Personal Care Management
At Independence Associates (IA), we are proud to offer Personal Care Management (PCM) services through the Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Program, funded by MassHealth. This program empowers individuals with permanent or long-term disabilities to live independently in their homes by providing support with essential daily tasks.
What Is the PCA Program?
The PCA Program is consumer-directed, meaning you are in charge of managing your own care. This includes hiring, training, and supervising your Personal Care Attendants (PCAs), who help you with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as:
- Dressing
- Bathing
- Grooming
- Toileting
The program gives you the freedom and flexibility to receive the care you need while maintaining control over your daily life.
Finding a PCA
The Mass PCA Directory, sponsored by the PCA Workforce Council, offers an up-to-date list of individuals in Massachusetts who are available to work as PCAs, as well as a place for consumers to post job listings when they’re hiring.
You can explore the directory here: Mass PCA Directory
Our Role as a PCM Agency
As a certified Personal Care Management Agency, Independence Associates provides support at every step of the PCA Program. Our responsibilities include:
- Evaluating your eligibility for PCA services through MassHealth
- Training you to manage and direct your own care
- Offering continued support to help you maintain your services
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for PCA services through MassHealth, you must meet the following criteria:
- Need assistance with at least two Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
- Obtain medical approval from a physician or nurse practitioner
The Evaluation Process
Once you are determined eligible, the next step is a home evaluation. Here’s what to expect:
- A Registered Nurse and an Occupational Therapist will visit your home to assess the number of PCA hours you require, based on MassHealth guidelines.
- They will document the evaluation, which must be signed by you, a licensed physician, the Occupational Therapist, and the Nurse.
- The evaluation is submitted to MassHealth for review.
- MassHealth will approve, modify, or deny the request within a specified timeframe.
- If approved, you will be re-evaluated annually to continue receiving services.
PCA Employer Training
Once approved for services, you will receive training from Independence Associates to help you become a successful PCA employer. Topics covered include:
- Your responsibilities under MassHealth guidelines
- How to hire, train, and manage your PCAs
- Completing and organizing all required paperwork for MassHealth, Independence Associates, and the Tempus Unlimited Fiscal Intermediary
- Best practices for overseeing your care team
Forms, Timesheets, and Additional Resources
All forms and timesheets required to manage your PCA program are available through Tempus Unlimited, the Fiscal Intermediary for MassHealth.
To access and download these documents, visit the Tempus Forms Page.