Employing a personal care assistant

This article deals with Employing a personal care assistant working for a disabled person (primarily with motor disabilities). 

For more information on the general concept of "free" care service among relatives or friends of persons with disabilities, see the caregiver.

For more information on the assistants recruited to assist persons with developmental disabilities, see the Direct Support Team. 

For details about the Employing a personal care assistant team in companies and other fields, see the article Healthcare assistants.

The Personal Care Assistant (PCA)

The HealthCare Assistant (PCA) known by different names such as caregiver, personal care facilities, patient care officer, personal support worker and home health paramedic is a paid staff member to assist persons with disabilities or chronic illnesses in carrying out daily life activities (ADLs), whether in or out of the home or both.

They provide medical assistance to patients for the personal care they need and move from a place to a place and Treatment supplies, in accordance with healthcare plans developed by a rehabilitation doctor, social worker or other health care provider.

There is no specific definition or job title for this post, but such employees may be distinguished as persons who perform their jobs as part of the labour market in the form of formal social and health services, as compared to relatives, friends and others who provide free care.

The HealthCare Assistant helps with daily life activities, such as bathing, dining, meal processing and caring for home affairs.

They also assist in the rehabilitation of patients who have undergone surgical or convalescent operations. The Home Care Service can also be provided.

Training and recruitment

The Personal Care Assistant periodically provides medical assistance and support to patients with motor impairment or disability and thus finds it difficult to carry out their daily activities in private care homes, care and nursing institutions or other shelters.

According to the International Standard Classification of Occupations, this profession usually does not require extensive information or training from the employee to practise the profession, but must be highly manual skilled and able to communicate with patients.

• Helping a personal care assistant for difficult-to-move situations is helping to improve is a heartland, bathing, dressing and decorating. 

• They also help to provide some basic health services, including measuring the patient's pulse rate, measuring temperature and breathing rate, participating in mild exercises prescribed by a doctor and assisting with medication and treatment. 

• In addition to providing some advice to patients and their families regarding diet, hygiene and household tasks. 

• As required by the patient's condition, the staff member assists in the change of minor wounds, the provision of skincare supplies or assistance in the installation of stents and prosthetics. 

• Some of them accompany clients at their doctor's visits or at any other consultations and may have contributed some light engagements in household chores.

Employing a personal care assistant may work for one particular individual or contract with a different group of clients. 

Others work for patients in need of prolonged care, others help cases that have been declared discharged and in need of short-term care.