Where can I advertise for a carer?

EltonJohnFan

Good morning everyone, hope you're safe and warm today?

I've just started the process of applying to have my Disability Living Allowance reinstated at both the High Rate Mobility and High Rate Care. My award was previously at these two rates but was subsequentely cut when I had to do a renewal in the summer and consequentely I now receive the Middle Rate Care and Low Rate Mobility but the difference being that my award is now permanent as opposed to time-limited like it was before. I've repeatedly been urged, however, to ask for my award to be looked at by numerous people on this forum and also by my doctor, hospital consultants, support workers, family and friends who all tell me that I'm not receiving the correct level of payment as I'm a very badly disabled person and my care and mobility needs are extensive, have a lifetime history of being disabled and requiring extra help and support to be able to live indepedently and stay safe.

Now, I have to say that I'm more than happy with the level of financial support I'm getting so please don't think I'm a greedy person because I'm not. I'm just grateful to have this support in place as it allows me to live a more normal life and be able to do the things other people do and enjoy life just that little bit more. I am sorry if this is the wrong place to post my question but is there any way I could advertise for a carer to help me around the home? I'm a full-time wheelchair user and I have a degenerative bone condition which is very painful and makes houswork incredibly difficult at the best of times as I can't vacuum or reach high places to clean them. I also have very bad hearing and eyesight and so I think it would be easier if I just paid someone from my Disability Living Allowance to help me around the home.

I'm a very clean person and like to keep on top of things and I'm happy to pay a fair rate of £7.50+ per hour for at least 5 hours per week and the duties would simply involve keeping my house clean, vacuuming, polishing, changing my bedsheets etc and ensuring my pathways are kept clear and doing some shopping for which I'd pay an extra allowance. I previously had a carer but she's retired now and I haven't been able to find anybody else to do the job as no one replied to my ad in the shop window. I don't have to worry about my gardens because the local council does those but I really need someone to help me inside my home. Is there anywhere I can post an advertisement where more people might see it? I thought about the Jobcentre perhaps? I'm not sure if they'd accept a vacancy from an ordinary person because I'm not a business or anything and plus it's only for a few hours each week. If there's anything else you can think of that might help me then please do share it with me as I'll be grateful, thank you very much and take care everyone

Widelats

I would try hire a registered professional carer if i were you, instead of shop windows, there must be someone in your local council who can put you in contact with a professional agency or a registered carer company.

Hope you find one.

Savvy_Sue

Job Centre would, I think, but there are hoops to jump through.

Could this fit with school hours? if so, think where parents would see an ad - different shop window near a school perhaps?

MrRedundant

The moneys the problem I would suggest.
A bare minimum carer is going to cost you £12-13 an hour whether you go to an agency or employ them (i.e hourly rate, then tax etc)

kingfisherblue

Social Services may have a list of people who are willing to work for you - my local SS has a list of people who work for individuals who receive Direct Payments. All are CRB checked as well, so that is something to consider.

Another possible route to finding somebody is to contact your local Carer's Centre, if you have one. My daughter started work as a carer as a result of me being a member of the Carer's Centre and mentioning her there. Local disability groups might also be able to help.

Your local church may know of somebody who would be interested in a part time job of the type you are offering.

An advert in the local paper could be a way of reaching somebody looking for work, but I would put this on a par with shop windows - you never know who you are going to attract. Whilst many people will be genuine, it isn't unknown for the minority to take advantage of disabled people.

Alternatively, you could look at local housework agencies. You will probably get a regular cleaner, but when they are off (sickness, holidays, etc), you will still have somebody coming in to clean your house. Also, most cleaners who work for these agencies are CRB checked. You are likely to pay a bit more per hour, though.

Good luck x

Errata

From what you've written it looks like what you need is a good 'daily' not a carer as you don't require any personal care.
In your shoes, I'd go for an cleaning agency.

EltonJohnFan

Thanks everyone for a great response!
I'm going to try and find out a little more about this and make the most of the fantastic advice I've received

lindsaygalaxy

See lots of these kind of ads in the local pape, paying around £7-£8 an hour. Sounds like you need a cleaner, and im sure in these climates finding someone to do it for cash sorry self employed wouldnt be a problem - just ask and check references.

jobbingmusician

In my local area the Association of Disabled People keeps a register of people who are willing to do caring duties (on a paid basis). You could try Googling, and then contacting, your local association - or you may already have contact with them