Training your PA

 
Why Train your PAs?

Once you have employed your Personal Assistant you need to think about the training they need to work with you. Training can be delivered in several ways including training designed and delivered by yourself.

You need to make sure your PA can work safely with you for several reasons.
  • You need to ensure that you meet the requirements of your insurer. If your PA is injured whilst working with you they could sue you and if you cannot show how you trained your PA, your insurer may decide not to help you.

  • You need to help your PA to develop the necessary skills for the job as without suitable training they may make mistakes.

  • You need to make sure that your PA understands your needs and preferences and what skills they need to work with you both in your home and outside to meet these requirements.

  • You need to make sure that they are trained to use any technologies and equipment necessary to give you the best possible support.
Training should be motivating for PAs.  At the moment it is not a legal requirement but you may decide you want your PAs' achievement recognised through a qualification. A common qualification is a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at level 2 in Health and Social Care. For advice on this you can talk to your Direct Payments team/support service or Centre for Independent Living.

A good introduction (called "induction" in the training world) and the opportunity for your PA to train and develop all help with keeping your PAs.