Induction Information
Helpful advice before you get started as a personal assistant.
Induction Planning
If you’re employed as a PA, you’ll need a proper induction before you begin. While inductions will differ from role to role, some basics apply to every personal assistant.
- Be kind.
- Be supportive.
- Encourage independence.
- Have confidence in your abilities.
Unsure what the role of a PA means? Click the link below.
Health & Safety Considerations
There are also health and safety considerations to make such as dispensing medication, first aid, moving and handling, and digital support.
You should always work safely and reduce risks to yourself and others at work, too, and if you see health and safety issues arise, raise them with your employer.
It’s also important to understand procedures for emergencies like fires or accidents. Again, these should be discussed with your employer in your induction, so you’re never caught short or feel uncomfortable.
A Person Centred Approach to your PA Role
Self Directed Support (SDS) epitomises an, outcomes focussed approach to social care design and delivery. The foundation for this focus is a person centred approach, a focus on personal outcomes through meaningful conversations with individuals about what matters most to them. Personalisation is the principle of enabling people to be equal partners in the development and delivery of services to provide support that meets their self-identified outcomes.
Read more Person Centred Care Planning
Person-Centred Approach to PA Role
How a PA can support individuals to take Positive Risks, Safely?
Risk taking involves making decisions /choices that have some uncertainty to potential outcomes. PAs can support those choices, by ensuring that the individual is being fully involved in; goal setting, risk assessment and care planning. (See Person-Centred Care Planning)
Supporting people to gain confidence / independence requires some positive risk taking. Risk assessment and planning collaboratively can help to manage risk and maximise the potential for people to achieve their goals.
Risk Enabling Supporting Taking Risks Safely
Risk Enabling Supporting Taking Risks Safely
Training Courses
If you’re new to your position as a PA, there are certain training courses that we recommend. These ensure you have the proper skills and certification to excel at your job, and include:
- Moving and assisting
- Dispensing medication
- First aid
- Special dietary requirements
- Essential digital skills
Technology Enabled Care (TEC)
Technology can help you keep track of medications and appointments and much more. Bespoke devices can also help disabled and older people in many ways and give them more choice and control of their lives.
TEC aids include personal alarms, pill dispensers, locator devices, smart speakers, stove alarms, and more, and can make people’s lives easier by utilising or recommending them.
Exclusive PANS Member Digital Workshops
Digital tools are coming on leaps and bounds and can help you in your role as a PA. Enabling you to encourage a healthy lifestyle, active ageing, and promote independence, you can also enable social participation and ensure access to healthcare.
Most of the time, it’s best to learn these things before you start so you can provide the very best service possible.