Learn more about CFSS in Minnesota
Caregivers provide essential home care services to people who need help so they can remain in their homes. They are trained professionals who support individuals who have disabilities, chronic illnesses, or cognitive impairments, assisting them with their daily activities.
We’ll cover caregivers' basic duties, explain Minnesota’s age requirements and restrictions, and then review how to become a certified caregiver under the PCA program and the new CFSS program.
Caregivers are tasked with a wide range of personal care duties, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. While these tasks are fundamental, their primary focus is always on the individual, ensuring their dignity, independence, and quality of life. Caregivers may also handle light housekeeping tasks, but their core responsibility is to be there for the person they assist.
The skills essential to being a successful caregiver include comprehensive training in caregiving techniques, a high level of empathy, and the physical ability to perform demanding tasks.
How old do you have to be to be a caregiver? In Minnesota, there are specific age requirements for those who wish to become a Personal Care Assistant (PCA) or to be a caregiver under the new Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) program, which is replacing PCA.
You must be at least 16 years old to be a caregiver and to be paid as a PCA or CFSS worker for a family member. Meeting the age criterion is just the start; there are also other necessary steps and ongoing requirements.
Please refer to the Minnesota Department of Human Services for the most up-to-date requirements. Here is a summary:
To begin, a person must:
1. Pass the standardized certification test.
2. Pass a background study initiated by the provider agency or Financial Management Service (FMS) provider.
3. Begin the enrollment process to become a PCA or CFSS worker.
Once employed, a PCA or CFSS worker must:
1. Complete training and orientation on the specific needs of the person receiving services.
2. Communicate effectively with the person and the provider agency or FMS provider.
3. Provide covered services according to the individual's service delivery plan.
4. Respond appropriately to the person's needs.
5. Receive feedback from the person, their representative, and the provider agency if applicable.
6. Document the services and times they are provided.
7. Be supervised by a Qualified Professional (QP) or provider agency staff with the appropriate background under the CFSS agency model.
8. Report changes in the person's condition to the QP or the provider agency.
For those who are 16-17 years old, the following additional requirements must be met:
1. They must be employed by only one PCA provider agency responsible for compliance with current labor laws.
2. They must be monitored by a QP every 60 days.
CFSS workers younger than 18 also have specific requirements:
1. Their employer must comply with current labor laws.
2. All worker evaluations must be conducted in person at the location where services are provided.
So, if you’ve ever wondered, “Can you be a caregiver at 17?” the answer is yes, provided you meet these requirements.
The certification process is straightforward for a young caregiver who is motivated to begin working. Here are the steps to acquire caregiver certification, according to the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS):
Pass the standardized certification test
Pass a background study initiated by the provider agency/FMS provider
Begin the enrollment process to become a PCA/CFSS worker
These steps ensure that all caregivers, regardless of age, are well-prepared and qualified to provide high-quality care. Best Care can assist you with getting started.
Caregivers make a significant difference in the lives of those they care for. Contact Best Care with all your family caregiving questions, and let’s make the world a more caring place!
