Convivium Care is an agency providing live-in Carers to people in their own homes. We are a small agency run by two directors who know each of the clients and all the carers personally.

We are committed to the highest standards of care and to enabling clients to maintain their independence in the comfort of their own homes. Carer’s must have experience of  caring and be fully committed to the Convivium philosophy. It is essential that Carers are reliable and dedicated to giving priority to clients needs. Training in all aspects of care is an advantage but is not essential if you have relevant experience.

The type of assignments vary: these include companion/housekeeper roles with a small care element; they may be roles involving various degrees of ‘personal care’ such as assistance with bathing, dressing, or going to the toilet; and there are also more intensive care roles. Carer fees vary according to the level of skills required. The agency does everything possible to ensure that Carers are given assignments most suited to their skills.

All Carers must have good companionship skills, be caring, understanding of the needs of the elderly and infirm, and be extremely patient. Carers also provide support to enable clients to do the things they want to do, such as visiting and entertaining friends, doing some shopping or going on an outing. All Carers are required to have good cooking skills and be dedicated to the highest standards of hygiene.

Long term care may involve a team of two Carers working in rotation for one or two weeks at a time. Each will hand over to the next to ensure there is never a gap in care and that continuity is maintained. Some Carers choose to work ‘long haul’ arrangements, whereby they work for several weeks continuously and are provided with a relief Carer for rest periods/holidays as required.

Carers normally have 2-3 hours off per day and work a seven day week during their “on” weeks. Double time is paid for any Bank Holiday which is worked (plus certain other days). The carer’s fees are payable direct to the Carer by the client.  The Carer invoices the client on the basis of the fee arranged by Convivium Care, together with travel expenses and any additional fees incurred for night calls or for loss of time off.

Carers must be willing to travel a minimum of 50 miles if required to do so, to the client’s home. Some clients may live a greater distance away and your willingness to travel increases your opportunity of gaining assignments. We cannot guarantee work but good carers generally obtain as much work as they require. Providing the agency with plenty of notice of your availability (at least four weeks preferably)  helps to ensure this. Being flexible in your availability and being a car driver also increase your chances of getting work.

Carer’s meals are provided and are not deductible from his or her salary. Convivium Care asks clients to provide Carers with their own rooms and a television.

At Convivium Care we value our Carers and treat them as individuals. You will not be just another name on the list. We also allow for more flexibility than many other agencies. We believe in providing good back up to Carers, for example by ensuring that Carers are well briefed before going to a new client and by providing regular telephone support. In return we expect our Carers to be reliable, committed, and loyal.

It is mandatory for any person wishing to care for the elderly to have completed the CRB disclosure process. Convivium Care will supply the necessary form and guidance leaflet. The carer will need to provide passport or driving licence or birth certificate (preferably two out of three of these) together with a bank statement, utility bill or similar. Overseas carers who wish may apply for the CRB disclosure from their home country but it may be easier to apply from a UK address. The CRB process will be commenced after receipt of your application form. The documents have to be seen by Convivium Care and they must be the originals not copies. These can either be brought to interview or sent and returned by secure post in advance of the interview. Please telephone us to ascertain the current fee for the CRB disclosure. If coming from overseas we also require a police clearance certificate from your own country.

Prospective carers from overseas should note that we do not directly employ our care workers and therefore cannot apply for work permits. You are responsible for ensuring that any tax and national insurance due are paid to the Inland Revenue.