APER – Personal Assistance
Entity which complete it
Country
Town
Project name
Stating Year
Where it takes place
Range of age
Type of disability
Project link
Why is it a good practice of the Person-Centered Model?
Mobile application designed to facilitate hiring and communication between people with disabilities or dependency and personal assistants. Allows searching for professional profiles tailored to specific needs, consulting skills and ratings, managing schedules, contracts and communications, all in an accessible and intuitive interface.
Person-centered approach: People with disabilities actively participate in development (co-design), choosing assistants according to their preferences, sharing service ratings and managing their support autonomously.
Integrated Assessment (Person, Family, Housing) and Life History
An integrated assessment within APER would begin by exploring the person’s life story, daily routines, preferences and long-term aspirations. It would also consider the role of the family, informal support networks and the characteristics of the home environment, including accessibility and safety. By understanding who the person is, how they live and what they want to achieve, APER can move beyond a simple matching tool and build the foundation for meaningful, person-centred support.
Personalised Care and Support Plan for the Life Project
Based on that assessment, a personalised support plan would outline the individual’s goals and the type of assistance needed to make progress toward a fulfilling life project. The plan would clarify expectations between the person and their personal assistant, ensuring respect for autonomy and self-determination. It would also be reviewed regularly, adapting to changes in needs, circumstances or aspirations. In this way, personal assistance becomes not just help with tasks, but a pathway to participation, independence and community inclusion.
Support groups
Support groups would enrich the APER ecosystem by creating spaces for users to share experiences, learn from one another and build confidence. Similar spaces for personal assistants could foster peer learning, exchange of good practices and emotional support. Families and informal carers could also benefit from dedicated groups. These communities would reduce isolation, encourage mutual understanding and strengthen the social dimension of personal assistance.
Case Management and Resource Coordinator
A case management function would provide continuity and coherence across all aspects of the person’s support. A coordinator could monitor the personalised plan, connect the person with services, benefits and community resources, and offer guidance during periods of change or crisis. This ongoing oversight ensures that personal assistance remains aligned with the person’s goals and adapts to their evolving life project.
Highlined results
– Initial pilot tests have improved user autonomy and reduced waiting times.
– Professionalizes personal assistance by including profiles based on real ratings and experience.
Inspiring ideas for other enviorments. It can works! 😉
APER shows how a digital platform can simplify access to personal assistance while supporting autonomy. The model could inspire other regions by combining technology with person-centred planning, professional support and community inclusion. This integrated vision demonstrates that personal assistance can be flexible, modern and truly aligned with independent living principles.
Other observations
FAMMA COCEMFE Madrid