Personal Care Aide

Common Employment Setting for Personal Care Aides

Personal Care Aides work in a variety of settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, group homes, residential centers, assisted living facilities and private homes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) about 2 million Personal Care Aides held jobs in 2016 and their largest employers were as follows: 

• Around 46 percent worked for companies that provided services for the elderly and people with disabilities. 
• About 15 percent of these workers were employed by home healthcare services. 
• About 9 percent worked in residential intellectual and developmental disability facilities. 
• 7 percent are employed in continued care retirement communities and assisted living facilities for senior citizens. 
• Approximately 7 percent were employed in private households. 

Job Responsibilities of Personal Care Aides

Personal Care Aides assist senior citizens and individuals with disabilities, chronic health problems, cognitive impairments, and a host of other challenging issues. They work under the supervision of nurses and/or other healthcare professionals. Duties these caregivers commonly perform as they fulfill this role include: 

• Assist clients with daily personal care needs, such as bathing, dressing and grooming. 
• Handle housekeeping tasks, like vacuuming, dusting, dish washing and laundry, among others. 
• Shopping for groceries and necessary household items. 
• Plan and prepare meals consistent with the dietary needs and/or restrictions of clients. 
• Plan necessary appointments for clients and organize schedules. 
• Provide or arrange transportation to medical appointments and outings. 
• Provide companionship and encourage or facilitate social/family engagement. 
• Keep detailed records regarding the condition and progress of clients, as well as the services provided to them. 

Personal Care Aide: Additional Training/Requirements

While some states require just a high school diploma and on the job training to become a Personal Care Aide, others require that these workers be state certified or licensed in order to work in the field. You can find out exactly what the requirements are in your state by contacting the state health board. Personal Care Aides who work for agencies or facilities that receive reimbursement from Medicare or Medicaid must be certified. In general, becoming certified or licensed as a Personal Care Aide means meeting minimum training standards and passing an exam. 

Some states and many employers require candidates for Personal Care Aide positions to pass criminal background checks as a condition of employment. Some employers may also require that candidates pass drug screening tests. Many employers require new hires to undergo a period of on the job training as a condition of continued employment. 

Many states and some employers require that applicants for Personal Care Aide positions be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Becoming certified in CPR means completing a formal training course with the American Red Cross or another certification organization. CPR training may be included in Personal Care Aide education courses. CPR certificates must be renewed periodically – typically every two years – in order to retain certification status. 

For more insights into a career as a Personal Care Aide or in the Medical Assisting field, please visit the Healthcare Degrees section of the Bryant & Stratton College blog. Exploring the blog and our website can provide lots of valuable information and insights on the many career opportunities available in the fast-growing healthcare field, as well as in any other occupational field you may be considering as you develop your best plan for a successful and satisfying future.