Personal assistants

[Guest]

We have had a challenging few days since I asked social services for help with Peter's care. There is a meeting this morning at 8.30 with a social worker and OT. Peter would benefit from a PA but I am apprehensive about the practicalities. Understand there are different routes to employing PAs and would welcome comments and advice that members can offer.
My gratitude to you all for bing there.

Mahic

[john]

Hi magic,
I am not sure what is the difference between a personal assistant and a carer. When Irene's needs escalated so I could no longer cope we contacted a local care agency who provided a lady who came in each day to shower and wash Irene's hair. As time went by support increased until eventually we had 3 carers coming at different times of day who did all kinds of things from showering, helping with feeding, reading stories, massage and aromatherapy. They were all really nice people who became friends and enabled Irene to carry on at home where she wanted to be.
Sorry I missed your post earlier but hope your meeting went well. Help around the place will certainly make your life a lot easier and less stressful and will mean you are better able to cope when you are on your own.
Social services will usually find people and pay all the bills dependant upon what savings you have. If Peter is sufficeintly in need of support then the nhs will award him continuing care where they pick up all the bills and your savings are irrelevant. If you want the best support ask around about the different care agencies locally . Other peoples experiences are better than glossy brochures.
good luck.

john

[wooz]

I have a PA/carer most days. They are here from 8am to 5pm. They do most things for me including personal care, making lunch / refreshments, stock take all my medical supplies and tablets, washing and cleaning my equipment, changing bed linen etc, ironing etc. I admit it was very difficult at first but its critical you get the right person/s. after time it starts to work.

[mellonius]

In my area, a carer is provided by social services means tested, but capped at £50pw - a PA is somebody you employ yourself to perform caring duties. For a PA the Council will allow you pay your carer what you like - you pay Council up to means tested limit plus whatever figure above that the PA charges. So, a PA is more personal and more expensive. If a carer goes sick, the Council sends someone else; if your PA goes sick, you are on your own unless you employ an agency. I have decided to have carer whilst I take time looking for a PA. MEL

[magic]

Thank you all for the information. It was decided to start the support with the 're enablement' team.they will come for 2 hours a day to help with personal hygiene and breakfast. Peter was reluctant but agreed to give it a go. We have someone visiting from Crossroads tomorrow just to talk to Peter about how they could help. Fingers crossed that it all goes well.
Mahic

[dingaling]

Hi all,

I know this is an old post, but I wondered if anyone could give me advice on personal assistants? We are having trouble with our care agency and are having discussions around personalised health budgets with a preference of hiring a personal assistant and wondered if any of you had any experience of this, things to specify when looking to hire someone etc.

Thanks in advance

[Terry]

Hi Dingaling,

I don't know much about personal assistants and such like. Maybe the Mnda Connect can help you or others can.

Love Terry