The Personal Care Attendant (PCA) program provides personal care assistance (attendant) for adults aged 18 to 64 with chronic, severe, and permanent disabilities. This program allows the adult to remain at home instead of institutionalization (placement in a long-term care facility, nursing home, etc.). A personal care attendant (PCA) is hired to assist you in performing activities of daily living (ADLs) and staying at home. There is a waiting list for acceptance into this program.

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Eligibility for PCA is a two-part process: Part 1: Functionally, you must need these services. Specifically, you must physically demonstrate that you need hands-on assistance in performing 3 of the seven core Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). These ADLs are outlined below:  Bathing – need help bathing yourself properly? Dressing – need help getting dressed appropriately? Eating/Feeding – need help feeding yourself properly? (This does not mean making or preparing meals.) Toileting – need help going to/from the toilet and adequately cleaning yourself afterward? Transfer – need help safely transferring in and out of chairs/bed? Medication – need help preparing and taking your daily medicines? Behavioral – need daily supervision to keep from harming yourself or others? Part 2: Financially, you must have qualified for Medicaid by the time you receive services. You don’t have to be within the financial limits of Medicaid while on the waiting list for PCA (see below), but you must have applied and qualified for Medicaid by the time your name comes up on the waiting list.  

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Personal care assistants, also known as PCAs, are an important part of the healthcare industry. They provide in-home care for individuals who need help with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. PCAs work one-on-one with clients, helping them to maintain their independence and live as comfortably as possible.

There are many personal care assistant jobs available across the country, and they can be a great career choice for those who are compassionate, patient, and dedicated to helping others. To become a personal care assistant, candidates must go through a thorough interview process and may be required to pass a drug screen.

In conclusion, personal care assistants play an important role in the healthcare industry, providing in-home care for individuals who need help with daily living activities. Personal care assistant jobs are available across the country and can be a great career choice for those who are compassionate, patient, and dedicated to helping others. To become a personal care assistant, candidates must go through a thorough interview process, pass a drug screen, and submit a resume.