A wonderful opportunity has become available for a kind, compassionate and practical Domestic Couple to support an elderly lady living on a beautiful private family estate in the North Cotswolds.
The lady principal is currently undergoing treatment following a recent cancer diagnosis. While she remains independent, she would now benefit from some additional practical support, companionship and reassurance in her day-to-day life.
Her family live close by on the same estate and are very involved and supportive. They are looking for a couple who will become trusted and valued members of the wider household team people who are naturally caring, discreet and happy to step in wherever needed to help make everyday life a little easier.
This is a varied position combining driving, companionship, household support, light PA duties, housekeeping, gardening and general maintenance.
The wider family estate extends to approximately 200 acres, so someone who genuinely enjoys country life, being outdoors and the variety that comes with working in a rural environment would particularly enjoy this position.
The role is expected to average approximately 15 hours per week for each person, although flexibility will be important. Hours may be split across the week depending on appointments and the principal’s requirements, and there is the potential for both the hours and responsibilities to develop over time.
Duties may include, but are not limited to:
Driver / Maintenance Support
Responsibilities may include:
- Driving the principal to appointments and engagements.
- Driving to and from the family’s London property when required.
- Shopping and running errands.
- Collecting prescriptions and other essential items.
- Assisting with appointments and day-to-day arrangements.
- Providing friendly companionship and practical support.
- General maintenance and handyman duties.
- Gardening and helping with the upkeep of the grounds.
- Supporting with vehicles and other practical estate duties.
- Helping the wider family wherever an additional pair of hands is needed.
Housekeeper / Companion / PA Support
Responsibilities may include:
- General housekeeping and keeping the home beautifully presented and comfortable.
- Laundry, changing beds and household organisation.
- Shopping and household errands.
- Preparing light, simple meals when required.
- Diary management and helping to organise appointments.
- Collecting prescriptions when required.
- Providing companionship and being a friendly, reassuring presence within the home.
- General PA and household administration.
- Helping to prepare the home for family and visitors.
- Caring for the principal’s dog, including walks and general pet care.
- Working alongside the family and sharing responsibilities as requirements evolve.
A background in care, companionship or supporting an elderly principal would be a real advantage, although it is not essential. This is not a nursing or clinical care position.
Personality and approach will be incredibly important. The family are looking for people who are naturally kind, patient, compassionate and respectful of the principal’s independence and privacy.
The Couple
The right couple will be:
- Warm, caring and genuinely compassionate.
- Discreet and respectful of privacy.
- Flexible and willing to share responsibilities.
- Proactive without being intrusive.
- Comfortable working within a family environment.
- Happy with a varied role where no two days may be exactly the same.
- Confident around dogs and genuinely pet-friendly.
- Comfortable living and working within a rural environment.
- Both confident drivers with full driving licences.
Above all, the family are looking for two people who understand that this role is about providing practical support, companionship and reassurance, helping to make everyday life easier and more comfortable for the principal and her family.
Hours & Accommodation
The position will initially be approximately 15 hours per week for each person, with flexibility around how those hours are worked.
Some split hours will be required, particularly around appointments, driving and the principal’s day-to-day needs.
The requirements may naturally evolve over time, so the couple should be comfortable with the possibility of additional hours and responsibilities in the future.
The family are happy to consider either a live-in or live-out couple.
For a live-in couple, temporary accommodation can initially be provided, followed by a two-bedroom cottage in the neighbouring village from February.
For a local couple who would prefer to remain in their own home, a live-out arrangement can also be considered – must be local .
Hours: Approximately 15 hours per person, per week
Salary: Circa £50,000 combined, negotiable depending on experience, hours and the final structure of the position
Start Date: ASAP for the right couple
REF:S&W#3684741
