CPA Ontario

Adjusting to a spinal cord injury may also mean adjusting to attendant services (sometimes called attendant care). Personal attendants are men and women whose job it is to act as your arms and legs, helping you with routine tasks of daily living. Under your direction, they assist with washing, dressing, shaving, transferring or preparing meals. Having another person help you put on your pants may take some getting used to. But it’s important to remember that the use of hired attendants can actually boost your level of independence. Attendants can enable you to participate in the community, or even hold down a job. A good working relationship between you and your attendants will include the following:

• healthy communication
• mutual respect
• professionalism
• flexibility
• no physical, emotional, financial or sexual abuse

Find out about the attendant services offered by CPA Ontario.