What do I Charge?

I charge £11 per hour for calls whether they are cleaning or personal care. This includes my petrol - there are no hidden extras. Extra time (organised before a call) is charged at this rate - so an hour and a half would cost £15.50.

I am happy to do half hourly calls for £7.50 per call but do not do 15 minute calls as I feel there is little time to achieve anything.

The length of  call is entirely up to you. As a general rule cleaning calls are between 1 and 3 hours. Morning calls vary, depending on your needs, between 1/2 and 1 hour.

I organise my calls so that there is always time to spare. I won't rush and will never leave until everything is safe and finished.

Payment can be made daily, weekly or monthly by cash, paypal, bank transfer or cheque. I am registered as self- employed.

What Don't I do?

I don't work evenings or weekends. But I do work Monday to Friday every week. I will turn up at the same time every time and will not rush because I organise my work to suit me and my clients.  In the case of a client who needs more care than I can offer I ensure they have cover from a care company. We find this works well and care companies are happy to step in. This also makes certain that should I fall ill they will have immediate cover from a company with carers that already understand and know their needs.

Everyone is different and some may feel they'd rather stick with one company but I've found clients find having the same face on a five days a week basis for personal care easier to cope with than the constant chopping and changing of carers from a company.

Both private and company care has its place in any one person's care - private is more relaxed and it's nice to get to know someone; companies offer peace of mind because they have more carers to cover when things go wrong. How you use either is entirely up to you.

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.

Who Am I?

My name is Lorraine Jennings. I'm a private carer which means I work solely for myself and don't employ any other staff. This means I set my own high standards and know that I will live up to them.

I've worked in the care industry for over two years; primarily for a large company as a carer and as a Senior Supervisor. I have my NVQ2 and am currently working towards my NVQ3. I've worked privately since 2014; visiting people daily, weekly, monthly or when required. My clients are happy for you to contact them for information and references.

I live in Kepwick - in the North Yorkshire Moors - and cover the villages around and the town of Northallerton. My husband is a farmer and I'm well used to finding my way around the back of beyond! I will get out to visit people whatever the weather because I'm well used to coping with (and driving in) bad weather.

If you're interested or simply want to talk about your requirements please get in touch by emailing lorraine.jennings@hotmail.co.uk with your phone number or simply leave a comment below.