Hey Roz,

I have a live in. They are brilliant (Generally). If you are getting someone privatly you could consider getting a student - who could do some house work and some nannying in exchange for free accomodation and a small wage. Also, depending if you need personal care, you could get an au paire who can be responsible for being a mothers help, so the washing, ironing, cooking, cleaning and running around after the boys (and the driving). I don't know if you need personal care, but if you don't then you would be sorted! The others have given far better advice on choosing an appropriate live in mothers help than I ever could.

But, if it is for personal care, then think about what qualities are most important - quiet? commanding? intuitive? enthusiastic? Personally I need someone who is pretty intuitive and can see a real problem as it arises, some one who is fun and I can have a giggle with over silly stuff, someone that cooks food that I will eat, someone who is confident in what they are doing whether that be looking after someone, moving and handling or just cooking and washing clothes. Someone that knows when to step away and when to offer help etc.

In the UK care contracts can be terminated for any reason in the first 2 weeks because this gives you both a chance to learn whether you will get on - this is a person who will be living with you, so you need someone who fits into the family.

There are also issues you have to think about like do you want this person to be seperate and more of a housekeeper, or an au paire and be someone who is involved in everything, and, literally, one of the family as this will change who you go for, personality wise.

I hope this has been a teeny bit helpful!

Love ya

Froggsy xxxxxxxxxxx