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Barrett, Jocelyn. (2004). "Common sense and patience: Arlene’s story." Our Stories series, Maine Personal Assistance Services Association
Abstract
In consumer-directed services, personal assistants work directly for the consumers to whom they are providing support. There is no agency or nursing home to act as a "middle man." It is the consumers who have the final say how their care/support is directed. There are benefits and added responsibilities to this consumer-centered way of providing support. Anyone who has worked as a personal assistant through an agency understands that there are a hundred small - yet important - decisions that a personal assistant has to make while working with a consumer. All too often caregivers’ hands are tied because their supervisor is not in the room, but rather in an office somewhere else. Having the freedom to be able to ask the consumer what their needs are, and fulfill those needs as they arise, can be very satisfying.
Arlene and Kevin have spent eleven years building a strong working friendship with one another. Arlene is an understanding and compassionate assistant who is a fierce advocate for her friend Kevin. Because they’ve become so familiar with each other, Arlene has taken over much of the supervision and responsibility of the five and sometimes six assistants who are providing Kevin with fourteen hours of care per day, helping him manage his Multiple Sclerosis and stay in his home. They have faced many challenges together, and both demonstrate the kind of strength of character that can make a consumer-directed support relationship successful.
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Maine PASA office granted permission to link for report. Published on the Web
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