Health care assistant

Comprehensive Private Household Care Support

Deliver discreet, reliable, and familiar support within a private household setting, prioritizing the protection of independence, established routines, and overall quality of life. This role involves working in a consistent care team structure to ensure continuity, familiarity, and clear handovers between staff who understand the principal's preferences, schedule, and day-to-day needs.

Role Structure and Team Dynamics

The care team comprises three members of staff: one Registered Nurse and two Health Care Assistants or Carers. The Registered Nurse provides day-to-day oversight, clinical decision-making, and assessment, delegating tasks and roles to the care staff. One member of the team is allocated specifically to the care of the principal, maintaining this assignment for the length of the rotation to ensure stability.

• Two suitably qualified care staff work alternating rotations of approximately 14 to 16 days.
• Continuity of support is maintained with one primary point of care available throughout each rotation.
• Complementary rotations create a clear handover process between team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Daily Routine and Lifestyle Support: Join the principal for twice-daily dog walks, support normal routines, and remain attentive to day-to-day wellbeing. This includes driving duties for the principal to and from dog walk sites and lunch outings.
• Health Support: Respond appropriately to concerns within the scope of practice as per professional regulations or registration. Monitor changes and escalate to the relevant clinician, such as the Registered Nurse, GP, or emergency services when required.
• Personal Care: Provide assistance with personal care as required, currently involving minimal prompting and support. Confidently reassure the principal and provide information relevant to their needs.
• Medical Appointments: Accompany the principal to appointments, take accurate notes, and relay agreed information to the family and team to ensure clearer communication and better continuity.
• Team Responsibility: Act as the defined first point of contact for day-to-day care matters within clear professional boundaries, removing medical responsibility from the wider household and business team.
• Family Confidence: Communicate with the family to support peace of mind that high-quality care is present without making home life feel clinical.

Person Specifications

• Calm, knowledgeable, and confident demeanor with excellent personal skills.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in older adult care, including care for individuals with and without dementia diagnosis or cognitive impairment.
• Experience within a private household is appreciated.
• Full UK driving license and willingness to drive in Switzerland.
• Ability to travel to Switzerland and the UK for periods of time; work permits will be required for the UK or Switzerland if not based in those countries.
• English as a first language is preferred, or excellent written and verbal English skills.

Working Environment

The role is based in Switzerland and the United Kingdom, operating within a private household. The working schedule consists of rotational shifts of approximately 14 to 16 days. Care should fit around the principal's life, requests, and preferences, allowing them to remain active, involved, and in control. Presence should be discrete and unobtrusive, while remaining available and visible to the principal for reassurance.