Buddy to Disabled Child - LM

Personal care.

• You would be helping me with tasks such as washing and dressing. You may need to prompt me to use the toilet, help me with personal care and ensure that I wash my hands afterwards. You will need to help clean me and change my incontinence products if I have a seizure.
Preparation and cooking of some meals
• You do not have to be a fantastic cook. You would need to wash up and leave the kitchen clean & tidy afterwards. My step-mum will leave food out for me if we don't go out to eat and you are looking after me.
Hobbies and social activities
• Supporting me to continue doing what I enjoy. This is often outdoor or community based activities and I am a really fast runner!
Supporting me at various events
• To assist with any personal care needs, obtaining drinks and refreshments.
• With agreement, coming with me on occasional visits to friends, family and on holidays (I will meet all agreed expenses).
Taking me out and about
• I have little road sense so you will need to ensure I am safe at all times, especially when crossing the road. I can also wander off.
• I am a run risk so I need to be supervised at all times.
• You will need to encourage me to use appropriate behaviour when out in public.
• I have little concept of 'stranger danger'.
• I have a real love for animals and am always very eager to approach them, you will need to be aware of this.
Medical care
• You will need to administer my medication. This includes controlled drugs and emergency rescue medication.
• You will need to keep me safe when I have seizures and record them fully.
• You may need to help me with any injuries that occur - including taking me to hospital if necessary.
• Due to incontinences I occasionally have skin issues in my groin area - you will need to administer cream for this.
  
  You will need basic maths and literacy knowledge, basic IT skills will also be an advantage. Previous experience of similar work is essential, I will make sure you get the training you need.
You will be willing to attend any training needed e.g. epilepsy training which is essential, first aid, manual handling etc. You must be able to understand the importance of confidentiality, be patient, calm, be a good communicator and have a good sense of humour. As I have said I am slow at processing and need you to be patient - often my first answer to a question isn't the one I mean. A good attitude to independence is important to understand a disabled person and their choices. Teamwork is important as well as being able to work on your own initiative and have some flexibility to allow for holiday or sickness cover. You will need to be a car driver/owner. About Direct Payments Direct payments are available from Local Authorities for people who have a care and support plan in place following a social care assessment. An amount of money is allocated to purchase the assistance and care needed to live independently. I should stress that I will be your employer and have full responsibility for recruitment, contracts, supervision, pay, training etc. A support service assists me in meeting my responsibilities as an employer. Salary: This is a flat rate of pay. Hours: 10 per week in the holidays. These are the minimally contracted hours. If I require additional support at other times I will try to give as much notice as possible, an ability to be flexible would be an advantage.