WHAT IS THE PERSONAL ASSISTANT PROGRAM?

PERSONAL ASSISTANT PROGRAM
This program is designed to provide services that address the personal needs of persons with disabilities living in Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam and Stark counties. Persons who may benefit from these services may have a permanent disability such as a spinal cord injury or a temporary disability such as a fractured hip.

A Personal Assistant is an individual who assists a person with a disability in activities of daily living. These activities may include personal care, meal preparation, shopping, transportation, and light secretarial duties, depending on the person’s functional abilities. Personal Assistants allow individuals with disabilities to remain at home instead of being placed in a nursing home, other care facility, or an institution.

The Center offers an orientation program for persons interested in becoming Personal Assistants (PAs). The training involves utilizing communication skills, understanding the employer-employee relationship, reviewing universal precautions, and receiving information regarding different types of disabilities. Once individuals successfully complete the program, they are placed on a current Personal Assistant referral list that is made available to consumers upon request.

Personal Assistant management training also is provided to all participating consumers to enhance management skills of individuals who employ Personal Assistants. The independent living philosophy is key in the Personal Assistant (PA) Program because consumers determine who they will interview, hire, and also terminate.

The PA Program is designed for individuals living independently or with family members, regardless of age or disability. Funding is available to pay for these services, but restrictions for funding (such as age and income factors) do apply.

Family members might request Personal Assistant services to create opportunities for themselves to change their schedules when caring for a loved one with a disability. In response to this kind of request, IVCIL’s PA Program can help locate PAs to provide the compassionate care required for families who find themselves in such situations. This service frequently is referred to as respite care.

If you are aware of anyone who may benefit from these services, are interested in becoming a Personal Assistant, or have any other questions regarding this program, please contact the Personal Assistant Coordinator at the Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living or click below to fill out an application form.