We are seeking a Live-In Caregiver for my grandmother (89) in our home, located in North Chesterfield, VA. She is a determined lady who wants to continue living a full life despite the challenges of age and Parkinson's Disease.
We live/work in the home, but we are looking for a caregiver who can confidently manage her care 5 days/nights per week with limited assistance from us. We are available to provide support and relief but do often travel on weekends for our business and so having someone who feels confident when left alone and available on weekends is important.
We understand caregiving is hard work. We encourage open communication so we can create an environment that is mutually beneficial and enjoyable for all of us. We are a warm and fun family with a good sense of humor and are excited to welcome the right person to our home. Preference will be given to serious applicants who can start immediately!
A Little About Her:
My grandmother was a Kindergarten teacher for over 30 years. When living in her hometown in southwest Virginia, she was very actively involved in church and spent a lot of time with friends and family.
Now, living with us in Richmond, she is home 5 days a week and goes to an adult day center 2 days a week where she enjoys socializing, daily physical and occupational therapy to stay strong, arts and crafts, and playing BINGO among other games! At home, she loves sending cards and talking on the phone to friends/family, watching her hometown church service, playing games, decorating for holidays, and helping with cooking. She's not a huge fan of TVbut can occasionally be caught watching a Hallmark movie or reruns of Lawrence Welk. She enjoys occasional outings to go shopping at favorite places (Goodwill, thrift shops, Marshall's, Dollar Tree, etc.) and loves going to get a mani/pedi!
She is a solid sleeper who typically sleeps uninterrupted for 8 hours per night. She is approximately 130 pounds and ambulates with a walker, using a wheelchair for longer shopping trips. Sometimes she needs assistance standing after being seated for awhile, but she is largely independent with getting up/down, walking, and getting in/out of bed. With Parkinson's, she has good days and bad. She has learned to manage her symptoms as best she can in the 14 years since being diagnosed with the condition. She's very pleasant and agreeable and regards her caregivers as close friends/family.
General Duties:
- 24-hour care 5 days/nights week (2 weekdays off weekly; weekend work is required with occasional flexibility)
- Assist with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, meal prep, give scheduled medication)
- Cook simple meals and assist with light housekeeping and laundry/dishes belong to yourself and her
- Provide transportation (via provided van) to/from appointments, outings, etc.
- Keep a brief daily journal including vitals, activities, and general mood and health
- Assist overnight as needed (she very rarely needs overnight assistance)
Required Qualities/Qualifications:
- Compassion, patience, respect, trustworthiness and dependability are MUST HAVES (we will return them back too!)
- Driver's license, reasonable driving record (not seeking perfection), and willingness to drive a 2017 Dodge Caravan
- Able to lift 20 pounds (about the weight of her walker)
- No significant criminal history (if you're honest and caring we can work through most things)
- Ability to speak/understand English clearly (we welcome applicants of all backgrounds but she only speaks English)
- Be in good enough physical and mental health to take care of someone else
- Available to work weekends (the 5-day schedule includes Sat/Sun; we can provide occasional weekends off)
Preferred Qualities/Qualifications:
- Caregiving experience preferred but not required and training provided.
- Experience with hands-on senior care (this is a step above companion care and a step below nursing care)
- Experience with Parkinson's and dementia (not an issue currently but likely will be due to Parkinson's/age).
- Love of cooking (she has published a cookbook and would love a cooking partner!)
Compensation:
$2000/month + private room/shared bath + utilities/streaming/WiFi + use of vehicle + meals
Value of compensation package: $3,770/month + 1 wk. paid vacation + annual anniversary/holiday bonuses
We do not report income or provide insurance. Relocation assistance is available.
Pets considered but may be unable to accept due to household allergies. We have two small dogs currently.
Also accepting referrals! Please send people our way who have provided excellent care to your loved ones!
If you are interested in the role but not living in, we would consider someone who can work from 8 AM-8 PM 5 days per week and not live in at a rate of $150/day. We may ask for occasional overnight assistance while traveling.
To indicate your interest in this role, please reply via email and share your full name, phone number, current city/state of residence, your preference to live-in vs. live-out, and anything you want us to know upfront about your work experience and interest in the role. We will follow up regarding next steps!
