Menu
27/07/2011
Department of Health Tackles 'Helpers' Shortfall
Plans to make it easier for people with disabilities to employ 'Personal Assistants' to help them to live as full a life as possible were revealed today by Care Services Minister Paul Burstow.
A Framework for Personal Assistants (PAs) helps offer universal support for people with care needs as well as the PAs they employ. It maintains the flexibility of the role, which makes them so vital in helping people with disabilities to live their lives and aims to increase the number of PAs available.
Research shows that those receiving payments can be nervous about becoming an employer and the lack of a clear, universal job description can be a barrier to those considering joining the profession.
The publication is part of the personalisation agenda at the heart of the Government’s Vision for Adult Social Care to deliver services chosen by people to meet their individual needs. By 2013, everyone eligible should be offered a personal budget to spend on the best care package for them. It is estimated that by 2025 this could create nearly 1.2 million Personal Assistant jobs - there are currently less than 200,000 people working as Personal Assistants in England.
Visiting ECDP, (formerly Essex Coalition of Disabled People) a disabled person’s user-led organisation, Care Services Minister Paul Burstow said: "Many company executives would describe their PA as a life-saver, but for those who employ a personal assistant for their social care needs, they really do give them back their life. Being able to set the job description spelling out exactly what support you need and when, can be liberating. It’s much better than trying to fit your life around Local Authority-commissioned services.”
He added: "I've seen today in Essex what can be achieved when social services work together with people who need personal assistants to make sure both they and their PA are fully supported.
"The difference it has made to these peoples' lives is a clear reminder of why personalisation is so important and is at the heart of our plans for social care."
(BMcN/BMcC)
A Framework for Personal Assistants (PAs) helps offer universal support for people with care needs as well as the PAs they employ. It maintains the flexibility of the role, which makes them so vital in helping people with disabilities to live their lives and aims to increase the number of PAs available.
Research shows that those receiving payments can be nervous about becoming an employer and the lack of a clear, universal job description can be a barrier to those considering joining the profession.
The publication is part of the personalisation agenda at the heart of the Government’s Vision for Adult Social Care to deliver services chosen by people to meet their individual needs. By 2013, everyone eligible should be offered a personal budget to spend on the best care package for them. It is estimated that by 2025 this could create nearly 1.2 million Personal Assistant jobs - there are currently less than 200,000 people working as Personal Assistants in England.
Visiting ECDP, (formerly Essex Coalition of Disabled People) a disabled person’s user-led organisation, Care Services Minister Paul Burstow said: "Many company executives would describe their PA as a life-saver, but for those who employ a personal assistant for their social care needs, they really do give them back their life. Being able to set the job description spelling out exactly what support you need and when, can be liberating. It’s much better than trying to fit your life around Local Authority-commissioned services.”
He added: "I've seen today in Essex what can be achieved when social services work together with people who need personal assistants to make sure both they and their PA are fully supported.
"The difference it has made to these peoples' lives is a clear reminder of why personalisation is so important and is at the heart of our plans for social care."
(BMcN/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 March 2009
Regulation For Health And Adult Social Care Providers Published
A new framework to regulate the safety and quality of health and social care services was published today by the Department of Health, ahead of the new Care Quality Commission coming into effect on 1 April 2009.
Regulation For Health And Adult Social Care Providers Published
A new framework to regulate the safety and quality of health and social care services was published today by the Department of Health, ahead of the new Care Quality Commission coming into effect on 1 April 2009.
01 April 2009
New Law To Strengthen Protection Of Vulnerable People
Some of the most vulnerable people in society will be better protected against abuse and poor care as a result of new legislation coming into force today. People who lack capacity in hospitals and care homes will now be protected by a new law nown as the 'Mental Capacity Act Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards'.
New Law To Strengthen Protection Of Vulnerable People
Some of the most vulnerable people in society will be better protected against abuse and poor care as a result of new legislation coming into force today. People who lack capacity in hospitals and care homes will now be protected by a new law nown as the 'Mental Capacity Act Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards'.
27 November 2007
'Huge Inequalities' In Alzheimer's Care
There are "huge inequalities" in standards of residential care for people suffering from dementia, a new report from the Alzheimer's Society has claimed. The charity's 'Home From Home' report surveyed more than 3,500 people, including relatives of people with dementia, care home staff and managers.
'Huge Inequalities' In Alzheimer's Care
There are "huge inequalities" in standards of residential care for people suffering from dementia, a new report from the Alzheimer's Society has claimed. The charity's 'Home From Home' report surveyed more than 3,500 people, including relatives of people with dementia, care home staff and managers.
04 July 2011
Fairer Adult Social Care Funding Sought
Costs would be capped and the means-tested threshold increased under major changes to the funding of adult social care in England, recommended today by the Commission on Funding of Care and Support in its final report Fairer Care Funding.
Fairer Adult Social Care Funding Sought
Costs would be capped and the means-tested threshold increased under major changes to the funding of adult social care in England, recommended today by the Commission on Funding of Care and Support in its final report Fairer Care Funding.
30 May 2006
Guidance for care homes launched
A new guide has been published for care home managers, in order to help improve treatment and support for residents at the end of life.
Guidance for care homes launched
A new guide has been published for care home managers, in order to help improve treatment and support for residents at the end of life.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
