The Personal Care Assistant Shortage – Training and Competency

We’ve previously discussed the shortage of Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) that Minnesota faces and the reasons behind this shortage. While we went over some of the issues related to compensation and benefits, it’s important to note how training and competency of PCAs and family caregivers can be improved to better prepare and encourage those in this career.

Local experts like those at Best Home Care have come up with several recommendations to grow the field of homecare.

1. Find ways to expand, enhance, and fund careers in homecare. If those seeking PCA jobs can receive some sort of credit for working as a PCA in order to move up in their career, it would not only benefit their own study and individual growth, but serve to grow the field and ensure quality work.
2. Create a mentorship program for PCAs and homecare This can both encourage people to enter the field and reinvigorate current workers.
3. Create a Minnesota Health Care Service Corporation. Developing a type of scholarship program that involves a work requirement for post-secondary students would make PCA work a mandatory part of the curriculum – drawing more people to the industry.

At Best Home Care, we work to help individuals and their families find the ideal homecare services for their unique needs. Along with helping find quality homecare support, we recognize that there are many areas in which this industry can grow, and we believe in doing our part to help it improve.

For any questions or concerns regarding the PCA shortage, feel free to contact us at (651) 330-2550, email us at info@besthomecaremn.com, or view past blogs for more information.