Becoming a personal assistant
A personal assistant (PA) provides support with personal and domestic tasks. Their clients include people who are older, disabled, or living with a mental health condition or learning disability.
It’s an important and rewarding role, helping someone to live a full and independent life.
The job can be very flexible. It offers a variety of full and part-time hours, including evenings and weekends. You can support one person, or several clients.
What does a personal assistant do?
Duties vary depending on the client’s requirements. This may include providing support with:
- household tasks, such as cleaning, gardening and shopping
- personal care, like washing and dressing
- assisting with healthcare tasks (after training)
- looking after children and pets
- driving, attending appointments and leisure activities
- organising paperwork
- liaising with other professionals and family members who support the client
What skills do you need?
You need to be a good listener and able to build a strong and trusting relationship with the person you support. You must be reliable, encouraging and treat people with dignity and respect.
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