How to Pick a CDS PCA

If you are just starting out on the Consumer Directed Services program, you will find that you will need to decide on who will be your Personal Care Attendant, or PCA for short. A PCA is a caregiver that is paid for by the consumer through their Medicaid funds. In the CDS program, the consumer chooses who their PCA will be. Most of the time, this is someone in the family, but it could also be a friend. Choosing the correct PCA is important, as this will be the person that will look after you. Read on to find tips on who you should choose as a PCA.

Finding the right Personal Care Attendant can be tricky. You generally want someone that you trust. Fortunately, you have multiple options on who you can choose to be a PCA. Check out this table to make sure.

The most common type of PCA is someone that is in the family, like your child. Family members often know the consumer very deeply from living together for a large portion of life. That said, some consumers prefer friends as their caregiver.

Whomever you choose as a PCA, you should be on the lookout for certain qualities to tackle the role of a caregiver.

The reason that we suggest these qualities is that a PCA job can be difficult depending on what tasks are assigned to them. If the Personal Care Attendant cares about the consumer greatly, it becomes much easier to handle the workload. Additionally, the care ends up higher quality since the PCA would be more willing to assist.

With a proper PCA, your plan of care becomes much smoother. Through the Consumer Directed Services program, you will be able to employ the PCA and have them get paid as they work for you. If you need assistance, be sure to check with your Case Manager for guidance.

To apply for Consumer Directed Services, click HERE