Someone who is employed directly by an individual who's managing and paying for their own care through a social care direct payment or personal budget. Personal assistants usually support individuals in their own home or to go out in the community.

Someone the person using services chooses to employ to provide the support they need, in the way that suits them best. This may include cooking, cleaning, help with personal care such as washing and dressing, and other things such as getting out and about in the community. A personal assistant can be paid through a direct payment.

Someone you choose and employ to provide the support you need, in the way that suits you best. This may include cooking, cleaning, help with personal care such as washing and dressing, and other things such as getting out and about in your community. Your personal assistant can be paid through direct payments or a personal health budget.