Companion / Driver - Bawdeswell, Norfolk

Calm, patient, cheerful companion / driver required for 30 year old man with autism / learning difficulties. This will be an extremely rewarding role for the right candidate and will require someone who will work to gain a real connection, be proactive and suggest things to do with the aim of establishing a weekly routine of activities/interests which can be looked forward to. 

This is a long term, permanent, live out role.

Hours of Work:

•  Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday + possibly some weekend days -  10.00am to 6.00pm

Salary Level: £18.00 per hour with holiday

Background:

Our son William is a 30 year old man, who has recently moved into his own cottage on the family farm, and close to his grandmother in a charming rural village location.  His mother is also local, and both parents and grandmother are incredibly supportive.

William is autistic (diagnosed 8 years ago) and has learning difficulties. He did not do well academically at school, but was a talented sportsman.

The family have been supporting William each day as he needs reminding to drink fluids and also have something for lunch.  His main meal of the day is in the evening, and William likes to be involved with cooking.  William can manage to shower and dress himself, and usually showers every other day currently.

William is good for his age with listening, but does not say very much.  Lately he has been asking a few more questions.

We have noticed that things William used to enjoy such as fishing and beating at shoots, are no longer of interest, and he does not seem bothered about doing anything except gardening.  He is good with his hands, and so William might take an interest in crafts/lino printing or woodwork if encouraged.

We are seeking a Companion and Driver to engage with William, with interesting things to do to help build up his confidence, and provide some structure each day.

William could manage small groups only as can feel overwhelmed with too many people.

Candidate Profile:

This will be an extremely rewarding role for the right candidate.  You will need to be calm, patient, cheerful, have experience of working with autism/learning difficulties or have a good understanding of these conditions.  We require someone who will work to gain a connection with William, be proactive and suggest things to do with the aim of establishing a weekly routine of activities/interests which William looks forward to.  William needs prompting with most things and an easy approach works well.

You must be a good car driver, as William is not currently driving.  William’s car will be available to take him on trips out.  We require easy home cooking (from scratch) with some light housework, in conjunction with the cleaner who attends twice a week.  The carer would be responsible for informing the family of any problems that might occur in the home, eg: boiler or machinery breakdowns, SKY issues, internet issues.

 Approximate Daily Routine:

 Start time: 10.00am  

• 10.30am Either a trip out for a walk to eg Blickling or Sandringham; the coast (lunch out?) or more locally Reepham and Whitwell or do some arts and crafts together / games / sport / gardening 
• 12.30 / 1pm Prepare lunch together and have lunch (if not taken picnic)
• 5.00pm Cook a meal together.  William enjoys roasts, fish, vegetables and fruit.

Currently William’s night time routine is early at around 7pm, but this may change with a companion engaging his interests and hobbies.  There is no assistance required for morning or evening routine.