what is a pca in healthcare

A PCA (Personal Care Assistant) is a licensed healthcare professional who works with patients who require extended or specialized care. They are trained to provide a wide range of services to individuals in their own homes, hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare settings. PCAs work under the direct supervision of healthcare professionals, such as doctors or nurses, and help patients with daily activities while they are recuperating. Some of the services that PCAs provide include helping clients maintain their personal hygiene by assisting them with bathing, dressing, grooming, handling toileting and incontinence care, transferring from the bed to a chair, and eating meals for those who have difficulty feeding themselves. Most importantly, PCAs provide the companionship many clients need to maintain their self-worth and dignity.