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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