We are a couple, in our late 70’s. We have serious health problems and are looking into the possibilities of live in home assistance.We live in the NW of the Gers in an idyllic situation (heaven for wildlife enthousiasts!) We would like to know if there are any organisations/ individuals who might be able to help / are interested in, helping us.
Do you mean house-sitting? There are some agencies that you could contact, for example 
Have you checked what State help might be available to you? Talk to the local assistant sociale (via your Marie) or contact the numerous support organisations - links further down.
Unlike the UK becoming an employer can be quite complex here as you become responsible for NI and pension payments, sickness, health and safety and the like. You will need a proper employment contract and there are strict conditions about terminating a contract. Particularly if you are including accommodation as you can’t just make someone homeless.
So sometimes it is much easier to contract with an organisation who does all that for you, and you have people coming to the house to carry out the tasks you need rather than living in.
We have had several neighbours who have been very well supported to be able to stay in their homes with care visits up to 4 times a day, plus nurses as needed, cleaners and meals delivered.
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As many here know, that was my experience with the help for my wife until the moment she died. Even with me around, one woman was coming in for 2 hours once a week for cleaning to be done, and up to 4 visits a day to look after my wife’s needs.
I know nothing about employing live in help, but for the rest your first call is to the Mairie for a contact with the Assistante Sociale, and take it from there.
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Thank you, but no, I don’t mean simply house sitters for while we would be away. What we need is someone, or a couple, to help us out with jobs we are no longer capable of doing/ and to be on hand in case it is necessary when one of us could have to go into hospital, most likely me!
Have you estimated the cost of this? I think it will be around €40,000 a year for 2 people each working 25hours a week at minimum wage (€32k) plus employers charges (€10-13k.)
You should talk to your assistante social as there are various idea that would help with cost, and also the 50% credit impôt.
But still an expensive option.
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There are several job available, including home care positions.
You can also ask at your mairie, if they know of any home care providers.
But if you’d like to hire someone to be there full-time, that’s also this website
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Thank you! Yes,it is an expensive way to go into our old age, but nowhere near as expensive as going into a care home and it has the benefit that we can stay in the home we love.
I will certainly look into it further.
Around me there are several elderly people who have been able to stay in their own homes with the aid of Carers/Helpers. These folk come in on an organised timetable to suit the situation (also, the hours/availability can increase/decrease according to a particular/unexpected need).
I’ve seen the joy this arrangement brings to those who had feared being forced to leave home. Their lives continue in their cherished/familiar surroundings. They need the help, but not 24/7 and they are still “in charge” of their lives.
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Enjoy your money and your home while you can, there are plenty itching to take it off you one way or another. You don’t want to end up in a room smelling of cabbage with a dozen other folks just sitting for hours on end waiting for the next meal.
Will do!
Thank you!
A friend of our manages a care home and I would be happy to end up there. Clean, high staff ratio, lots of outings and activities, nice rooms. But not cheap either. Perhaps basic ones are, well basic. But there’s a big range now.