Personal assistance

A personal assistant (PA) is employed by someone who needs social care, either because of their age or disability, to enable them to live as independently as possible. A PA supports and facilitates the person with disabilities’ daily life, as decided and managed by the person. The PA can also help with personal care such as bathing and getting dressed. Personal assistants are not always family members but can be any person trained to support persons with disabilities. Different countries have different legislation and practice regarding personal assistance.

Emergency situations often increase dependence on caregivers and/or personal assistants.