YOUR PERFECT PA?

Moving home is undoubtedly the most stressful part of adulting. Aside from the normal upheaval that comes from relocating, having a disability means added admin and logistical issues. For me, the most challenging part of any move is hiring a new PA (Personal Assistant).

A er leaving university and living independently for the first time in 2018, I applied for Direct Payments via my local authority, so I could employ a PA. Over the years, I’ve had at least ten di erent people work with me. I’ve gone from privately hiring (and being the employer) to working with a care agency who took over the management side of things. Some PAs have worked out really well, some not so much! However, with each person, I’ve learned something new about how I’d like my PA to assist me, and about my own boundaries and needs.

Finding a PA can be intimidating and leave you feeling vulnerable. You’re inviting a stranger into your space and having to trust they have your best interests at heart. It’s not an experience many can relate to, which means we’re o en le without support or guidance.

Perhaps I can help ease some of that concern by sharing my own top tips for onboarding?

1. Ask! If you’re moving from one local authority to another and there’s a gap in your new support package being approved, ask your previous authority to cover the shortfall. They may say they don’t o er this, but please push back on them.

2. Don’t rush. Let’s face it, care work is underpaid and undervalued. You may feel you need to accept any application, in case no one else applies. But don’t hire for the sake of hiring – you need someone you get on with and feel safe with. An established care agency can also help by providing a temp.

3. Change the narrative. Care is o en packaged to favour the employee, not the service user. Introducing the Social Model early on has been helpful for me. Highlight that your priorities must come first and, although you’ll always act professionally, you’re not there to accommodate their schedule or personal responsibilities.

4. Communicate. Communication is key to any successful relationship. Due to poor communication, I’ve previously had PAs leave for other work or university, which comes as a huge shock. I now have regular check-ins with my PA to ask how they’re doing and if there are any areas we can both work on.

Fits into patient’s everyday life

Low volume irrigation has helped many patients to gain control over their bowels and overcome the impact it has on daily life. Through innovation and advanced designs we deliver rectal irrigation products that help patients live a more fulfilled life.

Every detail of Qufora IrriSedo MiniGo is designed with patients in mind, which fits easily into their everyday lives.

Contact our support team to find out how Qufora IrriSedo MiniGo could help your patients regain control of their bowels.

Tel: 0800 612 9090

Email: info@qufora.co.uk www.qufora.co.uk

97%* of healthcare professionals agree it’s easy to use

➔ Simple to fill

➔ Easy grip

➔ Discreet non-medical design