Being a 'paid companion' to older person

Lilacblue

Just wanted to pick your brains please...

What would you expect to pay someone who just pops in for an hour on two evenings a week, to check that someone is ok? Older lady lives in her own home but has early symptoms of Alzheimers, and the family want the reassurance of knowing that she has eaten her supper, the house is secure and she feels safe and comfortable etc.

I have been asked to take this role on, and am happy to do so, but I have absolutely no idea what the going rate is (the family say it is negotiable). She lives quite near me. I am sure that as time goes on there may be times when I do extra, or her needs change, and I am fine about that as I can be really flexible and the family live miles away. At the moment it is just an hour at night twice a week.

If anyone else does anything similar I would be grateful for your advice. Many thanks

ostrichnomore_2

At least minimum wage.

someone I work with does this as a second job (through a proper agency) in the evenings. She gets around £7.50 an hour.

Mojisola

I was paying £10 an hour for someone to come into my parents.

If you are going to be paid, make the agreement formal with reviews planned so that you don't end up doing a lot more time without the pay increasing.

Lilacblue

Thank you...that is very helpful.
When my grandparents became frail a few years ago we found a wonderful lady who helped them. It was so reassuring to know that she was just round the corner. One day I went round there and she had persuaded my grandmother to clear out her massive wardrobes. Fifty years of clutter! She had laundered the rest and ordered the clothes into 'colour matches' so that outfits could be picked easily. I have no idea how she managed to get her to do that.
I have no idea what we paid her though!

Prothet_of_Doom

My aunt organised a rota of people to come in and look after my grandad, she paid them out of his pension, at a rate which meant they were happy to do it, without eating into his savings. I'm not sure that national insurance or tax were paid, as it was an informal agreement, and you might suggest that each person was self employed, but I'm pretty sure my mother once described it as pin money. I'm guessing a "baby sitters rate"....£5 an hour but say £20 if you have to stay overnight in the spare room.
My Grandad had someone there 7 nights a week, plus someone who came in to get him up and give breakfast, (who brought the paper), and someone to come in and help with an evening meal.
They were all 'ladies from the church'.
My wife used to go and put a disabled lady to bed at the weekends, and she was paid NMW and her travel expences at 45p a mile by a charity.

fluffnutter

Lilacblue wrote: »

Just wanted to pick your brains please...

What would you expect to pay someone who just pops in for an hour on two evenings a week, to check that someone is ok? Older lady lives in her own home but has early symptoms of Alzheimers, and the family want the reassurance of knowing that she has eaten her supper, the house is secure and she feels safe and comfortable etc.

I have been asked to take this role on, and am happy to do so, but I have absolutely no idea what the going rate is (the family say it is negotiable). She lives quite near me. I am sure that as time goes on there may be times when I do extra, or her needs change, and I am fine about that as I can be really flexible and the family live miles away. At the moment it is just an hour at night twice a week.

If anyone else does anything similar I would be grateful for your advice. Many thanks

Depends whether she's your mother or not

Mojisola

Lilacblue wrote: »

What would you expect to pay someone who just pops in for an hour on two evenings a week, to check that someone is ok? Older lady lives in her own home but has early symptoms of Alzheimers, and the family want the reassurance of knowing that she has eaten her supper, the house is secure and she feels safe and comfortable etc.

It would be worth her family checking whether her needs would entitle her to claim Attendance Allowance.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/money-matters/claiming-benefits/attendance-allowance/

troubleinparadise

It would also be wise to clarify what the companionship role might involve - if it is purely to be company and a watchful eye that there are no unaddressed problems arising, fine.

But there comes a time with dementia when downturns in abilities, personal hygiene, managing household tasks and finances start to erode normal living, and the role of companion could start to be a much greater task than was foreseen.

And especially with money and personal belongings misunderstandings can arise - better for all to go in with a very clear idea of who is in charge of what, and who is to deal with specific problems. A straightforward conversation to clarify these points with the family would be a good move.

Errata

1. Ask the family to specify exactly what they expect you to do
2. It's the family's responsibility to tell you how much they are prepared to pay you
3. It's your decision to accept what they offer or ask for more
4. The family will be your employer, what happens about tax/NI, insurance etc etc etc
5. Do you understand the difference between a little mild eccentricty and developed, and developing, Alzheimer's disease?
6. Will they expect you to call an ambulance first and them second when YOU judge one is needed?
7. If you judge the lady is safe and comfortable and the house secure each time you leave, what happens if you're judgment is wrong?
Just a few things for you to think about before you have a discussion with the family.
Personally I wouldn't touch this with a bargepole if the family's intention is that it's a very informal but paid arrangement.

jackyann

Although I don't agree with Errata that I wouldn't touch it, I do think they make some very good points that you need to consider.
I know a an ex-nurse who provides this sort of service - she charges £15 just to pop in, on the understanding that if all is OK she will be out in 15 mins, but the £15 will cover up to the first hour of dealing with any problems, from plumbing through spilled drinks to calling a GP

If, because you are a family friend (or whatever) you choose to keep this on an informal footing, nevertheless, do be very clear about the boundaries of responsibility. And be clear about what to do if the family are unavailable. Be very careful that they don't represent you to any medical / social agencies as anyone with formal responsibilities (I am guessing you have no training, from the wording of your post)

Mojisola

It's very common for people with dementia to think that things have been taken from the house - my Mum was sure that everything from her jewellery to the toilet brushes (yuck!) were being taken by carers.

Fortunately, I knew all the regular carers and trusted them. Had I not been sure of their honesty, they could have found themselves accused of stealing.

It's something to be aware of if it's just you going into someone's house.