A person with a disability who employs a personal assistant needs to create a thorough job description using checklists and fine-tuned communication skills to supervise, says Cynthia Anderle, a nursing expert. Making the job checklist, she advised, can be emotionally difficult because it clearly shows life style changes after disablement.

Personal assistance, Anderle wrote, is similar to building a house. The house blueprint is the list of assistance requirements. Job descriptions are the foundation and walls. A good checklist, too, is brief, lists steps in correct order, and includes what/when/where. It includes only the task to be done and leaves out the description, which is taught and practiced. The checklist can show where problems start, provide an opportunity for praise or correction, and prevent misunderstanding.

The house's roof is effective communications. This is essential because assistants' wages are often low, so a good working relationship nurtured with ongoing communication increases relationship longevity. A 1982 study of 56 personal assistants found assistants valued an employer who had the ability of giving praise and criticism when appropriate, in addition to fair treatment, self-knowledge of care needs, and independence.

Assertive rather than passive or aggressive communication is the goal. This form of communication encourages people to stand up for themselves without anxiety to express honest feelings without denying the rights of others. Employers can discuss the concern after it has happened without name calling or other derogatory remarks.

When giving directions, assume nothing, expect mistakes, answer questions patiently, use checklists, give positive responses when possible, explain why tasks are done a certain way, and don't continue giving directions once the assistant understands how to do something. If a problem occurs, it is best to have a conversation that looks at the problem to arrive at a solution. #1876

EndNotes

Anderle, C. (1995, August). Using personal assistance services after spinal cord injury: The role of the nurse. SCI Nursing 12(3), 77-81.

Keyword: Personal assistance