Personal care assistants are among the most vital and in-demand members of the home health care landscape. It’s difficult to attach a label to a personal care assistant because of all the duties they perform. Aides can function as companions, housekeepers, appointment schedulers, and transportation providers. Duties will vary depending on the patient and his or her needs, but a few things will always be true. Home health aides make it possible for clients to stay in their own homes longer and the compassion and patience they offer can make all the difference for a lonely or depressed senior. Personal care assistant training emphasizes all of these important dynamics.
There is currently no requirement for a personal care assistant to have a college degree, but that doesn’t mean that some form of training isn’t necessary. The job can require the performance of potentially dangerous, physically strenuous, and even life-saving tasks. For those reasons, it’s highly recommended that personal care aides begin by earning their high school diplomas, CPR and First Aid certifications, and participating in training provided on-site by other staff members and supervisors.
Some home health care aides also opt or can be required by their employers to enroll in PCA certification programs like the one offered by the National Association for Home Care and Hospice. These kinds of programs require anywhere from 40 to 75 hours of formal supervised training and cover topics including dying and death, mental, physical, and developmental disabilities,the aging process, and general care procedures. Students also learn to:
- take and understand blood pressure readings,
- monitor temperature and heart rate,
- administer basic emergency medical treatments,
- give medication,
- apply and change bandages, and
- manage risks of infection and illness.
They may also learn techniques to bathe, groom, and cook for clients, especially those with mobility issues or special dietary requirements.
Virginia Kares Home Care Services, LLC., is looking for dedicated people who are up to the challenge. We will provide your personal care assistant training that is approved by the State of Virginia. Please visit our website to learn more and to complete an application.