Employing a personal assistant (PA)
If you are looking to employ a care worker or PA to help you live more independently at home, you may get one through your local social services department, home care agency, or you may choose to employ someone directly.
Options Available
Care provided by your local authority, in which case everything is arranged for you.
Care agency- this means you have to find and pay the care agency, but you do not have to take on the responsibility as an employer.
You may also employ a carer directly. This option gives you more choice and control over who cares for you, but it also means you have legal responsibilities as an employer.
Useful Links
www.cqc.org.uk
www.direct.gov.uk
Questions
- Where will I advertise?
- What will the working hours be?
- What will the work involve?
- What questions will I ask at the interview?
- Will I need references or police checks?
You may want to get support from disability charities such as The National Centre for Independent living www.ncil.org.uk
You may have certain responsibilities as an employer, including dealing with tax and insurance. Meeting these is not difficult and you can get help and support from social services or voluntary organisations.
www.penderelstrust.org.uk
www.therowan.org
www.papool.co.uk
