Emma Muldoon is a disabled blogger and content creator who shares her experiences of living with a disability, her love for travel and spreading awareness about accessibility barriers. She has a progressive muscle weakening condition called Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy which means she uses a powered wheelchair full-time and required support for a number of daily tasks. Emma shares her experience of working with personal assistants to accomplish daily tasks, allowing her to create content.
“My condition impacts my muscles, meaning that I can’t walk or lift my arms to hold them outstretched. This makes it difficult for me to perform daily tasks such as getting in and out of bed, as well as washing and styling my hair. Personal care support is a large part of what my personal assistant supports me with however, they also support with other aspects like cooking, cleaning and taking me to social events.
“I have worked with a number of personal assistants over the years and you spend a lot of time with them which means you develop a real bond. They’re brilliant at learning my routine and needs and allowing me to live life as I want to, with my personal care built around my needs.
“Like anyone, I like my hair styled in a certain way and enjoy certain activities and it’s these ordinary moments that my personal assistant helps with and can make all the difference. This all comes from spending time with that person to understand and not being afraid to ask questions or ask if extra training is required.”.
Emma’s advice for anyone considering a career in care is:
“If someone has a genuine passion for helping others and making a positive difference in their lives, a role in adult social care is for you. With my personal assistants, it is essential they are good communicators, able to put themselves in other’s shoes, and importantly, they have to be kind-hearted.
““It’s also much more than just personal care like dressing and washing. They become such a support and big part of life. Like any job, I’m sure the role has its challenges but you truly are making a special difference in the life of another person everyday.
“For all those working in adult social care and to my personal assistants, I can’t thank them enough for enabling me to live life to the fullest on my own terms and independently in my own home. For anyone with a disability or without, they have a choice and you allow me to do the things I want to do.”
