The Personal Care Aides(PCA) are  Home Health Attendants(HHA) that provide light housekeeping, meal preparation, shopping and personal care for the patient.

The Personal Care Aides is non-licensed and able to perform skilled, pharmaceutical and personal care under supervision in client’s homes.

The Personal Care Aides tasks in the state of Virginia may be performed by RNs, LPNs, certified Nurse assistant or other that meet the criteria outlined below under Qualifications.

PCA/HHA duties include:

• Provides personal care and related services in the home, under the direction, instruction, and supervision of the staff nurse and the Director of Nursing.

• Tasks to be performed by an Attendant must be assigned by and performed under the supervision of an RN who will be responsible for the client care provided by the Home Attendant.

• Under no circumstances may an Attendant be assigned to receive or reduce any intravenous procedures, or any other sterile or invasive procedures, other than rectal temperatures.

• Follows the plan of care to provide, safe, competent care to the client.

• Helps the client to maintain good personal hygiene and assists in maintaining a healthful, safe environment.

• Plans and prepares nutritious meals markets when instructed to do so by the nurse.

• Assists the client with ambulation as ordered by the physician and approved and supervised by the nurse.

• Assists the therapy personnel as needed with rehabilitative processes.

• Encourages the client to become as independent as possible according to the nursing care plan.

• Attempts to promote client's mental alertness through involvement in activities of interest.

• Gives simple emotional and psychological support to the client and other members of the household and establishes a relationship with client and family which transmit trust and confidentiality.

• Reports any change in the client's mental or physical condition or in the home situation to the staff nurse, or to the Attendant supervisor.

• Performs routine housekeeping tasks as related to a safe and comfortable environment for the client, as instructed by the professional nurse.

• Documents services and prepares a visit report promptly, incorporating documentation in the clinical record weekly.

• Confirms on a weekly basis, the scheduling of visits so that other necessary visits by staff members can be coordinated.

• Works with personnel of other community agencies involved in the client's care as directed by the nurse.

• Attends in-service as required by regulation.

• Taking and recording vital signs, if specified in the plan of service.