What it's like to work as a personal assistant in social care
16 Aug 2021
As part of our #RecruitmentReady spotlight we spoke to people working as personal assistants in social care to find more about the role and what it involves.
Working as a personal assistant (PA) can be a very rewarding career knowing that the support you provide to an individual helps them to live a more independent life.
You'll work directly with one or more individuals to support them with various aspects of their daily life which could be in their own home, within the community, or at work.
If you’re thinking about becoming a PA I would really recommend it, it’s one of the best jobs I’ve ever had. I don’t feel like an employee, I feel like a caring friend who’s enabling my friend to do more with her life.
Sue, Personal Assistant
Besides being a rewarding job, the role of a PA also offers a lot of opportunities to progress.
Through Skills for Care I’ve gained a lot of qualifications and training which has given me more confidence in myself. I’ve done hoist training, dementia and stroke awareness training, first aid training and a Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care. It’s helped me to give Anne a better level of care.
Kelly, Personal Assistant
Hear more from PAs and find out how they started the role, training and qualifications gained, and the challenges and rewards each day brings:
Caroline
Caroline works as a PA whilst studying at university, she supports Claire who has a learning disability and uses a personal care budget to employ PAs.
Caroline says:
My relationship with Claire is like a sister, she’s family to me.
Watch Caroline’s short video to hear more.
Kelly and Elem
Kelly and Elem work as PAs supporting Anne to live her life the way she wants to, here’s what they have to say about being a PA.
Kelly says:
I like everything about my job really, making a difference to Anne’s life - helping her to live the way she wants to live her life, seeing her smile and making it possible for her to do things.
Elem says:
There’s been plenty of times I’ve left work feeling uplifted and good about myself, I can see what I do is helping so I know my hard work is going to a good place and supporting her with a better quality of life.
Watch their short video to hear more .
Mo
Mo is a PA to Helen and supports her with personal care and social needs. Before this he had worked in care for nine years working with lots of different people ranging from older people to younger people with a learning disability.
Mo says:
Throughout the whole week we’re doing a range of activities from horse riding, to walking, swimming, cooking, and arts and crafts.
The best part of the job is working with the individual, it’s that 1-2-1 interaction with them and the response you get back.
Watch Mo’s short video to hear more
Sue
Sue is a PA to Marta who has Freidrich’s ataxia. Sue provides support with personal care, housework, and social activities.
Sue says:
The best bits are not only having a job but having a friend, working 1-2-1 with somebody you get to know that person really well. We’re a similar age and enjoy the same social things.
Watch Sue’s short video to hear more.
If you're interested in becoming a PA you can find out more about the role and how to get started by visiting our information hub. There’s a range of information from what a PA is, to finding a role as a PA, and training and qualifications.
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