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.

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)

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Personal Care Aides.

More Personal Care and Service Careers

  • 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.

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