Personal Care Assistance (PCA) refers to a range of non-medical services and support provided to individuals who require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) due to aging, illness, disability, or other factors. PCA services are typically offered by trained caregivers or personal care aides and are designed to help clients maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.

Provide emotional support and companionship to combat loneliness and improve clients’ mental and emotional well-being. This can include engaging in conversation, playing games, and going for walks.

Caregivers will cook the food as per the instructions provided by a nutritionist or the preferences of the client. For food that is already prepared, caregivers reheat it and serve it to the client.

Assist a client with medication reminding only when medications have been pre-selected by the client, a family member, a nurse, or a pharmacist and are stored in containers other than the prescription bottles, such as medication minders. Medication minder containers shall be clearly marked as to day and time of dosage.

Medication reminding includes: inquiries as to whether medications were taken; verbal prompting to take medications; handing the appropriately marked medication minder container to the client; and opening the appropriately marked medication minder container for the client if the client is physically unable to open the container. These limitations apply to all prescription and all over-the-counter medications. The home services worker shall immediately report to the supervisor any irregularities noted in the pre-selected medications, such as medications taken too often or not often enough, or not at the correct time as identified in the written instructions.

Light housekeeping is an essential component of non-medical home care services, helping individuals live comfortably and safely in their homes while receiving assistance with daily chores and maintenance tasks. Which include:
1. Dusting and Surface Cleaning: Caregivers perform regular dusting of furniture, shelves, countertops, and other surfaces to remove dust and maintain cleanliness.
2. Sweeping and Mopping: They sweep and mop floors to keep them free of dirt, debris, and spills. This helps prevent slips and falls.
3. Vacuuming: Caregivers use a vacuum cleaner to clean carpets, rugs, and upholstery, removing dirt, pet hair, and allergens.
4. Kitchen Maintenance: Light kitchen maintenance includes wiping down countertops, cleaning sinks, and doing dishes or loading the dishwasher. It ensures a hygienic food preparation area.
5. Bathroom Cleaning: Caregivers clean bathroom surfaces, including sinks, countertops, and mirrors. They may also clean the toilet, bathtub, or shower as needed.
6. Trash Removal: Emptying trash cans and replacing liners is a routine task to prevent odors and maintain cleanliness.
7. Changing Bed Linens: Caregivers change bed linens and make the bed to provide a fresh and comfortable sleeping environment.
8. Laundry Assistance: They assist with basic laundry tasks, such as washing, drying, folding, and putting away clothes and linens.
9. Organization: Light housekeeping may involve basic organization, such as straightening up living spaces, putting away items, and ensuring clutter is minimized.
10. Checking for Safety Hazards: Caregivers keep an eye out for safety hazards within the home, such as loose rugs or cords, and address them to prevent accidents.

Key Benefits of Light Housekeeping:

Safety: Regular light housekeeping helps prevent accidents and injuries by maintaining a clutter-free and safe environment.
Comfort: A clean and organized living space contributes to a client’s overall comfort and well-being.
Independence: For individuals with mobility issues, light housekeeping support enables them to maintain a level of independence in their own homes.
Hygiene: Proper cleaning and sanitation help prevent the spread of illness and maintain a hygienic environment.
Peace of Mind: Family members can have peace of mind knowing that their loved one is living in a clean and safe home.

Transportation services play a crucial role in supporting individuals who may have limited mobility or face other challenges that make travel difficult. By providing reliable and compassionate transportation assistance, caregivers help clients maintain their independence and overall quality of life. These services are designed to help clients access essential appointments, run errands, and engage in community activities.

Key Benefits of Transportation Services:
Accessibility: Clients gain access to essential services and resources they might not be able to reach independently.
Safety: Caregivers ensure safe transportation, including assistance with
mobility and securing seatbelts or wheelchairs as needed.
Social Engagement: These services help combat isolation by allowing clients to participate in social and recreational activities.
Healthcare Management: Regular medical appointments and access to prescriptions are essential for managing chronic conditions and overall health.
Convenience: Transportation services relieve the burden of transportation
logistics from both clients and their families.

Caregivers assist with running various errands, such as picking up dry
cleaning, mailing packages, going to the bank, and visiting the post office.

Assist clients with bathing. Home services workers may assist individuals who are unable to be bathed in a tub or shower only when the following requirements are met:

1. 1. The home services worker shall have been trained in the particular methods required to perform a bed bath;
   2. The client or client’s representative shall be able to participate in or direct the bathing process and provide ongoing feedback to the home services worker; and
   3. The agency shall have conducted a competency evaluation of the home services worker’s ability to employ the methods required to perform a bed bath.

Assist a client with dressing. This may include assistance with ordinary clothing and application of support stockings of the type that can be purchased without a physician’s prescription.

Assist a client with exercise. Passive assistance with exercise is limited to encouraging normal bodily movement, as tolerated, on the part of the client, and to encouragement with a prescribed exercise program.