Personal assistants
Many people who receive a direct payment from us choose to employ their own personal assistant.
Tasks that are often performed as part of the personal assistant role are:
- personal care, including washing and bathing, getting dressed and using the toilet
- leisure activities and getting out and about
- cooking and preparing food
- cleaning and housework
- providing assistance with getting into and out of bed and chairs
To help individuals find and manage a personal assistant we have arranged for a direct payment support agency, to assist individuals wishing to employ a personal assistant.
Bromley Council works with The Disability Syndicate, a direct payment support agency. The Disability Syndicate is home to Blue Sky Brokers and DD Payroll Services.
If you are interested in using a personal assistant to provide the care support you require, you can contact Blue Sky Brokers for an initial discussion on this.
Could you be a personal assistant?
You do not necessarily need to have experience of social care to become a personal assistant, however training is arranged if required. Adults who employ personal assistants report that the best traits for personal assistants to have are: listening well, using ‘common sense’, and respecting and working within the way the adult chooses to live. Blue Sky Brokers will request references and undertake certain checks including the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and eligibility to work checks. Job descriptions, salaries and suitable working days are negotiable with the individuals needing support.
You can find more information on how to become a personal assistant on the Blue Sky Brokers National PA Hub website.
Contact Blue Sky Brokers
For information and advice on employing or becoming a personal assistant you can contact Blue Sky Brokers.