Finding a PA, the car issue!

Hi readers, it’s me, Kerry here, wanting to share my story about finding a new personal assistant. As you may remember from earlier articles, one of my two fabulous PA’s is leaving.

I’ve had several applications, and all those I’ve interviewed have been lovely. However, I have a problem.

I can’t get into their cars! The thing is, because of my disability, I need a wheelchair. To get out and about locally, I use a mobility scooter. I’m in it a lot. To get to meetings, see friends and just get out the house! I need a car so that my PA’s (with me a few hours most days) can take me shopping, to appointments, and many other places I can’t get to.  

As I’m quite short, it’s hard to get into higher cars. It seems that everyone who’s applied this time, has a high car, so I can’t employ them. It’s crazy that. Just because of their car!  I’ve been thinking hard about how to solve this, and it’s not easy.

I hoped there would be some kind of portable equipment. Like a step you stand on, that rises up, which can help you get into higher cars. But I can’t find anything like that. There are lots of other people though who have this problem, so if you know of something, please get in touch. I would be very grateful.

So, while I keep looking for a PA, I’m rethinking my options too. I don’t have savings, but maybe I could buy a second hand electric scooter, and use my mobility allowance for an inexpensive car my PA’s can use. But there must be better and cheaper ways.

If anyone has any ideas, I’d love to hear from you! Hopefully I’ll have a positive update for you soon.

The writers of the Our View column are supported in their editing by People First Dorset - a charity led and run by people with learning disabilities with support from staff