Hiring a carer for the day

Giddytimes

Does anyone know of any agencies in the North West (Manchester), who I could contact to enquire about hiring a carer for the day? I have done several google searches but I must be typing the wrong words as I can't find anything.

I want my elderly aunt to be able to attend our wedding (she is currently assuming she is attending), she lives in a care home. We have spoken to the care home but unfortunately they said they just don't have the staff to be able to bring her.

My aunt can't look after herself and will be unable to stay much after the meal, she has dementia and becomes very confused. The wedding is about 45 minutes from the care home, so we'll need someone to collect her, take her between the church and venue, help her with the meal and then take her back shortly after the meal.
Does anyone have an idea how much this would cost us?

chloo

hi i dont know if there is such a thing but a bit like mcmillen nurses there may be a dementia nurse from a charity who would be able to help? of there are lots of carers locally to me anyway who charge about £7.50 per hour good luck xx

Savvy_Sue

I am just wondering if the care home would allow you to pay one of their staff as a private arrangement - to me it would seem sensible that it's someone your aunt knows! - or if they have an arrangement with an agency or bank staff?

Emmzi

ask the care home if someone wants overtime. Then your relative also gets someone she knows!

[Deleted User]

Hi,

maybe you havn't mentioned to aunt what you are planning, so try to find out who of the care home workers she gets on well with, and then approach that person to see if she would be willing to do it for you.

Giddytimes

Thanks guys, the care home did say their staff would be unable to help us at all, even though I offered to pay for this.

I will directly approach one of the staff my aunt gets on with, as suggested, hopefully they will be happy to earn some extra cash.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

if the person is willing, she may need to arrange her rota, so don't leave it too late.

Errata

Check with the care home that it will allow a staff member to do a private job in their own time with one of the home's residents. The home may have a policy in place which forbids staff from doing this.

margaretclare

While your motives are no doubt of the best, wanting to have your beloved aunt at your wedding, it may not be a good idea.

Dementia is unlike most other illnesses. Many dementia sufferers cannot cope with any change in routine, surroundings, different people etc. Even though she may be with a carer who knows her and with whom she feels comfortable while in her day-to-day surroundings, putting her in a 'wedding' situation, a different building, new people etc, may cause her to behave in an unpredictable manner.

VfM4meplse

margaretclare wrote: »

While your motives are no doubt of the best, wanting to have your beloved aunt at your wedding, it may not be a good idea.

Dementia is unlike most other illnesses. Many dementia sufferers cannot cope with any change in routine, surroundings, different people etc. Even though she may be with a carer who knows her and with whom she feels comfortable while in her day-to-day surroundings, putting her in a 'wedding' situation, a different building, new people etc, may cause her to behave in an unpredictable manner.

This is exactly why a carer's supervision is a good idea. No-one can predict a reaction with certainty, but if it gets too much for the OP's aunt then she can return early if necessary.

OP - have you thought about seeing if your local branch of Age UK can help with a recommendation / a volunteer?

scorpio_biker

Hi,

I don't know if they would cover this particular circumstance but you could try http://www.saga.co.uk/care/saga-homecare.aspx. Just give them a call on the 0800 number and they will be able to tell you if that's something they could do. I don't know what the charges are I'm afraid.

I do have to say I work for Saga (but not this department).