Personal care assistants can aid and services to clients in need of help with their daily activities at home or within their community. These professionals not only provide daily care and assistance, but also assist with health-related tasks. The professionals also monitor and report any changes in the client’s mental, physical or emotional state.
It is not uncommon for clients to ask questions about the type of service they can expect and the limitations that the caregiver can provide.
What Happens During an Assessment?
A registered nurse who works for the agency will conduct a home evaluation before a personal assistant comes to your home. The registered nurse will evaluate your health, current living conditions and needs during the assessment. The whole process is quick. The nurse will ask you several questions about:
- Your medication
- You will need assistance every day.
- Your behavior
- You need a responsible party
The nurse will tell you what services are available to you if you decide that personal care assistants would be beneficial for you.
What can a personal care assistant do for a client?
The most common services offered are:
- Grooming assistance
- Dressing Assistance
- Mobility Assistance
- Transfer Assistance
- Eating
Adults can also receive help with:
- Prepare your meal
- Errands
- Light housekeeping
- Help with bill payment
- Support with phone and other communications
Personal care assistants can provide children with services listed in their care plan that only benefit the child.
Can a personal care provider help clients with medication?
The caregiver may:
- Remind patients to take their medication
- Bring your client’s medication
- Open medication containers with assistance
A personal care assistant is not able to administer medications, determine the time of day that medication should be taken, or assess the effectiveness.
Where can services be provided?
An assistant is available to help you at medical appointments, when you go shopping, or anywhere else you need assistance.
A personal care assistant can be a valuable member of a team that provides care to a patient at home. Asking questions during and before the hiring process will help the client make an informed choice.
To determine if your loved one or you would benefit from home assistance, schedule a free assessment.