What is a Personal Assistant in Care?

Although Personal Assistants (PAs) are the second largest workforce in social care, many people are unaware the role exists or what it means. A Personal Assistant in Care supports people with a specific need to live independently and lead their best possible life.   

You can employ a Personal Assistant in Care to assist you with your care and support needs.

It is not a care role in the traditional sense - the role is hugely varied and can range from providing personal care or administering medicine to accompanying you to social activities or supporting you at your place of work.  

A Personal Assistant might be involved in many aspects of your life and you can ask them to support you where you want to be supported - in your home, community or at work.  

Personal Assistants in Care are not employed by a care agency but rather are self-employed or employed directly by you. 

You can employ a PA if you are:  

• A Personal budget holder or direct payment recipient – someone who is eligible for support and funding from social care or health services,
    
• a Self funder – someone who uses their own money to fund their care, or
    
• a family member or representative of the above – when the person who requires support does not have the mental or physical capacity to be the employer.  

The Personal Assistant always works directly with the individual they are supporting and can transform the lives of individuals and their families.   

The role of a Personal Assistant can be varied and it will always depend on the needs of each individual employer. Each role will have a set of specified duties that are decided by you as the employer, based on the aspects of your life where you need support. 

Typical tasks might include: 

• Companionship 
• Providing transport 
• Assisting you while out in the community 
• Supporting you at their place of education or work 
• Personal care 
• Household tasks 
• Supporting you with their health needs