What is Independent Living?
Independent Living means having the option to choose to live or remain in your home or community setting, with emphasis on community base supports and services. This includes such services as: information and referral sources, independent living skills training, peer support, system and individual advocacy.
Can a family member be my Personal Care Attendant?
To learn more about who can serve as a State Personal Care Attendant, you should contact the nearest Center for Independent Living to discuss this possibility.
What kind of people make good personal care attendants?
Some characteristics of a good attendant are:
- ability to follow directions
- good listening and communication skills
- honesty
- reliability and dependability
- respect for the disabled individual's right to do things their own way
- adaptability
Experience is often not necessary. In fact, many disabled people consider attitude more important than experience in selection of attendants; that is--willingness to listen and learn.
Is any special training needed to do personal care attendant work?
Many attendant positions do not require special training since an attendant is not a nurse or a therapist. Many persons with disabilities who employ a personal care attendant can teach a new attendant what they need to know.
What kind of time commitment is needed from a PCA?
The amount of time commitment can vary significantly. Some persons with disabilities only need help a couple of hours a week. Others may need help for a few hours a day. Persons with disabilities often need help in the morning or evening. |
