Training and Managing
No one is better qualified to run a Personal Assistance Services system than the consumer of those services---------YOU!
Below are some suggestions from consumers who use Personal Care Assistants:
- Prevention of bad work habits is easier than correcting them.
Try to consistently enforce the little things in the beginning, especially
things that
matter to you.
- It can be beneficial if you can hire more than one assistant and separate
the duties instead of having one assistant do all the work. By having
more than
one assistant, each assistant is solely responsible for their job duties
and not
the duties of others. This also helps reduce conflict between the assistants,
which will make your life simpler.
- Think about the possibility of a two- or three-week “trial period” during
which either the consumer or assistant may decline to work without a reason.
- Organize your home so that there is a particular place for everything
that is used frequently. This will make the working environment much
more
accessible to the assistant.
- Color-coding can help assistants learn locations of important items.
For example, you could place colored labels on drawers (such as using
one color
for the drawer that holds the underpads, catheters, etc., and another color
for
the drawer that holds the deodorant, antibiotic ointment, medications etc.).
This system can make it a lot easier for the assistant to learn where things
are kept.
- It is imperative to have a back up assistant in place for unexpected
situations (such as when the assistant is sick or employment is terminated).
- Be flexible and willing to compromise, but always remain in control
of the situation.
- Offer a pleasant working environment for your assistant.
- Know what you want, and how you want your household or business to
run and be organized. Communicate this clearly to your assistant.
- Make sure the time sheets are filled out correctly and mailed on time
so that your assistant will be paid on time.
- Give your assistants as much positive feedback as possible on their
job performance. Feedback and praise is motivating, demonstrates respect
and
appreciation, and boosts morale. Do not take lightly the efforts of your
assistants.
- Be open to suggestions, but be firm and honest about your ultimate
preferences and decisions.
- Communicate! Your life depends on it!
- Be sure that your personal care assistant understands that you are
not sick –
you are an independent individual, with a disability, who requires assistance.
- When you are able to manage your assistants effectively, you are creating a rich and rewarding working relationship.
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