Support Worker / Personal Assistant
Practical help that enables independence and community access
The basics
What is a support worker or personal assistant?
A support worker or personal assistant provides practical, hands-on help with daily living tasks. They're not therapists - they're the people who help you with the daily activities that might be difficult or impossible after a neurological injury: getting washed and dressed, preparing meals, shopping, attending appointments, accessing the community, managing household tasks. They work under a care plan designed to support your independence and quality of life.
The role is deeply practical and profoundly important. After stroke, spinal cord injury, or severe brain injury, independence in daily tasks might feel out of reach. A good support worker doesn't just do things for you - they help you do them, or find ways to adapt them so you can do them yourself. They'll help you maintain your independence to whatever degree is possible, rebuild confidence, access your community, and live a life that has meaning and normality. They might help you get ready for the day, support you to access work or social activities, do shopping adapted to your needs, or help with home management tasks.
Support workers are often the glue that holds life together after neurological injury. They provide continuity, consistency, and genuine human connection. They're trained in safe handling, understand neurological conditions, and work collaboratively with your therapists, family, and other supporters. A good support worker knows you deeply and adjusts their support based on your goals, preferences, and fluctuating abilities.
Who benefits
Who might benefit from a support worker?
If you struggle with personal care, household management, attending appointments, or accessing your community, a support worker can be essential. They're particularly valuable in the early stages after severe injury when you're adjusting to major changes, or for ongoing support for complex conditions. A good support worker enables you to live as independently and actively as possible, pursuing the life you want rather than just managing daily survival. Support workers also help families managing dementia and children with neurological conditions.
What to expect
What happens in a support relationship?
Initial Assessment & Care Planning
Your support worker will work with you and your team to understand your needs, abilities, goals, and preferences. A care plan is developed outlining what support you need, when, and how - and importantly, how to maximise your independence and choices within that support.
Practical Daily Support
Your support worker helps with the practical tasks outlined in your care plan - personal care, household tasks, shopping, preparing meals, attending appointments or social activities, managing medical tasks. They work at your pace and adapt to your needs and preferences.
Supporting Independence & Engagement
A good support worker doesn't just do things for you - they support you to do things yourself where possible, and encourage engagement with life. They might help you get to an activity you enjoy, support you during therapy sessions, or help you pursue interests and relationships.
Ongoing Collaboration & Adjustment
Your support worker communicates with your family, therapists, and other supporters. As your abilities change, your care plan is updated. The support relationship is ongoing, responsive, and centred on enabling the life you want to live.
Finding support
How do I find a support worker?
Support workers can be accessed through your local council (adult social services), NHS continuing healthcare, or private employment. If you're eligible for NHS funding or social care support, your local authority will help arrange support. For private employment, care agencies specialising in neurological conditions can match you with experienced support workers, or you can employ personally as a direct payment if you have the capacity to do so.
Look for support workers with specific training or experience in neurological conditions, safe handling, and person-centred care. The My Rehab Journey directory lists support workers across the UK who specialise in working with people with neurological conditions. When recruiting, take time to find someone who is a good fit - reliability, communication, values alignment, and genuine respect are crucial. Many support relationships are long-term, so compatibility matters deeply.
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
How do I access a support worker?
Through your local council (adult social services), NHS continuing healthcare, or privately through care agencies. If you're eligible, your council or NHS team will help arrange support. Otherwise, you can employ a support worker privately.
How much does a support worker cost?
Costs vary widely. Funded support is free via council or NHS. Private support workers typically cost £15-£25+ per hour in the UK, depending on experience, location, and specialist skills.
What's the difference between a support worker and a carer?
Support workers are paid professionals trained in safe handling and neurological conditions. Carers can be family members or friends providing unpaid care. A support worker follows a care plan and works under supervision.
Can a support worker help me do activities I enjoy?
Yes. A good support worker doesn't just handle personal care. They help you get to social activities, access your community, pursue hobbies, and maintain relationships. Quality of life matters.
How do I find a good support worker match?
Take time in the recruitment process. Good fit is crucial because this is a long-term relationship. Look for reliability, respect, values alignment, and genuine warmth. Don't rush into it.
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Related resources
Related practitioners
Occupational Therapist · Case Manager · Rehabilitation Assistant
Conditions we work with
Brain Injury · Spinal Cord Injury · Dementia · MND · Children's Neurological
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