Personal Care

What Is Personal Care?

Personal care involves one-to-one care for someone in need of support with their activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and transferring or mobility challenges. The supported person often has a disability, a progressive disease, or is aging and requires additional support to remain living at home in lieu of relocating to a nursing home. Support can also include shopping, cooking, and light housework.

What Are Personal Care Services?

Personal Care Services may be available to Medicaid-qualified individuals in certain states who qualify for institutional care but have chosen to receive care at home instead. Since support for these services are typically offered as part of the state’s Medicaid waiver, each state sets their own compensation, eligibility, and training requirements for Personal Care Assistants (PCAs), the individuals providing this direct service.

What Are the Benefits of Personal Care Services?

A Personal Care Assistant (PCA) provides direct support to individuals who require assistance with activities of daily living, such as basic hygiene, cooking, cleaning, and mobility. PCAs can support caregivers by providing respite and sharing responsibilities, which can reduce caregiver exhaustion and burnout. Additionally, by having a PCA assist with an individual’s daily care needs, individuals can often continue receiving care from home for a longer period of time, delaying their need for institutional care.