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Good personal care assistants can increase the independence, self-esteem, and productivity of a person with a disability. The bad news is that they often don't stay on the job long. Employers caught in a continual cycle of hiring and training may benefit from these guidelines:
To find assistants, contact a center for independent living, ask friends who use attendants, and advertise with a classified ad. Talk about pay in the interview
Have specific questions to ask in the interview. Try to do these over the phone to screen the five or 10 best for an in-person interview. Ask about background, disability understanding, age, other obligations, and how long they have lived in the areas. "If a person sounds indecisive, or evasive, or flaky over the phone, there's a likelihood he or she will be that way in person, too."
During the in-person interview, note how a person listens, dresses, and acts. Describe the specific tasks that need to be done. Spontaneously ask the applicant to do a task to see the response. Discuss hours, pay, and the person's means of transportation.
Hire someone who is not an obvious "do-gooder." Try to have a situation where both parties benefit.
Trust instincts and use references to reinforce that judgment.
Don't offer the position at the end of the interview. Ask the person to call back a set time. That way each can think about the job and applicant's dependability can be gauged.
Pay attendants promptly and without being asked.
Use bonuses, gifts, and privileges for a job well done.
Schedule regular evaluations to correct mistakes before they become habits. #1153
Maddox, S. (1990). Attending the attendants: How to find good personal care help. In Spinal network (pp. 248-249). Boulder, CO: Author.
Keyword: Personal assistance |
