People in the programme needed support in lots of aspects of their lives, personal, social and at work. But they were looking for more than a professional pair of hands, they wanted people they could relate to and get on with, not a succession of agency staff. As the programme showed this isn’t straightforward. If you had to draft an advert what qualities would you list? Perhaps something like below:
Carer
- Do what is needed when I need help
- Turn up on time
- Work when needed for the pay I can provide
- Be willing to undertake intimate care
- Able to complete domestic tasks
Friend
- Be spontaneous
- Have a sense of humour
- Be yourself, and allow me to be myself
- Like me for who I am
- Come out on social outings
Being a Personal Assistant crosses this divide. Could you be both? Take our poll and discuss using the comment facility below.
This debate is part of a collection produced to accompany the OU/BBC co-production Wanted: A Very Personal Assistant
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