Home Care Personal Care Assistant

Job Summary:

The Personal Care Assistant provides physical assistance and attendant care to participants across care settings (Center, home, transportation) as assigned.  He/she/they provides assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs).  The Personal Care Assistant provides assistance with non-skilled nursing care, restorative therapies, activities and meals across care settings.  He/she/they demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide services to frail elder participants according to assigned responsibilities and PACE Program standards. He/she/they demonstrates time management, initiative where needed, and the character of being respectful to the participants, supervision, and to fellow co-workers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

         1.         Provides physical assistance and attendant care to participants across care settings (Center, home, community) as assigned.

         2.         Assists with mobility, utilizing proper ambulation and transfer assistance techniques, including but not limited to, supervision assistance, contact guard assistance, hands on assistance and use of mechanical assistance.

         3.         Provides basic personal care assistance and/or supervision (bathing, dressing, grooming, mouth care, toileting, eating/feeding) and assistance with any other Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

         4.         Accompanies participants to medical and other appointments. Assists on the transportation bus as needed.

         5.         Provides assistance with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) across care settings (laundry, shopping, medication management, light meal preparation, homemaking, light cleaning, and other chore services).

         6.         Under the direction of the Occupational Therapist and/or Home Care Coordinator, may assist the enrollee with relearning household skills based on activity level recommended by the Interdisciplinary Team.

         7.         Provides assistance with restorative therapies, activities and meals across care settings.

         8.         Assists with the ambulation, transfer and range of motion (ROM) needs of participants as determined by and under the direction of the Physical and/or Occupational Therapist and/or Home Care Coordinator.

         9.         Provides skin care with intact skin (non-prescription applications/lotions).

       10.       Applies: Jobst stockings, TED stockings, assistive devices.

       11.       Assists in preparation, serving and cleaning up after congregate feeding meals and snacks, both regular and special diet.

       12.       Leads games, singing, discussions and other activities under the direction of the Recreation Therapist/Activities Director.

       13.       Assists in keeping the PACE Center in a clean and orderly condition, including showers, bathrooms, kitchen, and activities areas.

       14.       Performs other pertinent care functions for which competency has been established and as assigned by the Home Care Coordinator, Center Manager, Clinic Manager, or PACE Therapist.

       15.       Participates in the activities of the Interdisciplinary Team, as needed, and carries out the plan of care, as directed.

       16.       Notes changes in participants’ physical or emotional health and communicates this information to the appropriate staff person.

       17.       Reports noted changes in participants’ abilities for self-care to the supervisor and the Interdisciplinary Team.  Documents all services clearly and completely.

       18.       Maintains standard records of work performed.

       19.       Knows and adheres to the philosophy and goals of the PACE Program.

       20.       Maintains a quiet and safe environment for participants, visitors, and staff.

       21.       Keeps confidentiality of enrollee records, reports and discussions.

       22.       Utilizes supplies and equipment economically.

       23.       Informs the Home Care Coordinator of “unusual occurrences” and identified service delivery problems.

Qualifications:

         1.         Education:

a.       Completion of a Personal Care Aide training program approved by the State of Delaware, or approved equivalency test, OR

b.      Completion of a Home Health Aide program or a Certified Nurse’s Aide program, OR

c.       Extensive experience may be acceptable in place of training

         2.         Experience:

a.       Experience as a homemaker, Personal Care Aide, Home Health Aide or Nursing Assistant is preferred

b.      At least one year experience with a frail or elderly population required

         3.         Special Training:

a.       Interdisciplinary teamwork – ability to work effectively with culturally, economically and educationally diverse populations, and form positive interpersonal relations in dealing with a wide range of staff and participants is essential.

b.      Ability to assist with personal care at home and in the Center, including assisting with wheelchair and ambulatory transfers

c.       To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The minimum qualifications listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required.

d.      Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

         4.         Age of Patients Rendered Care:

a.       Adult and geriatric patients

 *** Freedom from illegal use of drugs, and freedom from use and effects of use of drugs    and alcohol in the workplace.

 *** Persons who have been found guilty by a court of law of abusing, neglecting or mistreating individuals in a healthcare-related setting are ineligible for employment in this position.

Knowledge and Skills:

     1.     Ability to perform houehold duties, and go into the participant's home as needed.

         2.         Initiative and resourcefulness.

         3.         Use of discretion, tact, patience and good judgement.

         4.         Empathetic and compassionate attitude in caring for the elderly.

         5.         Ability to understand and carry out non-technical verbal and written directions, record messages, and keep records.

         6.         Ability to get along well with others and gain the cooperation of the participants.

         7.         Able to handle difficult situations in a professional manner.

         8.         Routine work involving the personal care and program activities of participants.

         9.         Proven record of excellent attendance.

       10.       Ability to coordinate and collaborate with others in a team environment.

       11.       Ability to act as an advocate for the frail elderly.

       12.       Able to provide and encourage excellent customer service to participants.