Personal Care Assistant (PCA)

POSITION TITLE: Personal Care Assistant (PCA)

POSITION SUMMARY: The PCA will work in the home of individuals who have
healthcare challenges and ned domestic assistance. The PCA is
responsible for providing meals, doing light home cleaning and
assisting individuals with basic hygiene activities. The PCA has
patience and a passion for helping others.

REPORTS TO: Administrator / Manager

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Duties
 Administer bedside or personal care, such as ambulation or personal hygiene assistance.
   o Administer basic health care or medical treatments.
 Prepare and maintain records of client progress and services performed, reporting changes in client condition to manager or supervisor.
   o Document client health or progress.
   o Maintain client information or service records.
 Perform healthcare-related tasks, such as monitoring vital signs and medication, under the direction of registered nurses or physiotherapists.
   o Monitor health or behavior of people or animals.
   o Administer basic health care or medical treatments.
 Participate in case reviews, consulting with the team caring for the client, to evaluate the client's needs, and plan for continuing services.
   o Assist in the development of plans for programs or services.
 Care for individuals or families during periods of incapacitation, family disruption, or convalescence, providing companionship, personal care, or help in adjusting to new lifestyles.
   o Provide counsel, comfort, or encouragement to individuals or families.
 Plan, shop for, or prepare nutritious meals or assist families in planning, shopping for, or preparing nutritious meals.
   o Prepare foods or meals.
 Transport clients to locations outside the home, such as to physicians' offices or on outings, using a motor vehicle.

   o Drive vehicles to transport patrons.
 Perform housekeeping duties, such as cooking, cleaning, washing clothes or dishes, or running errands.
   o Perform housekeeping duties.
   o Prepare foods or meals.
 Instruct or advise clients on issues such as household cleanliness, utilities, hygiene, nutrition, or infant care.
   o Teach health or hygiene practices.
 Provide clients with communication assistance, typing their correspondence or obtaining information for them.
   o Assist individuals with special needs.
 Train family members to provide bedside care.
   o Teach health or hygiene practices.

 
 Other Responsibilities
1. Adheres to and conveys a philosophy that supports the dignity, privacy, independence, choice, and individuality of individuals.
2. Reviews Service Plans as needed to gain and maintain familiarity with service needs and preferences.
3. Provides personal services as assigned and as indicated on Service Plans.
4. Assists with medications and/or treatments as indicated in the Policy and Procedures, as assigned and allowed by regulation.
5. Demonstrates knowledge of and follows infection control procedures.
6. Assists as requested with meals, including setting up tables, serving meals, and cleaning up the dining area.
7. Assists in maintaining a clean, comfortable and safe environment by providing
housekeeping services as needed.
8. Assists with individual and group social/recreational activities as requested; encourages participation in activities.
9. Monitors for changes in needs, preferences, and/or health status, and reports/documents any changes according to established procedures.
10. Responds to emergencies in an appropriate manner as per training received.

11. Works effectively with minimal supervision and in a team setting.
12. Builds strong relationships with other caregivers and clients/families.
13. Maintain accurate records of daily tasks in compliance with policy and procedure and the Service Plan.
14.  Maintain communication with supervisor and report emergency or problem situations immediately.
15. Performs all other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS, and REQUIREMENTS:
 First Aid/CPR
 Own transportation
 Housekeeping skills
 Compassion for others
 Patience with difficult clients
 Physical strength to help clients with mobility problems
 Prior experience in home health