Overview
JOB DESCRIPTION
Carer/Personal Assistant
A LITTLE ABOUT MYSELF
About myself
I am a severely disabled gentleman in my mid-fifties in Pontyclun.
Many years ago now, when I eventually reached the top of the housing list, I was offered a Cynon Taf Housing Association house, which was a semi-disabled-adapted property in the Llanharan area of Rhondda Cynon Taff and still is a semi-disabled-adapted property.
I moved to the Llanharan area into adapted housing, after a long period of living with my parents, near Pontypridd, which was far from ideal.
I have several conditions that affect my mobility, cognitive functions and my short-term memory.
I have suffered 2 x full strokes (CVA’s) and several mini strokes (TiA’s) which have affected my left side and I also suffer from controlled epilepsy. Due to these conditions I need constant reminding/prompting to do every day things e.g. when to take my medication and have meals and wash etc. I’m not comfortable in very busy situations but I’m able to communicate o.k. in a 1 to 1 situation and 2 to 1 situation with my live-in partner/fiancée present, who has also suffered from: a completely co-incidental; serious stroke & a spinal injury too. We met at a stroke group for “Younger” adults.
I also have angina, following a heart attack, which is controlled mostly. The damage to discs in my spine, has recently been diagnosed as Degenerative Disc Disease & Severe Spinal Stenosis, which has severely affected both my physical back pain & my other Mental Health issues e.g. Depression, Anxiety & PTSD.
I have a hospital bed with an air pressure relieving mattress downstairs (also, occasionally we use our through floor lift and sleep upstairs); use an electric wheelchair (my partner more regularly uses her own electric wheelchair), but I am officially & medically able to drive my 3.5L V6 wheelchair accessible van which does take my electric wheelchair in the back.
Any carer must, when I’m not well enough to drive, be able to drive; self-insured for any vehicle; old enough to drive 3.5L V6 wheelchair accessible van; confident enough to drive such a powerful vehicle; able to secure both my electric wheelchair.
I am interested in Information Technology and used to teach this to adults. I have also run my own business for 20yrs, worked in forensic nursing for 7yrs and as a funeral director’s assistant for 6yrs.
I enjoy other peoples company but enjoy some quiet times as my illnesses can make me feel very tired at times. I also enjoy watching the rugby, as I was a rugby referee for 10 years.
With the help of a Personal Assistant I am looking forward to pursuing new interests (e.g. Wheelchair Snooker & Darts) and re-starting my 10m .177 target rifle shooting at Tondu or Cardiff and archery in Llanharan.
Purpose of the job
The main purpose of the job is to provide me with the support and encouragement I need with every day things, to make sure I am safe & well and that I don’t have falls when we are out. This support will also help me feel more confident and to introduce new routines and interests into my everyday lifestyle.
Daily tasks can include
* Minimal support with personal care, mainly to make sure I am safe
* Ensuring I am dressed correctly before we head out
* Supporting me with social interactions, sometimes managing situations on my behalf, ie, making payment in the shop or querying something
* Taking me in your own car to places I enjoy
* Assisting me or participating with me in some of the activities I enjoy
* When we return home, helping me change clothing
* Assisting me to use the toilet as and when required
* Keeping me company at home, watching a film etc.
Type of person required
* A patient, outgoing person
* Someone who is reliable and flexible
* A person who is confident and has a long-term positive commitment to this sector of work
* A person with a mature attitude who has the ability to assist me in various aspects of my life
* Someone with initiative to help change repetitive routines and introduce/suggest new interests
* A person who respects the privacy and confidentiality of working in someone’s home
* A driver who is willing to use their own car if necessary for which mileage will be paid
* Someone who has experience of Epilepsy and Strokes would be an advantage or someone willing to learn or attend courses to help learn more about my disabilities
Hours of work
There are 7 hours per week available to be worked flexibly throughout the week.
Rates of pay
Starting rate of £12.21 per hour during your trial period.
About the job
This position is subject to satisfactory references and a DBS Disclosure (Police Check), which must be completed prior to the commencement of employment. The cost of this check will be covered by the Local Authority.
All necessary checks will be conducted to verify that any candidate has the legal right to work in the UK before employment begins.
Although this is a part-time role, it is a legitimate position requiring the submission of a National Insurance number. Employment will commence under an initial trial period.
Wages will be paid on a monthly basis and appropriate holiday pay will be provided.
Please note: Dewis Centre for Independent Living is acting on behalf of a third party and will not serve as your employer or be liable for any issues arising from your employment should you be offered the position.
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