What do I do?

The simple answer is anything! I am happy to shop, iron, clean or assist with any aspect of personal care for men or women. Below I'm going to list everything I've ever been asked to do because I find many people thing some things they ask are trivial.

The beauty of being a private carer is I visit the same people and really get to know them. This works both ways - it helps me know when things need doing and when something is wrong - and it helps clients relax because they know who is about to coming through the door each time.

For some people my visits are more for peace of mind and social than anything specific but it helps them relax because they know should anything go wrong someone is coming. Sometimes the most independant person will ask for assistance when I've known them for a while beause they feel more at ease and able to ask. (In this situation it can be useful to book a weekly cleaning call which is less personal and intrusive.)

So that's the gist of what I am able to do. As promised below is a list of things I've done on a visit - or been asked to do. It's so much more than a cup of tea!

1. Assist someone to get in or out of bed/onto a commode or into a wheelchair using a hoist or stand aid. Most hoists need two carers and I am happy to work with other family members as second carers or with a carer from another company. 
2. Help with paperwork - applying for Attendance Allowance can seem daunting but it's something I do regularly and it's something anyone who needs help is entitled to. You or your relative could be entitled to between £52 and £84 a week towards care.
3. Make phone calls.
4. Write and/or post a letter.
5. Make a meal/leave a meal ready that's easy to prepare later.
6. Make a drink when I arrive. 
7. Sit and chat before getting on with anything else.
8. Read the newspaper or a book for those who may be visually impaired.
9. Encourage physio exercises - following guidelines given after a stay in hospital.
10. Dust.
11. Wash floors.
12. Hoover.
13. Put washing in or out on an airer or line.
14. Wash curtains or shower curtains.
15. Iron.
16. Clean the kitchen regularly or as a once a month thorough clean.
17. Clean the bathroom and toilet.
18. Clean windows.
19. Take a dog for a walk. Clear up after a dog in the garden.
20. Change a cat litter box.
21. Sew - buttons, hems or general mending.
22. Change the bed. Turn a mattress.
23. Hang curtains.
24. Assist to shower/ bath.
25. Apply cream to body.
26. Empty a catheter bag.
27. Empty the bin - put the bin or recycling out.
28. Post letters, go shopping, collect packages.
29. Clear a grate and light a fire or leave it ready.
30. Fill bird feeders.
31. Go online! Set up and explain tablets, phones and wifi. Help with shopping orders online.