Posted By Linda Westrupp
Vicky
It depends on what the assistants are employed for. Are they personal assistants employed by the student as part of their disabled student grant system, or are they employed by the college for this purpose (is it in their job description)? If they are to do this task, there is no real need for same sex assistance but it should be agreed with the student. They (or their carer) will be able to tell you whether they need one or two assistants, a hoist or other movement aid and any other special requirements.
The assistants need moving and handling training (i.e. moving of people not just manual handling of objects)which should preferably follow the Royal College of Nursing guidelines. They may also need to be supplied with disposable aprons and gloves (nitrile or best quality vinyl not latex) and anything else identified as necessary. The best option, if they are going to do this task, is to talk to the student and-or their usual carer and draw up a care plan which should be signed by all parties.
Hope this helps
Linda