Personal Care Aides
Assist the elderly, convalescents, or persons with disabilities with daily living activities at the person's home or in a care facility. Duties performed at a place of residence may include keeping house (making beds, doing laundry, washing dishes) and preparing meals. May provide assistance at non-residential care facilities. May advise families, the elderly, convalescents, and persons with disabilities regarding such things as nutrition, cleanliness, and household activities.
- Overview
- Tasks
- Skills
Median Annual Wage: $20,440
Education: High school diploma or equivalent (54%); Some college, no degree (17%); Less than high school diploma (17%)
Projected Growth: Much faster than average (22% or higher)
Related Job Titles: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA); Caregiver; Patient Care Assistant (PCA); Personal Care Assistant (PCA); Home Care Aide; Personal Care Aide; Personal Care Attendant (PCA); Home Health Care Provider; Medication Aide; Resident Care Assistant (RCA)
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Personal Care Aides.
- Prepare and maintain records of client progress and services performed, reporting changes in client condition to manager or supervisor.
- Perform healthcare-related tasks, such as monitoring vital signs and medication, under the direction of registered nurses or physiotherapists.
- Participate in case reviews, consulting with the team caring for the client, to evaluate the client's needs and plan for continuing services.
- Care for individuals or families during periods of incapacitation, family disruption, or convalescence, providing companionship, personal care, or help in adjusting to new lifestyles.
- Perform housekeeping duties, such as cooking, cleaning, washing clothes or dishes, or running errands.
- Instruct or advise clients on issues such as household cleanliness, utilities, hygiene, nutrition, or infant care.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Personal Care Aides.
- Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
- Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
- Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Personal Care Aides.
