NEW HOPE
AUTISM CENTER Bringing a Message of Hope, Information, Support & Resources
to the Community Touched by Autism.
New Hope Autism Center
2152 Frontage Road
Waite Park, MN 56387
United States
ph: 320 223 3404
shelly
PCA Choice
- Why do people need PCA's?
Some people need PCA's (Personal Care Assistants) to assist them with activites of daily living so they can live as independently as possible within their homes. Some examples of these activities include: assistance with dressing, grooming, bathing, eating, light housekeeping, health related and behaviors needs. PCA services may be provided through hands-on assistance, supervision, cueing, redirection and intervention for behavior including observation and monitoring.
- I have never had a PCA, how do I go about getting started?
You must be eligible for or receiving Medical Assistance (MA) or Minnesota Care Expanded benefits (for pregnant women or children under age 21) or be eligble for the Alternative Care program for qualifying seniors in order to qualify for PCA services. If you are eligible for one of the programs listed, then an assessment is set up and completed. The assessment should happen within 30 days after you contact someone about your need for PCA services. The assessment is done before PCA services can start and every year after that. The assessment is in your home and should take about one hour to complete. The assessment will determine if you qualify for PCA services and if so, for how many hours and for which needs. If you qualify for PCA services you will need to decide who you want as a PCA Provider and contact them to start servcies
- What if I cannot direct my own cares?
- You can have a Responsible Party assist you. The Responsible Party must actively participate in the planning of your PCA services. Your responsible party cannot be your PCA. Requirements include: be at least 18 years old, is available to you and your PCA, monitors care at least once a week and attends the assessment. This can be a parent!
- Who can be a PCA?
- A PCA must be able to provide the services specified in your care plan. They must be:* At least 18 years old OR be 16 to 17 years old with additional documented special training.* Trained by you and competent to help you* Able to communicate with you* Pass a criminal background check (according to state standards)- done by PCA agency* Able to work in the U.S.
- A PCA must not be a:
* Spouse
* Consumer of PCA services* Parent of the minor child* Corporate guardian* Responsible party for a PCA consumer- What is the difference between Traditional PCA services and PCA Choice services?
- In Traditional PCA services the agency is in charge of finding, hiring/firing, and training PCA staff, finding back-up staff, managing financial matters, and monitoring and evaluating PCA staff. PCA Choice services is the consumer-directed option, in which you have the greatest control over staffing. The PCA Choice agency is mostly managing financial matters, while you handle all of the other responsibilities that the Traditional PCA agency would do. Both ways work very well, depending on what you want or need. Some people want others to manage their PCA's, especially if they have difficulties in that area. Others want and are able to manage their PCA's, and decide who they want, when they want, and to direct their own cares. You need to fit the service to what fits you best.
- I have traditional PCA Services, how would I go about switching to PCA Choice?
You can change from a traditional provider to a PCA Choice agency at any time. Contact the person or agency that did your assessment to make the change. If you have a PCA Choice provider you'd like to work with, contact them and they will help you through the process.
New Hope Autism Center
2152 Frontage Road
Waite Park, MN 56387
United States
ph: 320 223 3404
shelly
