Personal Care Aide PCA

Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Job Description

Job Title: Personal Care Assistant (PCA)

Position Summary

The Personal Care Assistant (PCA) provides direct personal care and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) to residents under the supervision of a licensed nurse. The PCA promotes residents' comfort, dignity, safety, and independence while complying with all federal, state of Connecticut, and facility policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

* Assist residents with activities of daily living, including:

+ Bathing and personal hygiene + Dressing and grooming + Toileting and incontinence care + Oral care + Feeding and hydration assistance + Ambulation and transfers using appropriate equipment and techniques * Assist residents with positioning and turning to maintain skin integrity. * Make occupied and unoccupied beds and maintain clean resident rooms. * Observe residents and promptly report changes in physical, mental, or emotional condition to the licensed nurse. * Measure and record intake and output as assigned. * Obtain and document vital signs if trained and delegated by the licensed nurse in accordance with Connecticut regulations and facility policy. * Assist with restorative care and range-of-motion exercises as directed. * Respond promptly to resident call lights and requests. * Maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable environment. * Escort residents to activities, appointments, and dining areas. * Promote resident dignity, privacy, and independence. * Follow infection prevention and control procedures, including proper hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). * Maintain resident confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA. * Participate in emergency procedures, fire drills, and disaster preparedness activities. * Attend mandatory in-service education and staff meetings. * Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the PCA role.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Current Connecticut PCA/Home Health Aide training or equivalent experience preferred.
• Current CPR certification preferred.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to work collaboratively with residents, families, and interdisciplinary staff.
• Compassionate, dependable, and resident-centered approach to care.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to frequently lift, move, and transfer residents with or without mechanical lifting devices.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, kneel, and stoop for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and assist with heavier transfers using proper equipment.
• Visual and hearing ability sufficient to safely perform assigned duties.