A wonderful opportunity has become available for a kind, warm and compassionate Companion / Housekeeper 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 companionship and practical support to make everyday life a little easier and more comfortable.
Her family live close by on the same estate and are very involved and supportive. They are looking for someone who can become a trusted and reassuring presence in the principal’s life someone who understands when to step in and help, while always respecting her privacy and independence.
This is a varied and rewarding role combining companionship, driving, housekeeping, household organisation and practical day-to-day support.
Duties may include, but are not limited to:
- Providing warm and friendly companionship.
- General housekeeping and keeping the home clean, comfortable and beautifully presented.
- Laundry, changing beds and household organisation.
- Preparing light, simple meals when required.
- Driving the principal to and from the family’s London property when required.
- Driving to appointments, shopping trips and other engagements.
- Shopping and running household errands.
- Collecting prescriptions and other essential items.
- Helping to organise diaries and appointments.
- Providing reminders and practical support around appointments and daily arrangements.
- Accompanying the principal to appointments or outings where appropriate.
- General PA and household administration.
- Preparing the home for family members and visitors.
- Caring for the principal’s dog, including walks and general pet care.
- Keeping an eye on household supplies and replenishing items when required.
- Liaising with family members and other household staff where appropriate.
- Being flexible and willing to help with additional tasks as the principal’s requirements evolve.
The Ideal Candidate
Personality is incredibly important for this position. The family are looking for someone who is naturally kind, patient, positive and compassionate, with a genuine enjoyment of supporting others.
This is a particularly lovely opportunity for someone who takes real satisfaction from making a positive difference to another person’s day while offering practical support, companionship and reassurance when needed.
The ideal candidate will be:
- Warm, friendly and an excellent companion.
- Caring and compassionate without being intrusive.
- Respectful of the principal’s independence and privacy.
- Proactive and able to recognise where help may be needed.
- An experienced and confident housekeeper.
- Naturally organised and able to assist with diaries and household administration.
- Happy preparing simple, nutritious meals.
- Comfortable around dogs and genuinely pet-friendly.
- Flexible around appointments and changing requirements.
- Discreet, trustworthy and respectful of confidentiality.
- Comfortable working within a private family environment.
- A confident driver with a full driving licence.
Previous experience working within a private household or supporting an elderly principal would be a real advantage. A care or companionship background could also be beneficial, although this is not essential.
This is primarily a companionship and household support position rather than a nursing or clinical care role. Above all, the family are looking for someone who will bring kindness, warmth and a calm, reassuring presence to the household while helping the principal continue to enjoy her independence and day-to-day life.
Hours & Accommodation
The position will initially be approximately 40 hours per week, with some flexibility around how the hours are structured.
There may be occasions when split hours are helpful around appointments or the principal’s day-to-day plans, along with some occasional weekend support when required.
The family are happy to consider either a live-in or live-out candidate, depending on the individual and their circumstances.
For a live-in candidate, temporary accommodation can initially be provided, with longer-term accommodation available within the local area.
Hours: 40 hours per week, with occasional weekend support
Salary: £40,000+, negotiable depending on experience and the final structure of the role
Location: North Cotswolds
Start Date: ASAP for the right person
Driving: Essential
REFS&W3684737
