What to Do When Your PCA Agency Closes Abruptly

At times, some Minnesota home health agencies are forced to close their doors due to a variety of reasons. Currently, there are several PCA agencies in the Twin Cities that are unable to meet the requirements of the re-validation process and are forced to confront the decision to close. This is always a sad and stressful time for the home health care agencies, but perhaps the individuals most affected by these closings are the recipients of home care services, personal care assistants and home care professionals.

Far too often, home care recipients and employees of a PCA agency are the last to know of a closing and might only receive notice the day of the closing. Recipients of home care and personal care assistants are then left scrambling to figure out what happens next. Not only has the employee’s source of income suddenly disappeared, but those they care for are left wondering if they will receive the in home care they need. While it is a terribly stressful situation for everyone involved, it’s important to not make irrational decisions during this time of transition.

For home care recipients and personal care assistants facing the closure of the PCA agency, here are some steps on what to do next:

1. Search online and start contacting home care agencies immediately to get the transfer process started
2. Speak with others in your home care network to find out how they are dealing with the closing
3. Stay positive and don’t settle! Take the time to find a home care agency that is a good fit for you
4. Once an agency is identified, personal care assistants should have a background study started at the new agency as soon as possible
5. Recipients should complete any necessary paperwork right away so the new home care agency can process the transfer quickly

At Best Home Care, we are always frustrated to hear about a PCA agency that closed without informing its clients and employees until the last minute, leaving them scrambling and wondering what to do. Our home care professionals regularly help recipients and their personal care assistants in these situations and can often expedite start dates to ensure there are no gaps in service. If your agency recently closed and you are looking for a quality agency to work with, we encourage you to learn more about Best Home Care.

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