Do I need to employ a PA?

SheffieldMan1976

My support team are pretty good, but the team leader is one of these unfortunate people with the communication skills of a certain plastic Duck with the late Keith Harris's hand up its bum.

Therefore should I try and employ a PA to sort out appointments and stuff?

There's also the issue that other residents tend to hog the House car so I don't get to go out much, unless my events have at least a month's notice, like I'm travelling up to Leeds for a Con tomorrow, which was booked in January.

Holly_Scope

Hi @SheffieldMan1976, that's not ideal is it! Well, it's totally up to you. Do you know of someone who you'd like to be your PA or will you find someone. I suppose you could always try it out for a week or so, see how you get on and if you're both happy extend it?

ChrisR777

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1141981#Comment_1141981

I take it employing a PA is at our own cost? I won't be able to manage alone forever, but couldn't afford to pay anyone a wage from my benefits.

Rosie_Scope

@ChrisR777 You can sometimes get the local authority to help fund depending on your needs, but it's not always fully funded. There's a bit about employing PAs and support workers here (this covers England and Wales): Personal assistants, care workers and support workers | Disability charity Scope UK

For Scotland, I think it would come under Self-directed Support: Self-directed Support - mygov.scot

Generally, you'd need to have a social care needs assessment first to assess what support you might need and go from there ☺️