Hi, my name is wintermum80! How should I go about getting a PA?

wintermum80

Hello I’m new here nice to be part of this community  😊 

My council has awarded me 11 hours of support for the first time and I’m not sure how about getting a PA without dealing with all the paperwork that comes with it !!! 

I’ve contacted some local care agencies but they are not really interested as I’m looking for more bespoke support and I don’t fit into there elderly care support criteria 

does anyone have any suggestions how I can find a PA please thanks 😊 

Ross_Alumni

Hi @wintermum80  

 

Welcome to the community, it's lovely to see you join us  

This is a very supportive and welcoming site to be a part of so I’m hopeful that you’ll find it to be a positive outlet. Feel free to have a look around and get involved wherever you’d like 😊 I have included below a few of the pages I’d recommend having a look through to get used to things:

• The virtual coffee lounge which is one of our categories, in which we play games and talk about general subjects such as hobbies and interests
• The recent discussions page, which shows an overview of everything happening across the community
• The categories page, which shows a full list of discussion groups on the community

If you have any questions at all then don’t hesitate to ask.

I can understand that this may be a difficult subject to navigate, especially if it is your first time. I have tagged your post as unanswered and edited the title a bit so that other members know what it is in relation to.

JustPete

Hi @wintermum80 and as Ross says, welcome!  My name is Pete and I hope I will be able to help you.

I am doing a little research for you; I am probably not as mature as you and still not up to speed with life!  I employ my own PAs and do not go through agencies; this does mean I do have paperwork that I am responsible for. 

HOWEVER, it is my understanding that your council should:

• be able to assist you in making your direct payments work, 
• help find you people to fit your bespoke wishes & 
• help take paperwork out of your hands.

This should ensure that you are not placed under any more stress.  That is the last thing you want!

However, please let me continue researching this over the weekend. I will get back to you with a plan of action.

Out of interest, in which part of the country do you live?

Pete

wintermum80

Hi thank you for responding 
i live in East London 

i keep getting pressured my the payments officer to decide for direct payment or to use one of there agencies. 

I had a social worker visit me once about it but I don’t see her anymore. 

JustPete

Hi @wintermum80

Don't feel stressed or pressured! You need to get the right support that works for you.

Your local AgeUK will be a good place to start, the local branches often have a range of support services including offering home and community support. If you are looking for this information online it will be useful to research your local branch rather than the nation organisation.  You may reach Age UK on 0800 678 1602 lines open 8am - 7pm and they will give you details of your local branch. 

Many areas will have a geographically localised independent lives or disability association who should be able to support with information on local support providers. 

For example https://www.independentlives.org is a social enterprise supporting disabled people across Sussex and Croydon. They for example have a platform where individuals may recruit support directly. They also have a 'care agency' aspect for people who need support but don't wish to recruit themselves. They offer guidance and information to help people navigate the system and advise on all things related to independent living.

Disability Assist https://www.disabilityassist.org.uk offers a similar support service for the Kent area. They have designated information and advice support workers to help people get the most of their situation. 

Many of these organisations will be part funded by local councils which will have a say in who the organisations can support. Mostly this will mean that they are very limited to people within a geographical area. So a good first step will be to find out which organisations are supporting your area. 

 Many professions and trades have benevolent trusts behind them which offer a similar support to people (and spouses) who have worked in that industry. For example someone who has been in the army/territorial army even/navy etc will have the support of SSAFFA saffa military charity for information and advice on a range of life issues regarding support. 

https://perennial.org.uk Perennial are a benevolent society who support those who have worked in the horticultural industry. 

 These are just to show the range of potential support out there!

If they are not right for you, I would advise your payment officer and ask for help in finding the right support.

Please let us know how you get on.

Pete