If you or your loved one needs help at home (home-care), the choices are plentiful. The more difficult question is knowing what help to ask for in your specific situation. Understanding what home health aides and personal care aides do helps you make the right decision for your circumstances. Choosing the correct caregiver makes a substantial difference in the quality of life for the client.
At Illuminated Hearts, we are available to answer any of your questions and are dedicated to helping our families in their time of need.
What a Home Health Aide (HHA) Is
A home health aide provides care and support for clients who require assistance to perform certain functions of daily living. HHAs perform certain healthcare-related duties, such as checking pulse and blood pressure as well as assisting with activities of daily living such as walking, bathing, and dressing.
Home Health Aide Duties
HHA duties include:
- Monitoring, recording, and reporting clients’ vital signs
- Monitoring and recording, and reporting clients’ health information
- Helping clients with special dietary routines
- Administering certain medication under the direction of nurse or physician
- Assisting clients with prosthetic devices such as artificial limbs and braces
- Skincare
- Other personal care services
What a Personal Care Aide (PCA) Is
Personal care aides (PCA) assist clients with daily living functions, such as grooming, bathing, and dressing. PCAs also provide additional personal care support, such as cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, and errands. They might also assist clients in scheduling doctor’s appointments and monitoring their health overnight (companion care), as needed.
Personal Care Aide Duties
PCA duties include:
- Running errands and shopping for client needs
- Helping clients with daily exercises and mental stimulation, such as reading and games
- Housekeeping/Laundry
- Cooking and meal preparation
- Companion Care
- Scheduling doctor appointments and organizing transportation
HHA vs PCA
Although the HHA (Home Health Aide) and PCA (Personal Care Aide) both provide personal care services and assistance with daily tasks to clients in their homes, the HHA has additional specialized training to perform a broader range of healthcare-related duties. The use of an HHA versus a PCH depends on the specific needs of the client. In some cases, certain insurances specify which professional is required.
Training
In Pennsylvania, HHA training includes classroom and supervised practical training of at least 75 hours. PCA’s, in general, do not require specific training or certifications.
Certification
In Pennsylvania, at this time, PCA’s do not require certification while HHA’s do. At Illuminated Hearts, we fully comply with both Federal and Pennsylvania law.
Work Environment
The work environment of an HHA and PCA can be very similar. Both require travel to and work within a client’s home. Physical exertion such as stair climbing and regular movements related to providing personal care activities is expected. HHAs and PCAs are expected to have social skills and basic knowledge of dealing with pets in the client’s home.
Cost
Rates vary based on many factors, including the specific services getting requested. In general, home care services for personal care can be in the $18-$28 an hour range, while services for medical care components are higher. An HHA usually costs more than a PCA based on training and performing more tasks.
Certain insurances cover the costs of home care. Trained professionals at Illuminated Hearts help you determine what your insurance covers and a cost estimate for the care that would benefit you or your loved one.
Deciding on Which Service You Need
At Illuminated Hearts, we provide free in-home assessments where we meet with you and your family to jointly determine the scope of care needed. We conduct an in-depth assessment of your (or your loved one’s) lifestyle and medical conditions. We then evaluate the assistance necessary and tailor a care plan to the individual and their specific needs.
How Illuminated Hearts Helps
Illuminated Hearts is an in-home care agency in Philadelphia providing quality, affordable home care for a full range of clients. At Illuminated Hearts, we take extra time to fully explain our available services and answer any questions you may have.
To learn more about our Illuminated Hearts Family, schedule your free assessment today. Providing you and your loved ones the necessary support to live meaningful, fulfilled lives is our mission.