Getting older comes with a very frightening and daunting set of challenges. However, as a society, we tend to overlook the challenges faced by the individual (the person who is living through the getting older part), and focus on the issues related to those around them. These are the issues we have both as individuals (now I need to take care of them too) and as a society (how much will it now cost to care for this person who can no longer contribute).

Sadly, this is not an approach we can change in our lifetime. However, that should by no means mean we shouldn’t do our best to facilitate a shift, as much as is in our power.

One of the first steps in empowering and enabling seniors to continue living their best lives is person-centered planning.

Here are a few thoughts on the induction of PAs who have complex communication systems and may also have different ways of learning and relating to others.

1. Make sure expectations and tasks very clear
2. Establish clear goals
3. Clarify personal and professional boundaries from the start
4. Allow PA to meet wider team members including involved therapists
5. Clarify house rules
6. Identify training needs
7. Establish back up plan if PA not available
8. Work on how PA with be involved as a ‘Communication Partner’ with young person – teaching them relevant communication skills and process

Colin Newton provided training to educators in Huyton on creating Circles of Friends with a focus on using the process to move children out of special settings into mainstream.