As time goes by, many of us find that things we used to be able to do easily become a little more difficult.

Household chores, regaining physical strength after an illness, or getting out and about, can feel like a struggle, and people worry about giving up their independence.

We all need a bit of extra help sometimes and a personal assistant (PA) is someone who can come to your house and support you in whatever way you need.

What is a personal assistant?

A personal assistant allows you to continue to live independently. This is hugely important for your health and wellbeing.

Dependent on the level of support needed, personal assistants are either employed directly by the person they are supporting (or the person’s representative if they don’t have the mental capacity to be the employer). Or the support can be delivered on a self-employed basis.

Who can get help?

Lots of people can benefit from the support of a personal assistant including:

  • older people
  • people who are disabled
  • people living with a mental health condition
  • people recovering from illness or injury
  • people who have a learning disability.

For the love of the role

Debi smiles into the camera

Personal assistant Debi

Debi is a PA. She’s worked in social care for more than 30 years; from grass roots to managing director of a live-in care company and back again. Being an independent personal assistant is her favourite role.

She says: ‘We have the luxury of time and continuity to build close and trusting relationships with our clients and their families. This gives the client the security to let you in and offer them the very best support and guidance that you can.

‘It’s not unusual to work with the same client for many years – over 10 in my case. As an independent PA I have much more flexibility around my working arrangements and can offer my support to clients where my skills and experience would be best suited.

‘Many of the clients I support have advanced dementia. Whilst this can be a time of great sadness, there can also be moments of joy, laughter, tenderness and utter craziness. I love those moments and if I needed any motivation to continue doing what I do those moments would be it.’

What does a personal assistant do?

There is no such thing as a typical day for a personal assistant. Debi supports nine people. Most live in their own homes but she continues to support one person with 1-to-1-time in the care home the client moved into.

A personal assistant’s duties vary depending on the person’s needs. They may help with:

  • household tasks like cleaning, gardening and shopping
  • personal care like washing and dressing
  • looking after children and pets
  • driving, attending appointments and leisure activities
  • organising paperwork
  • liaising with other professionals and family members.

Debi says: ‘I have a wide range of clients with differing needs. There’s very little I won’t turn my hand to if it’s within my capability.’

Debi’s clients explain why a personal assistant is much more than just helping around the house. They wrote:

  • Your support has given my wife a friend she looks forward to seeing. Your excursions cheer her up and your personal support, e.g. haircuts, shopping etcetera help her maintain a level of independence, which is important.’

  • My aunt would not have been able to continue to live at home (which is what she most wants) without the kindness, care and support you give. It’s a great comfort for our family that my aunt is looked after so well.’

  • Your company gave Pat (not their real name) extra stimulation and consistent friendship when she felt confused and depressed. Your visits gave her something to look forward to. You support gave me peace of mind that Pat had someone looking after out for her.’

  • There’s no doubt you improved mum’s quality of life. Taking her out for fresh air and doing interesting things with her was beneficial and I’m sure lifted her spirits in those difficult times of her frailty and dementia.’

Finding support

You can choose the right personal assistant for you, and it’s important they are trustworthy and competent.

Further help

There are many other resources to support residents, carers and families. Some of these are listed below:

  • Independent Lives can help you to find a PA service if you are:
    • receiving Direct Payment funding
    • you are self-funding your care and are looking for four or more hours of support per week. For example, tasks around the house, help to get washed and dressed, assistance to attend appointments, etcetra
  • East Sussex 1Space is an online directory for care and support services
  • The Care Choices directory has a list of registered care services.