Home Health Aides (HHA) and Personal Care Aides (PCA) provide essential support services such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication reminders, and companionship for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Who is eligible for HHA/PCA services?

Eligibility for HHA/PCA services includes seniors and individuals with disabilities who require assistance with daily living activities and personal care.

How can I apply for HHA/PCA services?

To apply for HHA/PCA services, contact Cottage Home Care Services. Our team will assist with eligibility verification and enrollment.

Do HHA/PCA services include medical care?

HHA and PCA services primarily focus on non-medical personal care and assistance with daily living activities, ensuring clients receive the support they need at home.

Requirements to be eligible for HHA/PCA Program

To be eligible for Home Health Aide (HHA) or Personal Care Aide (PCA) services as a patient, certain criteria typically need to be met. Keep in mind that eligibility requirements can vary based on the specific program, location, and healthcare policies. Here are common eligibility criteria:

Medicaid Need:

Make sure, you are eligible for Medicaid

Insurance Coverage:

Eligibility depends on insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare.

Assessment by Agency:

Initial assessment by the home health agency to determine eligibility.

Service Area:

Our service is available in New York city, Nassau, Suffolk County, Westchester and Albany

HHA Application Requirements:

HHA Certificate & Reference Letter

HHA Certificate from a certified school
Two letters of recommendation

Two forms of IDs

Green Card holder - Green card and Social Security card

Work Permit - Employment Authorization Card & Social Security Card

U.S. Citizen - U.S. Passport/State IDs (Driver's License, Identification Card) & Social Security Card

Physical

Updated Pre-Employment Physical (Within Last 6 Months)
A drug Test also known as a drug screen is required (8-10 panel Drug Test)
RUBEOLA/MEASLES (if it’s not immune 2 booster shots needed)
One step PPD: date given and date read.

Quantiferon: Lab report required.
If PPD/Quantiferon is positive, Chest X-Ray report is required
Covid-19 Vaccination Card

Direct Deposit

Must have direct deposit form/void check when applying

How the aides are trained and Examined

The training and vetting processes for HHAs may vary by location and employer, but there are common practices in place. Here's a general overview:

Training Process

Formal Education Programs

Some HHAs undergo formal training through educational programs. These programs may be offered by community colleges, vocational schools, or home healthcare agencies. Training typically covers topics such as basic healthcare, nutrition, infection control, and communication skills.

Certification

Depending on the location, HHAs may be required to complete a certification program. Certification requirements vary, but they often involve completing a certain number of training hours and passing an examination.

On-the-Job Training

In some cases, HHAs receive training while on the job. This training is often provided by experienced healthcare professionals or supervisors and covers the specific tasks and responsibilities required for the job.

Examining and Screening

Background Checks

Employers typically conduct thorough background checks on potential HHAs. This includes criminal background checks to ensure that the individual does not have a history that would pose a risk to the clients they will be working with.

Reference Checks

Employers may contact previous employers or personal references to verify the HHA's work history and gather information about their reliability, professionalism, and interpersonal skills.