Minnesota is home to thousands of people who are faced with the responsibility of caring for an elderly or disabled relative every year. Many of these people hesitate to send their loved ones into a nursing home. They prefer the idea of loving care at home.
It is almost impossible to express how difficult caring for a loved one can be. Not only do the physical and emotional tolls not get the attention they deserve, but so do the financial. Minnesota’s loved ones can be a full-time job, which can cause serious financial strain.
It is possible to offer personal care for your loved ones and receive compensation. It allows caregivers to continue their roles for as long or as necessary.
There are many options available for Minnesotans who wish to become a PCA. It is important to choose one of these options to ensure a better-quality life for both the caregiver and the recipient.
What’s a PCA Service?
A Personal Care Assistant (or PCA) is a person who provides personal care assistance for elderly and disabled people in Minnesota. A PCA is a person who aids a relative. They are registered with the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
Some PCAs are responsible for caring for relatives. However, Minnesota programs allow family members to be PCAs solely for the purpose. Some familial relationships are not eligible to receive PCA care. This includes stepparents and parents caring for children under age, as well as paid legal guardians for adults. People who have received PCA services themselves are not eligible to become caregivers.
The relative may be offered a range of support services once they have been hired by an agency. This usually involves assistance with daily living tasks such as dressing, bathing, eating, and mobility. Some PCAs can accompany the recipient to medical appointments or to run errands. They can provide mental stimulation or exercise. The needs of the recipient dictate the tasks the PCA performs.
How to become a PCA
Training is the first step to becoming a PCA. There are many programs that can provide the knowledge and skills required to become a PCA. Many people take a training course in home health care aids or nursing assistants. A program that is accredited for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses can be more complicated. Officials may decide that an individual has enough training and experience to pass the certification exam.
The test can be taken online at no cost. It allows you to register with DHS and find employment opportunities with agencies. It is possible to get paid for the care you provide by working for an agency. To get paid, you only need to care for one person.
To become a home care assistant for a family member, you must complete DHS Individual Care Assistance Training. This training teaches you the basics of first aid and the roles of a PCA. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration also teaches students the fundamental precautions. They also learn how to identify signs of maltreatment towards care recipients.
After the training has been completed, students must register online in order to take the exam. The applicant can take the exam as many times as they like or until they pass. The student can print a certificate of completion upon passing the test. The Department of Human Services also sends this certificate to the student.
The certificate is then sent to the employer agency by the new PCA. The PCA should keep a copy for their records.
There is no timetable because the training program can be self-directed and can be reviewed at any moment. If they are interested in knowing how long it takes to become a PCA, they should know that the training can be completed in as little time as one day if they are determined. To ensure a thorough understanding, however, it is advisable to take more time with the training.
Minnesota PCA Program
Two PCA programs are administered by the Minnesota Department of Human Services: PCA Traditional and PCA Choice. A person in need of care can choose a caregiver through any agency. They must prove that they need such care. To be eligible, the individual must be enrolled at least in one of Minnesota’s Medicaid, Elderly Waiver or Minnesota Senior Health Options. To be eligible for these programs, the individual must have a low income and be over 65 or disabled. The process starts once they have been approved for care by a PCA.
The relative is elected by the recipient to be the caregiver. The family member must complete required training and become certified by the state before they can receive compensation. Minnesota law requires that the PCA communicate effectively with the recipient and agency and has the skills to provide assistance to the recipient. The PCA must keep daily records and notify the agency of any changes in the recipient’s condition.
A PCA can be paid for up to 275 hours per month. This amount does not change if the PCA looks after multiple recipients.
Eligibility Guidelines
A person who is looking for employment as a PCA must have at least 18 years old. Individuals 16-17 years old may be granted exceptions if they work for one provider agency and are supervised by a qualified professional at least once every 60 days.
To receive compensation, it is important that the individual apply for employment at one of the PCA providers in Minnesota. During the hiring process, a criminal background check will take place. A PCA will not be granted to anyone who fails this screening. After meeting all the other requirements, the individual will need to enroll with the Minnesota Department of Human Services as a PCA.
To become a PCA in Minnesota, you must first pass the certification exam and complete the training. You can take the exam multiple times until you achieve a passing score. The test is usually conducted online and is free of charge.
Once the requirements have been met, the applicant can apply for employment at an agency that will run a background check. This is the final step in becoming a Minnesota caregiver.
It is a blessing to be able provide personal care for loved ones. However, it can also present challenges. This can be very costly for both the person receiving the care and the caregiver. Minnesota’s PCA program helps solve this problem by offering much-needed compensation for those who provide essential services to a family member.
What All Home Health Can Do
All Home Health has the answers to your questions about how to obtain a PCA for a loved one or yourself. All our employees are certified PCAs and have received PCA training. Our workers are also trained to provide the best care possible, as services change constantly. Only certified clinicians are hired. They care deeply about the patients they serve.
All Home Health specializes in pediatric care and services for the elderly, as well as services for disabled people. We also offer emergency services that are available 24 hours a day.