A Personal Assistant
that works for you
A Personal Assistant is someone employed directly by you, rather than by a care agency. They support you in the way that suits you best.
What is a Personal Assistant?
A Personal Assistant is employed directly by you, rather than by a care agency.
They can support with your care needs in a way that suits you.
You can employ a PA if you:
- Get a direct payment of your personal budget for your social care (from your local council)
- Have a Personal Health Budget (PHB)
- Pay for your care yourself (this is sometimes known as being a 'Self Funder')
- Have a family member with care needs if they cannot act as the employer by themselves
What does a PA do?
PAs can do all kinds of different things, and no two PA roles are exactly the same. You can create a role that suits your needs.
For example, a PA might help you with personal care, supporting you to get out and about in your community or supporting you at work.
Two sides of the same story
Whether you need a PA or want to become one, here's what's in it for you.
Why employ a PA?
The most important reason is that it gives you choice and control over your care.
You can decide exactly how you want to be supported, what hours and days your PA works and make sure your care works for you.
You can choose a person who has the right skills, experience and interests to work well with you. You can also have the same person or people supporting you, who you can build a relationship with, rather than having lots of different carers.
Other benefits are that you can:
- Get support with getting out and about, or at work, as well as personal care
- Employ more than one PA if you need to
- Employ a PA who has the same interests as you
- Have a package of care that is based on your needs
Why be a PA?
If you are interested in working in a caring role, or already do, becoming a PA can offer a unique role.
You'll be able to support one person, get to know their needs and build a meaningful relationship with them to really make a difference to their lives.
You'll get the opportunity to support someone in many different areas of their lives, and can look for an employer who shares similar interests to you and who you would enjoy working with.
The role is also very flexible, and it's often possible to agree hours that suit your life.
Working as a PA also offers job security and often better pay than working for a care agency.
Experience of providing care and support is useful but isn't essential. What's more important is good communication skills, being patient, kind and resourceful, and most of all enjoying the company of the person you work for.
Become a PA →Ready to get started?
Free to join. Run by Disability Positive, a disabled people's organisation since 1994.