We live just outside of Toronto and we wondering how people have gone about finding live-in housekeepers/cooks.

Ideally, we'd like someone to live in and keep the house tidy during the week and prepare dinners. It would be great for someone who is perhaps going to school in the area and/or requires living accommodations. I don't think a full eight hour day would be required, so this person would be free to pursue other work or activities.

Most of the websites that we've come across deal with nannies or people overseas. We'd like to find someone who is already in Canada and is an amazing cleaner and terrific cook.

We have two children who are in school all day, so childcare would be minimal - perhaps a weekend evening once or twice a month?

We are stumped on where to find this person - or even if such a fit exists. Also, what would be an appropriate salary, given we are providing them with room and board.

Does anyone out there have any suggestions?

Many thanks,

You should be able to find local agencies that handle that. Have you thought of the cost and planned ahead to include everything in writing that its going to take to meet your needs?

If so you can discuss that with them too so all expectations are on the table before any work begins.

Hi There and thank you for the quick response.

I've contacted a few agencies in Toronto (there does not seem to be any well known agencies closer to us).

We know we want someone who is a great houskeeper/cook but are unsure what salary they should be offered. Someone said $15.00 an hour, less room and board, however we are unsure what room and board equates to.

Thanks,

How about calling church offices? There may be a widow (widower?? ) looking for something like this. Then you'd get a grandparent and lots of experience (and some really yummy cookies!).

Also, call your local library. Each one usually keeps a reference binder listing area social service agencies and what they provide.