Health care assistant

Location: Switzerland and United Kingdom

Working schedule: Rotational shifts of approximately 14–16 days

Working environment: Private household

Consistent Care Team provision

The Care Team shall ultimately comprise 3 members of staff: 1 Registered Nurse and 2 Health Care Assistants/Carers.

The Registered Nurse will have day-to-day oversight of the Care Team and clinical decision making and assessment delegating tasks and roles to the 2-care staff, one member of the team shall be allocated to care of the principal. This should be consistent for the length of rotation.

The general purpose:

To provide discreet, reliable and familiar support while protecting independence, routines and quality of life.

The general proposed arrangement:

Dedicated member of staff would work complementary rotations of approximately 14 to 16 days. This creates continuity, familiarity and a clear handover between people who understand the Principal preferences, schedule and day-to-day needs.

Person Specifications:

• Calm, knowledgeable and confident.
• Excellent personal skills.
• Min 5 years’ experience of older adult care with and without dementia diagnosis or cognitive impairment.
• An experience within a private household would be appreciated.
• Full UK driving license and willingness to drive in Switzerland.
• Ability to travel to Switzerland and UK for periods of time: if not UK based then work permit will be required for UK / if not Switzerland based then work permit will be required for Switzerland.
• English as first language or excellent written and verbal English skills.

Coverage:

• Two suitably qualified care staff working alternating 14 to 16-day rotations.
• Continuity of support with one primary point of care available throughout each rotation.

Daily routine (sample):

Join principal for twice daily dog walks, support normal routines and remain attentive to day-to-day wellbeing. This will include driving duties for the principal to and from the sites of dog walks and on lunch outings.

Care should fit around Principal’s life, requests and preferences, allowing the Principal to remain active, involved and in control. Presence should be discrete and unobtrusive, however being available and visible to Principal for reassurance.

English as a first language is preferred, however consideration to those with an excellent grasp of spoken and written English will be considered.

Health support

Respond appropriately to concerns within scope of practice as per professional regulations and/or registration, monitor changes and escalate to the relevant clinician ie Registered Nurse in the first instance, GP or emergency services when required.

Assistance with personal care may be required, currently minimal prompting and support.

Confidently reassuring Principal and providing information relevant to the needs.

Medical appointments

Accompany principal to appointments, take accurate notes and relay agreed information to the family and team.

Clearer communication, better continuity and less risk of important information being lost.

Team responsibility

Act as the defined first point of contact for day-to-day care matters, within clear professional boundaries.

Removes medical responsibility from the wider household and business team.

Family confidence

Communicating with family and supporting peace of mind that high-quality care is present without making home life feel clinical.