Personal assistance, as a support service of the philosophy of independent living, represents a complex area within the forms of assistance given to people with disabilities, within which the relationships between individuals with disabilities, personal assistants, and family members of the individual are intertwined. These family members may become personal assistants themselves or be involved in this relationship indirectly, by adding an external personal assistant into the family circle. Different power dynamics are formed between users and their assistants, and in terms of fulfilling the purpose of personal assistance, the question often arises as to whether the role of the assistant should be performed by a family member or by an external professional. This is a decision that has a significant impact on the quality of life for the user and their family, and as such depends on the specific circumstances, needs, and wishes of the user and their circle. In my thesis, I was interested in the user’s thought process behind the choice and implementation of personal assistance via family members compared to external personal assistants and the impact of their choice on the family dynamics itself. I paid particular attention to the family and the intimacy within it. Conflicts of interest, social inclusion of users, the boundaries between work and private life of family members, and possible risks and stress within the established working relationship. I have found that the decision to employ family members as assistants is often based on previous experience with informal aid, a sense of security, and financial stability. On the other hand, hiring external assistants is motivated by the need for professionalism as well as the support and assistance provided by these professionals, relieving the burden on other family members and improving social inclusion. I have realized that the implementation of personal assistance has led to significant changes in family dynamics, mainly based on newly established interpersonal relationships. Users themselves have identified both positive and negative aspects of employing family members as well as external personal assistants, with the positive aspects of employing family members including a deeper understanding of the user’s specific needs, greater flexibility, and a sense of security. Negative aspects include potential conflicts, emotional strain, and difficulties in separating work and private life. Thus, despite the initial stress of having an external assistant in the family, the users highlighted the important contribution of the assistant to the family dynamics. It was found that families generally adapt over time and establish a functioning relationship with external assistants, based on mutual acceptance and respect.
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