Personal Assistant / Carer

A young individual requires support to continue to access a sport they are involved in, and go to the gym, concerts and exhibitions, in the evenings and at weekends.

Preferred days/times:
25 hours over weekends and evenings - the client works during the day and his sport activities are in the evening and at weekends
The client would like the hours shared amongst several different PAs

Tasks/duties:
The client plays Boccia (a precision ball sport similar to bowls and played by athletes with severe physical disabilities) and requires support to attend their local Boccia club, to attend Boccia tournaments, when refereeing Boccia games and with accessing the gym on a weekly basis. They would like support to access concerts, exhibitions, and are looking to solo travel abroad in the future.
Some personal care is required intermittently when the client's bowels are affected by the cerebral palsy

The PA will be required to drive the client's wheelchair accessible vehicle and have a full, clean, UK driving licence.
The client is learning to drive.

Client main diagnosis:
Two forms of Cerebral Palsy from birth including Dystonia which causes muscle spasms, affects speech and causes spastic diplegia which can affect bowel movements. Their gag reflex is also affected, and they have weakness in their hands, with the right worse than left.
Depression and anxiety - Anxiety can stop the client going out alone. The depression is medicated and the client's mood at present is stable.
Asthma - Uses an inhaler.
Patella Alta - a condition where the kneecap sits higher than normal on the thigh bone which can result in pain when sitting for prolonged periods of time. It can cause pain and discomfort and numbness from the knees
Sleep apnoea.

Communication:
There are no communication barriers

Moving and Handling:
The client requires support with all transfers; they use a wheelchair to mobilise and have a ceiling track hoist at home

Client enjoys:
The client enjoys playing Boccia (and has played at the Paralympics), runs a Boccia club and is a referee every couple of months. The client attends Boccia tournaments, sometimes as far away as Liverpool, and goes to the gym once a week for two hours. The client also enjoys playing video games, and going to concerts and exhibitions

Pets:
The client has six dogs, two turtles and a Shetland pony

This opportunity is suited for someone who is responsible, reliable, patient, and proactive.