North Lincolnshire Council’s Adult Social Services and Children and Young People’s Service worked together to develop a Personal Assistant Finder website that was launched on Monday 10 October 2011.
What is a PA?
A personal assistant (PA) is someone who is employed by a disabled person, older person or a parent of a disabled child or young person to enable them to live a full and independent life.
The council can make a direct payment to a person or someone who cares for them which can be used to pay for care and support, such as employing one or more Personal Assistants.
The website has been designed to bring personal assistants and employers together. They will both be able to place adverts on the website outlining their skills or support needs. It is free to sign up to.
The site will also provide people with more choice about who they wish to employ to support them in their daily lives.
The type of assistance provided will depend on the needs of that person and could consist of a wide range of tasks. It could include, taking people to social activities, support with personal care needs such as helping someone to prepare a meal, get washed and dressed.
Employing PAs Handbook
The Employing PAs Handbook is a useful tool to help people understand the processes and responsibilities involved in employing a Personal Assistant. The handbook talks about employing a PA from and Adult Social Services perspective, but the processes and responsibilities are just as relevant if you are a parent or carer seeking a PA on a child or young person’s behalf.
Options4U
Options4U are a group of disabled people that help people understand and take part in the new system of funding personal care.
They give help and advice to people wanting to place an advert on the website, demonstrate how to navigate the website and also talk to people about the benefits of employing a PA. Options4U will also be providing workshops and presentations to people interested in becoming a PA or employing a PA.
Options4U have produced a DVD about how personalisation is working for groups of people and you can view the DVD online.