What is a PA?

What is a Personal Assistant (PA) in care?

The role is as varied as the individual you are supporting. Your job is to support them to lead the life they want to. This could be anything from a weekly visit to help someone stay organised, to regular support with daily tasks, personal care and work or leisure activities. Disabled people employ PAs to help keep them healthy and safe, follow their interests and contribute to their community, as well as supporting them with daily tasks and personal care.

You would be employed directly by the person you are supporting, or someone close to them such as a family member. You could be working for them at their home, leisure, education or work. The role is flexible and your responsibilities, tasks and working arrangements would be agreed with the person and/or their family based on their needs.

What does the role involve?

The role is as varied as the individual you are supporting. This could be anything from a weekly visit to help someone stay organised, to regular support with daily tasks, personal care and work or leisure activities. Disabled people employ PAs to help keep them healthy and safe, get out and about, follow their interests and be kept busy, as well as supporting them with daily tasks and personal care.

Where and how would I work?

You would be employed directly by the person you are working for. You could be working for them at their home, leisure, education or work. The role is flexible and your responsibilities, tasks and working arrangements would be agreed with the person and/or their family based on their needs.

What qualifications do I need?

You don’t necessarily need to have any previous experience or qualifications. What is important is having the right values as your employer will rely on you for support. For example, your employer might like you to be motivated, caring, flexible, a good listener, use your initiative and have a willingness to learn, as well as sharing hobbies or interests. You will be given specific support and training if your role requires it.

What could I earn?

These roles often pay the minimum wage. Your employer will arrange your pay, tax, national insurance and pension. You should be given an employment contract by your employer and you are entitled to all statutory leave. For more information on a PA’s statutory rights and entitlements visit Surrey Independent Living Council's Fast Facts document (opens in a new window).

How do I find out more?

Skills for Care is a national organisation that promotes and supports people working in health and social care. You can visit the Skills for Care website (opens in a new window) to find out more information about working as a PA.