 15 hours per week across 5 days, flexible) focuses on direct care and coordinating care with a 3rd party provider, managing appointments, and ensuring the patient’s needs are met with dignity and respect.
The coordinator acts as the point person between the patient, family, and other caregivers or health professionals, keeping everyone informed and the care plan on track. The coordinator reports to the patient’s family (adult children) and uses collaborative tools (e.g., shared Google Sheets) to track tasks and updates.
Key Responsibilities
* Care Coordination: Oversee and organise all aspects of the patient’s daily care routine, including a structured daily schedule (provided in Google Sheets) covering meals, medication times, personal care, exercise, and social/leisure activities. Ensure each day’s plan is followed and adjust as needed for the patient’s condition or preferences. Coordinate with a 3rd party provider for additional coverage and management of the care rota.
* Companionship & Engagement: Offer supportive companionship and mental stimulation appropriate for someone with moderate dementia, including conversations, crafts, gardening, reading, short walks with the patient’s dog, music, or other hobbies to maintain cognitive function and quality of life. Be patient and empathetic, using techniques to soothe anxiety or confusion.
* Appointments & Healthcare Liaison: Schedule and coordinate medical appointments and provide transportation and accompaniment. The coordinator must have a car to drive the patient to appointments, pharmacy, or errands. Communicate with doctors, pharmacists, or nurses as necessary to advocate for the patient and relay information to the family.
* Daily Living Assistance: Provide or arrange hands-on support with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, grooming, meal preparation, light housekeeping, personal care). Ensure a safe home environment and consistent hygiene and comfort.
* Medication Management: Manage the patient’s medication schedule, remind and administer medications on time, track doses, and document administration. Maintain an up-to-date medication list and monitor for side effects or issues, reporting concerns to family or healthcare providers.
* Monitoring & Reporting: Observe the patient’s condition daily and note changes in health, behavior, or mood. Inform family if concerns arise and consult medical professionals as appropriate. Keep organised daily care logs and progress notes. Maintain open communication through regular updates (e.g., weekly highlights or concerns and a weekly call with the patient’s sons).
* Administrative Tasks: Track care-related documentation, update the care plan as needs evolve, maintain emergency information, and keep important contacts accessible. May handle scheduling of paid caregiving shifts and orient substitutes as needed.
Qualifications & Requirements
* Experience & Training: Significant experience in elderly/dementia care is required (ideally 5+ years as a caregiver or care coordinator). Formal training or certification in dementia care is highly preferred. Nurse-qualified candidates or senior carers/supervisors are ideal for handling medical aspects and care planning.
* Knowledge: Strong understanding of dementia progression, communication techniques, safety, safe transfers, fall prevention, personal care, and basic first aid.
* Transportation: Valid driver’s license and own vehicle required. Role involves driving to appointments and errands; reliable transportation is a must.
* Skills: Excellent organizational and documentation skills. Strong communication with family members and healthcare providers. Proficient with basic technology (smartphone, email, Google Sheets) for updating logs and schedules.
* Personal Qualities: Compassionate, patient, empathetic, reliable, and trustworthy with good judgement. Able to work independently in the home and remain calm during moments of confusion or agitation. Flexible and able to adapt to changing needs.
* Certifications: Up-to-date First Aid and CPR (adult) preferred. A DBS check is required (or willingness to undergo). Existing enhanced DBS is a plus.
Other Details
The coordinator will initially work around 15 hours per week (e.g., ~3 hours per weekday). Schedule is not rigid but consistency is helpful. There is some flexibility to adjust days/times as agreed with the family. The position is part-time, self-employed, with the family as the direct client. The patient lives in the Lancaster area; local candidates (within ~5 miles) are preferred. The coordinator will collaborate closely with the patient’s family.
Services
* Meal Preparation
* Personal Care
* Social + Leisure activities
* Support to remain independent
Training
* Essential PA Guide
* First Aid
* Dementia care
Transportation
* Full UK driving license
* Own personal car
Medical
* Safe Administration of Medication
* Continence Care
Please apply by clicking above or at ukcil.com
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