What does PCA mean in OCCUPATION & POSITIONS

PCAs can provide a range of services, depending on the individual's needs. Services may include helping with activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, toileting, meal preparation and feeding, transferring from bed to chair or wheelchair, light housekeeping chores and running errands. Some PCAs may also be trained to provide more specialized medical services such as administering medications or monitoring vital signs.

Generally speaking, individuals hire their own PCAs either directly or through an agency that provides in-home caregiver services. Individuals requiring long-term care may also hire a PCA if they are eligible for coverage under Medicaid home- and community-based waiver programs.

Most states require Personal Care Aides to be certified in order to practice legally. To be certified you need to pass an approved training program. Every state has its own unique requirements for certification which may include completing training hours or taking exams as well as providing proof of CPR certification/competency in infection control/basic first aid/human rights policies and procedures/and confidentiality rules are followed.

The median annual wage for Personal Care Aides was ,380 in May 2019 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wages vary by region and employer type but typically range between - per hour depending on experience level and whether benefits are included or not.

Yes, most states require that all caregivers pass criminal background checks before being hired as well have valid U.S work authorization documents prior to beginning employment as a Personal Care Aide. Most employers will also require that their employees complete specific ongoing training requirements such as Continuing Education Units (CEUs) throughout the year in order to maintain certification status.