Description and Duties of a Personal Assistant

Description

It is the job of a Personal Assistant (PA) to assist their Leader a (person with a physical disability who is directing their work) in all aspects of daily living. This assistance is given at the direction and discretion of the Leader such that they may engage in Independent Living, gaining greater control over and choice in their own life. Assistance in daily living includes assisting with the personal and domestic care needs, social, educational and work activities of the Leader. The role of the PA is tailored to the requirements of the individual Leader and as such may vary from person to person.

Typical Duties

Personal and Domestic Care Needs
The work of a PA may involve:

• Assisting the Leader to maintain personal hygiene, go to the toilet etc
• Assisting the Leader in domestic duties such as making beds, doing laundry, cleaning rooms etc.
• Assisting in buying groceries.
• Assisting in the preparation and cooking of meals.
• Maintaining the upkeep of equipment, e.g. wheelchair.

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Social Activities

• Accompanying the Leader on trips places of entertainment such as concerts, the cinema, the pub etc.
• Assisting in the provision of transport needs by acting as a driver, helping the Leader in and out of taxis, vehicles etc.
• Acting as a translator for a person with a speech impediment.
• Assisting the Leader to make phone-calls, write letters, type letters etc.

Educational

• Assisting the Leader in getting to and from their place of study.
• Assisting in note taking.
• Assisting the Leader in the completion of assignments, gathering information etc.

Work

• Assisting the Leader in getting to and from their place of work.
• Assisting the Leader to make phone-calls, write letters, type letters etc.
• Acting as a translator for a person with a speech impediment.
• Assisting the Leader in the completion of work related tasks and assignements.

A Personal Assistant is responsible to their Leader and the LAPWD.

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