Getting Off to a Good Start with Your Personal Assistant

The First Day of Work
On your worker’s first day, or before, you may want to talk about these things:

• What to do and who to contact in case of emergency
• What are the best times to contact you
• How you both will agree on and keep track of hours worked
• What medications you need help in taking and how to use equipment
• Any allergies, health and diet concerns

You may also want to have a job agreement to discuss with your new employee. Check out our Sample Job Agreement Info Sheet.

Tips for Training a New Worker

• Show or describe to your worker how you want tasks done.
• If possible, you may want the outgoing worker to train the new worker.
• Allow a “training period” or a certain amount of time for a new worker to learn your system.
• If possible, have instructions in writing that says what is to be done, how you want it done and in what order.
• Having a routine may be helpful when training a new worker. For example, have the same tasks done at the same time on the same days of each week.
• Because some tasks can be done in many different “right” ways, be flexible when you can. Of course, in some cases, it is important that tasks be done just how you want them.
• Be sure to give your worker feedback, either praise or correction.
  

Source: Adapted from materials prepared by the Public Authority for In-Home Supportive Services in Alameda County (California). http://www.ac-pa4ihss.org/content/140.asp