Personal Assistant for Gentleman with PPA @£18/hr Part-Time – Chorleywood in Rickmansworth

Location: Chorleywood, Hertfordshire

Pay: £16 per hour

Hours: 12 hours per week – flexible by agreement

About the role

We are looking for a friendly, patient and reliable male Personal Assistant to provide companionship and support to my 79-year-old father, who has Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), a form of dementia that primarily affects language and communication.

Dad is a gentle, intelligent gentleman who has always enjoyed history, reading and learning about the world around him. Unfortunately, as his PPA has progressed, reading and communicating have become increasingly difficult, and he is no longer able to enjoy some of the activities he previously loved. He does, however, still enjoy getting outdoors, walking and spending time in nature. We would love to find someone who shares his enjoyment of the outdoors and can help him continue to lead an active and fulfilling life.

Alongside this, Dad would benefit from regular, gentle practice of his speech and language exercises. We are looking for someone who can combine this with relaxed conversation and enjoyable walks, helping him maintain his communication skills, confidence and independence.

Dad lives at home with my mother, who provides much of his day-to-day support. We would like to find someone who can spend dedicated time with Dad, giving him companionship and helping him stay active and engaged, while also providing Mum with a regular break from her caring responsibilities and some time to herself. This is primarily a companionship role rather than a personal care position. We are looking for someone who can build a positive, trusting relationship with Dad and become a familiar and friendly face in his week. We would also appreciate some gentle support with everyday routines, such as helping Dad keep his bedroom tidy and organised, while encouraging him to remain as independent as possible.

What the role involves

• Accompanying Dad on regular walks in the local woods, countryside and surrounding areas of Chorleywood.
• Providing friendly companionship and conversation, allowing Dad plenty of time to express himself.
• Helping Dad practise speech and language exercises recommended by his speech and language therapist.
• Encouraging Dad to remain active, independent and engaged in activities he enjoys.
• Potentially accompanying Dad on other local outings and activities.

About you

We are looking for someone who is kind, patient, reliable and genuinely enjoys spending time with older people. Ideally, you will:

• Have previous experience supporting people living with dementia, particularly those with communication difficulties.
• Enjoy walking and spending time outdoors.
• Be a good listener and understand the importance of giving someone with communication difficulties time to express themselves.
• Hold a full driving licence and have access to your own car, enabling you to take Dad to different walking locations and places of interest.
• Be happy to follow speech and language exercises and guidance provided by Dad's family and speech and language therapist.
• Experience of PPA or aphasia would be particularly beneficial, although experience supporting people with other forms of dementia would also be valuable.

The most important thing is finding someone with the right personality who is patient, empathetic and able to build a good relationship with Dad.

Hours and practical arrangements

The role will be based in Chorleywood, Hertfordshire, with most activities taking place in the local area. Hours: Approximately 12 hours per week, initially planned as three visits of around 4 hours each, spread across three days. Ideally during weekday afternoons, although there may be some flexibility for the right person. The position will be subject to satisfactory references and an appropriate DBS check.