What is a Personal Assistant?

A Personal Assistant (PA) is a carer who is employed by an individual directly, instead of being employed by a care agency. Personal Assistants can also be self-employed.

The role of a Personal Assistant is varied and no two jobs are the same. Some examples of the kind of support Personal Assistants provide are:

• Support with attending medical appointments and administration of medication 
• Support with preparing meals   
• Support with going out and about  
• Support with household chores such as washing, cooking and cleaning

Benefits of hiring a PA

Hiring a Personal Assistant gives you greater choice over how and when you are supported.

It gives you greater control over who is supporting you. You can choose a PA with similar interests to you.

It also allows you to be more flexible with your support. If you need more support on one day but less the next, you can change the schedule to make sure that it works for you.