PA for mental health

[AttendanceNightmares]

Just wondering if anyone has had a PA for their mental health? I've just been awarded 4 hours. I'm not sure exactly what you can ask them to do or what would be most useful? Any advice much appreciated.

A friend of mine has someone help declutter her home, is that the sort of thing? She finds it immensly helpful.

What do you struggle to do? Do you have the basics sorted like getting up, showering, cooking, cleaning and exercise?

I was a PA for mental health. I helped with various things. Organising and sorting post, making sure bills were paid, budgeting and teaching to budget, doctor and hospital appointments, benefit claims, socialising/going out, exercising incl. at the gym, CV writing and employment support, cooking and teaching to cook, tidying, help with washing (both clothes and the people).

Honestly everything and anything really (all for minimum wage!).

What's on your care plan is what they expect you to need help with, and many PAs will only do those things if you hire. Some won't mind additional tasks though especially if they're more pleasant than the ones on the care plan!

That would be really helpful.

Getting up and showering is fine. Cooking is not too bad, but I do struggle sometimes due to tiredness. Cleaning ok but again can struggle a bit. The house does need a good sort out and declutter, though. Exercise I have covered although it would be nice to have someone to go for a walk with.

I don't even know what's on my care plan - it's taken such a long time to be awarded! I know I said support with meetings at my daughter's school but she's home educated now.

Help with post and bills would be good, tidying and laundry, too.

If you did something social together for example go for a coffee - would I pay for the PA?

I have a disabled child, and I know other parents who have a P/A for their child I assume cit must be similar to adults
They get a set budget from which the pay the P/A,s wages ,I know the P/A can take the children out etc so I imagine you would pay for coffee, s etc out of the budget?

My PA is coming from an agency. They recieve the money and pay the PA. So I'm not sure how this will work. I'll have to ask. I wouldn't expect them to pay but if it has to come out my pocket it would limit what we could do.

Unfortunately for things paid for as part of their role, eg coffees out etc. would be an expense incurred by the service user.

I know because I had a PA for over a decade.

I use mine for getting to hospital & GP appointments & collecting prescriptions.
Occasionally for getting to shops & supermarkets. They don't offer cooking, cleaning etc.

You could use it to access social trips out etc but you would have to pay for the trip/coffee etc. The PA may be able to claim their own expenses though.

It seems to vary alot what they will do so prob check with the agency. They may chop & change the provider from week to week too.

Yes, if you go to paid activities, go for coffee, lunch etc you pay for the pa. You also pay their travelling expenses to do these things

Thanks for that.

The PA said that she would want her travel expenses paid for. She doesn't mind paying for her own coffee. I will make sure she knows that I am happy to cover all her expenses, though.

Also, do be careful. I had some PAs who did try and take advantage.

If it was a coffee social, I'd be happy buying coffee/cake but not a full meal. On those occasions where the person wanted more, the agency were very clear that they were expected to pay.

In your case, as you said you were using an agency don't be afraid to ask for guidance. The management are usually very supportive.

That said, for a good PA I went above and beyond. I had 2 that stayed over a year.

Thanks for the advice that makes sense. I'll seek guidance from the agency.

I'm so nervous about getting it right!

I had a support worker for a while (sounds similar). I don’t leave the house so she came once a week to take me out for a walk or a drive.