Personal Assistant Service

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 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 Leader, 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 Leader and may include assisting the Leader with personal and domestic care needs, social, educational or work activities.

Services can be for as little as a half hour to overnight. As the Leader the days, time, length and manner of support are directed by you, we would ask 24 hours notice is provided for any change in service times etc, at no cost.

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 Leader takes on the role of their day-to-day line manager. This means that the Leader will take on the direct supervision and on-the-job training of the Personal Assistant to ensure that their requirements are met. All Leaders who receive a service from GCIL will be offered full training in this role. 

Galway Centre for Independent Living, in their role as employer, will ensure that:


  • There is a robust, transparent recruitment process in which the Leader is fully 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 can be funded privately by the individual, or family member.

Tax Relief

You may be entitled to tax relief, at the higher rate of 41%, 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.

We also provide Personal Assistants under a number of different funding streams, the Department of Social Protection, Community Employment Scheme & HSE funding.

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 Coordinator Bridie, Galway Centre for Independent Living on 091 773910