Question Hi, and question re live-in helper

Hi, I've been visiting DC for a few years and now more regular time to be spent here, shared with Australia. We are needing a live-in helper to do all the usual tasks looking after the house and cooking for 2 adults, plus caring for 2 dogs including walking them a couple of times a day, feeding them, etc... I'm not sure if there is an agency that hires out helpers, or the best way to find a reliable and very trustworthy person. Any advice would be gratefully received , ie. How did you find your helper? Thanks in advance, have a great weekend!

 

If I was looking for a helper, I always go to my landlord, as she has a vested interest in insuring that I am happy living in her house. She has found me the best. You need to decide whether you want a live in, or part time. Currently I have two part time helpers, One who is 25 married with daughter and lives about 5 houses away. The other is the "goat girl" who brings her goats over to "mow" the lawn and fertilize it too. She also does simple tasks in the yard. She is not always reliable but I do not depend on her for much either.
Learn what you helper is the best at and use them for that... some are better in the house, some better with pets, and some better working outside.... and of coarse some are better working for someone else.
Good luck, everyone has a different approach to hiring a helper, but I think most will agree that one without the drama of an unstable relationship is best

 

Thankyou Dave and Imp. Definitely looking for live-in, and understand your point about strengths in certain areas.. Kind regards, oceanpics

 

Suggestions for when you find a live-in helper.
Set expectations clearly in terms of job duties, pay, pay days, working hours, breaks, time/days off, holidays, dress code (if any), 13 month pay, cell phone usage, meals, and other questions you or she may have. Good luck.

 

Thanks PatO


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And put that all in writing, with signatures on each page. I have three page contract with them... We go to contract if there is a question. Verbal contracts are always re-negotiated here right after you meet your obligations and they are suppose to meet their contractual obligations. Too late for you, but early enough for them not to deliver.
My current helpers value their jobs enough, because I treat them well, not to play games with me, but that has not always been the case in the past. Many will say the problems with helpers, particularly live-in helpers, make it easier for you to take care of yourself than have a helper.

 

One more, if you hire a live-in named Eve and she offers you an apple, check the internet to see if this has happened before going for it..

 

Get an NBI clearance and a paid trial week before hiring. Ask your friends or neighbors how they found theirs.

 

Great, thank you !
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Thanks, good suggestion about the NBI, hadn't thought of that