To think a PA could help?

8 replies

UndertheCedartree · 05/10/2023 14:35

Has anyone with serious mental health difficulties or ASD had any experience of using a PA through a direct payment to help out?

I'm desperate for support since my support worker left and hasn't be replaced. This has been suggested by Social Care and they are going to organise an assessment.

What do PAs help with and how much? Any advice much appreciated.

OP posts:

semideponent · 05/10/2023 14:52

What would you expect your PA to help with?

User63847439572 · 05/10/2023 14:55

I think it’s generally led by your need really. I think social services would want to see that the support is meeting your eligible needs.
what are the gaps since your support worker left? In my experience it’s usually things around daily living like budgeting, appointments, helping access the community, laundry etc. but truly it should tally quite closely with what the eligible needs were identified as in your assessment.

Original poster

UndertheCedartree · 05/10/2023 15:36

Thank you for the advice.

I struggle with managing meds, housework, laundry, socialising, paperwork, routines for me and my children, money, shopping, fighting to get therapy, trying to get my DD a school place is current. I also have mobility difficulties and I need support with losing weight due to weight gain caused by meds.

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Millyonthehill · 05/10/2023 15:43

In this situation a PA is the same as a support worker. We employ a support worker with direct payments, the council always call her a PA.

gillywee · 05/10/2023 15:47

That's sounds like quite a few hours work, of which the minimum wage is £10.42.
But PA isn't really a MW job, so it could cost you more. You need to work out how much you're willing to pay and then ask around, local Facebook pages are a good shout.

If I were you, firstly I'd get a cleaner as it's the easiest household expense to outsource. Not having that to contend with does free you up considerably so would definitely lighten the daily load and allow you to concentrate on other tasks more successfully.
I hope you get sorted

Original poster

UndertheCedartree · 05/10/2023 15:47

Millyonthehill · 05/10/2023 15:43

In this situation a PA is the same as a support worker. We employ a support worker with direct payments, the council always call her a PA.

Edited

Ah, ok, thank you. How many hours a week do you get with the support worker?

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Millyonthehill · 05/10/2023 15:51

My son has about 6 hours a day, but he has high support needs - no communication, can’t be left alone. The rest of the time, he is with me.

Original poster

UndertheCedartree · 05/10/2023 15:58

Millyonthehill · 05/10/2023 15:51

My son has about 6 hours a day, but he has high support needs - no communication, can’t be left alone. The rest of the time, he is with me.

I see, thank you

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