Caring is looking after the old or infirm in their own homes and includes:

• cooking
• housework
• general companionship.
• cocktail waiting staff

The positions can be live-in or live-out. Live-in positions include accommodation and food, but may mean that you're on call at any time. Live-out positions may consist of a morning and an evening visit or a longer stint once a day.

Certain of the clients may have physical or mental disabilities and the duties here would include washing and dressing them. Most carers are 21 years and older, but this does not exclude younger applicants.

Qualifications/attributes

You need to be able to:

• make meals
• perform housework such as cooking, cleaning, ironing etc.
• perform general household management

Experience does count, but qualifications are not necessary for basic caring. A correct attitude and compassion for old and infirm people is more important.

Some recruitment agencies provide a basic induction course as well as moving and handling training before your first placement. An international driver's licence (clean) is a bonus, but not essential, and can lead to higher paying jobs. Caring also provides the opportunity of working outside of London and getting to see another side of England.

Hours - Live-in

Contracts usually run for a minimum of a few weeks at a time and usually last for a few months. During this time you may be on call at any time. Obviously this varies from situation to situation.

Hours - Live-out

Visits of 6 - 8 hours per day, although this could be split into morning and an evening visit depending on the situation.

Pay - Live-in

Rates are between £ 220 - £ 350 per 7 day week. This includes accommodation and meals.

Pay - Live-out

£ 6 - £ 8 per hour.

For help in finding a job in this area contact the following