How Much Should I Expect To Pay For Someone From A Reputable Agency To Come To An Elderly Woman's Home...

[sandyRoe]

...and keep her company for 3 or 4 hours on a weekday afternoon?

[sandyRoe]

I should have added, where would I start looking for an agency in Belfast?

[black_cat51]

yellow pages
Think about what you want them to do - is it just companionship or will they be making food/drinks/doing any personal care?
i would bank on at least 10-12 PH but that is england

[sandyRoe]

Just company.

[wolf63]

I have a friend on facebook whose mother has recently been ill - I will ask her what help she got for the old dear. She is in your area - Jordanstown?

I have never been to Ireland. Will get back to you.

[sandyRoe]

Hi Wolf63, thanks for that. Yes Jordanstown is just a few miles north of Belfast

[ubasses]

Have you tried organisations like Age UK they usually have a befriending service where volunteers visit and it is free if it is just Company that is required. Or if she ever worked try her pensioners association, again they have volunteer visitors.

[sandyRoe]

Ubasses, I need someone who's reliable, that's why I was thinking of paying. But I'll get in touch with Age UK and ask if there's anyone they'd recommend.

[anneasquith]

would the person require medical skills. if not try salvation army. churches, the often have befrienders .

[wolf63]

Sandy

My pal said that she went via social services. She mentioned a company called Home Care, but she didn't use them - lots of good vibes about it.

Her mum fell and broke something and spent some time in a nursing home - she didn't need nursing and is sharp and alert so it was probably the old Home Help type care that social services provided.

When I was looking for voluntary work a couple of years ago WRVS did home visit etc and I had one of those criminal record checks done on me. So at least these organisations can send out a safe and trustworthy carer.

Good luck.

[pixie373]

Befriending services are free- and all staff are CRB checked, trained, etc. I wouldn't know about your area, but the prices in South East England start at £19-£22 per hour on a weekday. It makes no difference if that's companionship or care.

[april1693]

Hi Sandy, I've seen ads in the Belfast Telegraph advertising £6-£8 an hour, but I would definitely contact a reputable service before going down that road. Check out Crossroads - http://www.crossroadscare.co.uk/services/ they offer support and respite for carers. I can only find a contact number in Newtownards - 02891 814455, but it might be worth giving them a shout. You can also ask at the lady's health centre, they might be able to advise you of charities who offer a befriending service. Best of luck and regards from the East Down!