A Personal Assistant Service is the cornerstone in achieving independent living. Galway Centre for Independent Living has been providing top quality Personal Assistant Services for over 30 years.
A Personal Assistant assists the Service User (Leader), for example a person with a physical or sensory disability, in all aspects of daily living. This assistance is given at the direction and discretion of the Service User, to ensure that they can engage in independent living and apply self-determination and control over their own life. The role of the PA is personalised to the requirements of the individual Service User and may include assisting the Service User with personal and domestic care needs, social, educational or work activities.
Services can be for as little as an hour per day to overnight. As the Service User, you lead your service: the days, time, length and manner of support are directed by you and agreed in conjunction with your HSE Liason/Manager.
Galway Centre for Independent Living provides a Personal Assistant Service to people with disabilities in Galway City and County. Galway Centre for Independent Living is the employer of the Personal Assistant, but the Service User takes on the role of their day-to-day line manager. This means that the Service User will assist with the supervision and on-the-job training of the Personal Assistant to ensure that their requirements are met.
Galway Centre for Independent Living, in their role as employer, will ensure that:
- There is a robust, transparent recruitment and onboarding process in which the Service User is involved
- All checks on the Personal Assistant are carried out i.e. references, Garda clearance
- All staff receive required training
- A full induction training programme is undertaken
- Employers PRSI, Insurance, Sick Pay and statutory Holiday Pay are covered
- Personal Assistants have ongoing supervision as part of regular Person Centred Plan reviews which identify any additional training and personal development requirements
- GCIL will liaise, where appropriate, with other services e.g. Public Health Nurse
Personal Assistants services are usually funding by the HSE, but can be funded privately by the individual, or family member.
Tax Relief
You may be entitled to tax relief for the cost of employing a person (including services provided by or through Galway Centre for Independent Living). For further information on claiming tax relief please contact Galway Centre for Independent Living.
HSE
If you are aged between 18 and 65 and have a physical and sensory disability you may be eligible for a Personal Assistant Service. Please contact your local HSE Disability Service for further information.
Want to find out more?
For details and a free Consultation please contact the Care Service Team at Galway Centre for Independent Living on 091 773910
