Where to find a personal assistant
People you know
You can use direct payments to employ someone you know, like a friend or neighbour. You can also employ a relative who does not live with you. If you want to employ a close relative or partner who lives with you will need to talk to the Slough Borough Council first, but this can only be permitted in exceptional circumstances, and you will need to discuss this in detail with your care coordinator.
Employing someone you know can be a good idea because they may understand your needs and you may feel more comfortable with them. However, this can change your relationship with that person because you become their employer as well as being their friend or relative.
You should think about whether you would be comfortable telling them what to do, or talking to them if they have done something you don’t like. You should be clear at the start about the work you need them to do and about how you will sort out any problems.
Advertising
If you do not know someone who can provide you with the support you need, you can place an advert in a local shop window or notice board. This can be quite effective if you want to recruit someone who lives near you or someone who has particular skills or interests. Other places you can place an advert to recruit a personal assistant include:
- a local newspaper
- the Job Centre
- the internet
In the advert you will need to:
- explain briefly what the job involves
- what kind of person you are looking for
- how many hours per week they will work
- how much you will pay per hour
- explain how people can apply (application form or CV)
- give a contact number.