Personal Care Services
Feeling comfortable and being in a familiar environment can make a positive difference in overall health & wellness. PCA services help keep individuals safely in their own homes and live independently in their community.
The PCA program provides support to:
- People with disabilities of all ages
- Elderly (over 65 years)
- People with chronic health conditions
Activities of daily living (ADLs)
A PCA may assist the person with the following ADLs:
A PCA may assist the person with the following ADLs:
- Dressing - Application of clothing and special appliances or wraps.
- Grooming - Basic hair care, oral cares, shaving, basic nail care, applying cosmetics and deodorant, care of eyeglasses and hearing aids.
- Bathing - Basic personal hygiene and skin care.
- Eating - Completing the process of eating including application of orthotics required for eating, hand washing and transfers.
- Transfers - Assistance to transfer the person from one seating or reclining area to another.
- Mobility - Assistance with ambulation.
- Positioning - Assistance with positioning or turning a person for necessary care and comfort.
- Toileting - Helping person with bowel or bladder elimination and care. This includes transfers, mobility, positioning, feminine hygiene, use of toileting equipment or supplies, cleansing, inspection of the skin and adjusting clothing.
Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs)
A PCA may assist an adult recipient with the following:
A PCA may assist an adult recipient with the following:
- Accompany to medical appointments
- Accompany to participate in the community
- Assist with paying bills
- Communicate by telephone and other media
- Complete household tasks integral to the PCA services
- Plan and prepare meals
- Shop for food, clothing and other essential items
Observation and redirection of behaviors
A PCA service may include observation of a person who:
A PCA service may include observation of a person who:
- Has episodes of behaviors
- Needs redirection to remain safe in his/her environment
Eligibility for Personal Care
- Must be eligible for or receiving Medical Assistance or Minnesota Care expanded benefits (for pregnant women or children under age 21) or be eligible for the Alternative Care program for qualifying seniors.
- PCA services may only be provided when determined medically necessary through the assessment process.
- Individual clients must be able to make decisions about their care or have a person or responsible party who can make decisions about their care.