Kim Edwards: Practical support for independent later life in Oxford and Abingdon.
Stay organised, stay independent, stay in control
Practical support for independent later life
Sometimes it's not care you need — just a trusted person to help with the things that have become more complicated, time-consuming or difficult to manage alone.
I provide professional, confidential, practical support for older adults across the Oxford and Abingdon area, helping with everyday administration, technology, appointments, household organisation and major life changes.
Whether you need a couple of hours to sort out paperwork, someone to accompany you to an important appointment, or practical support through a house move or period of change, I can help.
Professional experience you can trust
I am a qualified and registered Social Worker with over 10 years’ experience supporting adults, alongside 8 years’ management experience at the University of Oxford. I have lived and worked in Oxford for over 20 years.
I also have personal experience of supporting family members through ageing, moving home and end-of-life care, including supporting someone living with Parkinson’s.
I am a registered Social Worker through Social Work England and an independent member of the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) - I am also insured through BASW. I hold an enhanced DBS certificate and a full, clean driving license and am happy to provide evidence of these upon request.
My approach is practical, respectful and centred on each individual’s needs, wishes and choices. I am not there to take over, but to help you maintain your independence, feel more confident and remain in control of your own life.
Support for you. Reassurance for your family.
How I can help
Life administration — paperwork, correspondence, forms, applications and online tasks.
Technology and appointments — help with online services, booking appointments and getting organised beforehand.
Appointment support — preparation, accompaniment, note-taking and help with agreed follow-up.
Home organisation — decluttering, household administration and getting things back under control.
Moving and downsizing — planning, organising and coordinating the practical aspects of a move.
Navigating later-life services — researching options and helping you understand and coordinate available support.
One-off or ongoing support — from a single task to regular help from someone you know and trust.
Fees
Initial meeting — £35
A one-hour introductory meeting gives us the opportunity to meet face-to-face, talk through what you need help with and, where appropriate, begin to make a start.
If you’d like, you’re welcome to invite a family member or friend to join us. The meeting is simply an opportunity to talk things through, get to know each other and decide what support, if any, would be helpful.
Ongoing support — £35 per hour
Visits are a minimum of two hours (£70). This allows enough time to make meaningful progress without your support feeling rushed.
For larger projects or regular ongoing support, I can provide a clear quotation or discuss an appropriate package with you.
Any travel or other expenses will be discussed and agreed with you in advance.
If you're unsure whether this service would be useful for you or a family member, please get in touch for an informal, no-obligation conversation.
Either choose ad-hoc support based on the above rates - or one of the packages below.
Ways I can support you
Everyone’s circumstances are different. Choose one of the support packages below as a starting point, or get in touch to discuss a service tailored to your needs. One-off support is also available.
Practical support for you to stay organised and independent
I can help you manage everyday tasks that may have become difficult, time-consuming or overwhelming, at a pace that suits you.
Sorting post, paperwork and letters
Completing forms and managing online services
Booking appointments and helping prepare for them
Organising household tasks and priorities
Suggested arrangements: 2 hours every fortnight
Cost: £70 per visit.
Moving home and life transitions
Moving home or downsizing can involve many decisions and arrangements. I can help you plan ahead, work through tasks at your own pace, and feel more in control through the process.
Planning and organising a move
Decluttering and sorting belongings at your pace
Coordinating practical arrangements
Researching later-life services and local support options where relevant
Helping you settle in after your move
Suggested arrangement: Regular 3-hour visits to plan and prepare, with additional support agreed for the days leading up to your move, moving day and settling in afterwards. Regular visits can then continue until you feel settled.
Cost: £105 per 3-hour visit.
Family peace of mind
If you are concerned about an older family member managing everyday life, regular practical support can make a real difference. I can help your relative maintain their independence while giving you reassurance that they have someone they can turn to.
Support can include:
Regular visits to provide practical help and companionship while tackling everyday tasks
Preparing for and accompanying your the relative to appointments
Updates to you, if the family member is happy to give their permission
Early identification of practical difficulties that may need further support
Suggested arrangement: 4 hours of support each month, used flexibly across 1 or 2 visits, according to agreed priorities.
Cost: £140 per month.
Not sure which option is right for you?
You don't have to know exactly what support you need before getting in touch. We can have an initial conversation about your circumstances and explore an arrangement that feels right for you.
Get in touch
You can get in touch to discuss your needs using this form, via phone or WhatsApp on 07443 547640 or via kim.edwards.support@gmail.com