Seeking a wonderful live-in companion/personal assistant for a bright, independent and engaged lady with early-stage dementia. The role will start end August/early September, with the weekly schedule likely to be Monday 12pm through to Friday 12pm.  The principal lives in Holland Park, London, and some experience and understanding of dementia would be helpful.

The principal is active, independent and enjoys art, culture, outings and social gatherings.  The role is very much about being an engaged and interested companion, while also helping keep on top of appointments and taking on some aspects of managing the home.  The principal is very capable of getting herself up and ready in the mornings, of taking her dogs for a walk, and with preparing herself light snacks, meals and drinks.  She also doesn't need overnight support.  However there are moments of forgetfulness, and a change to the daily routine can be tricky to navigate.  Responsibilities will therefore likely include (but are not limited to):

• Keeping an eye on the principal's daily schedule, and accompanying her to them (eg doctor or medical appointments, beauty treatments and any other engagements)
• Suggesting and accompanying the principal on interesting outings to cultural events, exhibitions, theatre shows, dinners etc
• Providing reassurance and guidance should the usual daily routine need to change
• Preparing a healthy, nutritious, balanced supper with no processed foods involved
• Managing household expenses and bills, and dealing with contractors when required
• Occasional errands
• Facilitating daily engagement through conversation, reading, and interactive activities to stimulate mental and emotional well-being
• Being a calming and involved presence while also providing stimulation and independence
• Foster a sense of companionship and well-being
• Light housekeeping duties - loading and unloading the dishwasher, keeping the kitchen clean and tidy after use, some laundry, keeping on top of the everyday organisation of the home (the family employ a housekeeper 2 days per week)
• Some care for two friendly large-ish dogs

• Compassionate, and emotionally intelligent approach
• Creative, intellectually curious, and conversational personality preferred
• Reliable, professional, and genuinely committed
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate respectfully with family members
• Warm, engaging, and sparky personality
• Ability to read the room, to know when to step forward and provide assistance, but also when to step back and encourage the principal's independence.  This position is very much about enabling the principal in her personal life and in her home, it is not about doing everything for her. She needs to feel capable and stimulated!
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate discretion at all times
• Confident cook, able to prepare nutritious and healthy meals
• Animal lover, happy to take on some aspects of daily care for two friendly dogs
• Confident driver in London

• From £40,000 gross pa, DOE