Personal assistant

Find out what a personal assistant is, how they can help you and how to employ one if you choose to.
Young woman next to older woman using a wheelchair

What is a personal assistant?

A personal assistant is someone who you employ to provide you with care and support. 

The role is also called sometimes called a 'personal care assistant'.

Personal assistants may be employed to help you with things like:

  • managing your personal care
  • preparing food or taking medication
  • keeping you safe at home
  • supporting you to go out to do things that you enjoy

They may be paid for either:

  • privately by yourself or your family
  • through a direct payment from Suffolk County Council

You may be able to find an agency who you can pay to provide you with a personal assistant. This is different from a home care service.

You can find out how direct payments work on our page about personal budgets.

Employing a personal assistant

If you choose to employ a personal assistant, you will have responsibilities as their employer.

Information and advice about employing a personal assistant