Using direct payents

If you choose to take your personal budget as a direct payment you can use the money to employ your own personal assistant as an alternative to buying support from an organisation.

How personal assistants can help

The person employed will report directly to you, giving you more control over the support you receive - this can be done for some or all of your care. This can give you a more flexible and tailor-made package of support that suits you because you choose who comes into your home to support you and exactly what they do.

Help can be provided for a variety of tasks depending on your needs:

• Personal care and hygiene
• Household tasks - such as cleaning and cooking
• Mobility - within your home and in the community
• Work, education and training
• Accessing social and leisure activities
• Help with your finances and benefits

How to employ a personal assistant

Employing a Personal Assistant will involve some additional work for you but many people find this is worth it for the additional control and flexibility.

You can work with your social care professional and local support services to sort out some of the practical things such as:

• Finding, interviewing and choosing the right person
• Drawing up job descriptions and employment contracts
• Payroll arrangements, and other employment paperwork
• Ongoing management of your PA and support as an employer

Useful websites

The Personal Assistants Network is an information site designed to provide guidance for personal assistants and their employers.

Skills for Care is an employer led organisation specialising in training and development in social care, they have published a toolkit for people who want to employ their own personal assistant.

National Centre for Independent Living (NCIL) are a not for profit organisation run and controlled by disabed people.