Can a Family Member Be Your Paid Personal Assistant? Yes — Here's How

It's one of the most common things families tell us: "My daughter already does most of the support — she just can't afford to keep doing it unpaid."

Many people don't realise this has a solution. With The HCD Model, a family member, friend, or someone you already trust can become your paid Personal Assistant — properly employed, properly trained, properly supported.

How it works

We employ them. Your chosen PA joins us on a permanent contract, with holiday pay, sick pay, and a pension. It's a real job, not an informal arrangement — which protects them as much as it protects you.

We train them. Training is tailored to your specific needs and delivered to CIW standards. Where clinical tasks are involved, our nurses train and formally assess competency before delegating — and keep reviewing it.

We support them. Being someone's PA — especially someone you love — is skilled, demanding work. Our nurses provide ongoing clinical oversight, and our team handles the employment side: payroll, insurance, HR, cover arrangements.

You stay in control. Rotas and routines are built around your life, not ours. And because your PA already knows you, there's no settling-in period with strangers — support starts from a foundation of trust.

Why families choose this

The person who knows you best becomes the person who supports you professionally. Continuity is guaranteed. Caring responsibilities that were squeezed around a day job become sustainable. And the funding that pays for your support — often a Personal Health Budget or Direct Payments — stays within the circle of people you chose.

It's personalisation done properly.

Common questions

Does it work with NHS Continuing Healthcare or Direct Payments? In many cases, yes — we work with families, social workers, and health board teams on funded packages every day, and we can talk you through what applies to your situation.

What if my family member has never worked in care? That's what the training is for. What they already have — knowing you — is the part that can't be taught.

Interested in how this could work for your family? Book a free, no-obligation consultation via our contact form or on 0345 061 9000.