Article

PURPOSE: To examine the relationships between satisfaction with and
self-management of personal assistance services (PAS) and the quality of life
(QoL) of persons with disabilities. To test the postulate that consumer-directed
PAS can fulfil the human need for control and contribute to a satisfactory life.
METHOD: A survey compared the perspectives of persons using consumer-directed PAS
versus those using agency-directed. A Personal Data Form obtained demographics
and PAS characteristics. The Quality of Life Inventory measured life
satisfaction. A PAS questionnaire measured perceptions about the management of,
desire for control of, and satisfaction with PAS. Data were analysed using
SPSS(R)- 14. RESULTS: Significant relationships were found between QoL and
satisfaction with PAS (p < 0.001) and between perceived control of PAS and
satisfaction with PAS (p < 0.001). Significant group differences were also found.
Consumer-directed participants reported higher satisfaction with their PAS (p <
0.01), greater control over services (p < 0.001) and greater QoL than
agency-directed participants, (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The relationships found
between self-management, PAS satisfaction, and QoL support the value of
consumer-directed programmes. Rehabilitation professionals can use this knowledge
to develop, implement and research practises that enable self-management.

Langue : ANGLAIS