Limerick CIL

West Limerick Independent Living

How to Become a PA (FAQ about Personal Assistant Work)

This page contains answers to some of the questions that are asked by people who are considering Personal Assistant work.

WHAT KINDS OF TASKS DOES A PERSONAL ASSISTANT DO FOR A DISABLED PERSON?

Each person with a disability is different in the kinds of tasks, which he or she needs, done. The tasks can range from running errands to light housekeeping to cooking to more personal care like dressing or grooming. A person with a disability may hire various people to help with different tasks. People who are exploring Personal Assistant work often start in positions with simpler responsibilities and take on additional tasks/positions, as they feel more comfortable with the work.

ARE PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY SKILLED AT MANAGING PERSONAL ASSISTANTS?

The range of management skills vary, many disabled people are very good because of the number of years they've been working with PA’s. Others have lesser skills in this area. Like any employment situation, if one doesn't work for you, there are others, which might be more suitable. Who can I contact if I'm interested in learning more about Personal Assistant work?

WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE MAKE GOOD PERSONAL ASSISTANTS?

Some characteristics of a good attendant are:

• ability to follow directions
• good listening and communication skills
• honesty
• reliability and dependability
• respect for the disabled individual's right to do things their own way
• adaptability

Experience is often not necessary. In fact, many disabled people consider attitude more important than experience in selection of attendants; that is--
willingness to listen and learn.

IS ANY SPECIAL TRAINING NEEDED TO DO PERSONAL ASSISTANT WORK?

Apart from FETAC Level 5 Care Skills and the compulsory training provided by the agency, many Personal Assistants positions do not require special training since a PA is neither a nurse nor a therapist. Most disabled people can teach a new PA what they need to know.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DOING PERSONAL ASSISTANT WORK?

Though not everyone is cut-out for Personal Assistants work, for many people it is ideal.

• having a flexible schedule
• working with a person on a one-to-one basis
• opportunity for personal growth
• learning about persons with disabilities
• work which is socially meaningful
• steady income
• references which look good on CV or on applications to further training, etc.
• some positions offer great opportunity for travel

WHAT KIND OF TIME COMMITMENT IS NEEDED?

This can vary significantly; some people with a disability only need help a couple of hours a week, some need help for a few hours a day. People with a
disability often need help in the morning or evening.

If you would like to ask an experienced personal assistant about attendant work, or would like more information or clarification, please contact Personal Support Service Coordinator or the Manager of West Limerick Independent Living at 069-77320 or email info@limerickcil.com