PCA Test Prep 12-23-25 300

[Virtual Presenter] GOOD HOMECARE LLC PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANT (PCA) TEST PREP.

[Audio] SEEKING GUIDANCE & SUPPORT When unsure → CALL YOUR SUPERVISOR Supervisors should be contacted when you need guidance, including when: You are unsure how to proceed A client's condition changes A situation feels uncomfortable or unclear.

[Audio] ROLE BOUNDARIES PCAs are expected to: Follow the service plan Observe and report changes PCAs must NOT: Change care plans Make medical decisions "Do whatever the client wants".

[Audio] TASKS OUTSIDE THE PCA ROLE PCAs do NOT: Administer medications Fill pill boxes Decide medication doses or timing Perform medical treatments PCAs may: Open containers Assist clients without administering.

[Audio] PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES No gifts or money No extra cash jobs No visiting clients off-duty No special or exclusive treatment If a boundary issue arises: Politely decline Notify your supervisor.

[Audio] CONFIDENTIALITY & PRIVACY Client information may be shared only with: Supervisor Authorized care team members Client information must NOT be shared with: Friends Family Visitors Social media.

[Audio] CLIENT RIGHTS Clients have the right to: Respect Privacy Confidentiality Refuse care.

[Audio] OBSERVATION & REPORTING PCAs should promptly report: Falls Sudden weakness New confusion Skin redness that does not fade Changes in behavior.

[Audio] DOCUMENTATION PRACTICES Good documentation is: Objective Specific Free of personal opinions or blame Documentation should include: Date What occurred Who was notified.

[Audio] INCIDENT REPORTING Incident reports are required for: Falls (with or without injury) Head strikes Unsafe or unusual events Incident reports are NOT required for: Food preferences Mood complaints alone.

[Audio] EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION Best practices include: Introducing yourself Asking how the client prefers to be addressed Apologizing when appropriate Asking how care can be improved Remaining calm and respectful.

[Audio] COMMUNICATING WITH HEARING LOSS OR CONFUSION When a client: Has hearing difficulty → face them and speak slightly louder Is confused → observe facial expressions and body language Avoid: Shouting Ignoring the client Pretending to understand.

[Audio] INFECTION CONTROL Handwashing: Minimum 20 seconds Wash hands: Before and after client care After removing gloves Wear gloves for: Toileting Contact with bodily fluids.

[Audio] WORKING WHILE ILL If you become ill: Inform the client Contact your supervisor Leave safely Do not continue working while ill.

[Audio] SAFE CLEANING PRACTICES Always: Clean cleanest surfaces first, dirtiest surfaces last Never mix bleach and ammonia Wear gloves for bodily fluids.

[Audio] FOOD SAFETY Safe practices include: Washing fruits and vegetables Cooking meats thoroughly Refrigerating leftovers Checking pantry items before shopping Avoid: Bulging cans Expired food Thawing meat in the sink.

[Audio] PERSONAL CARE SUPPORT PCAs should: Promote independence Protect privacy Moisturize skin Wash the bottom last Report skin redness that does not fade.

[Audio] TRANSFERS & MOVEMENT Best practices include: Using a gait belt at the waist Assisting on the client's strong side Keeping feet flat on the floor Pausing if the client feels dizzy Never: Lift alone Pull by the arms Bend your back.

[Audio] BODY MECHANICS Always: Bend at the knees Keep your back straight Keep objects close to your body.

[Audio] ABUSE & SAFETY PCAs must: Report any suspicion of abuse or neglect Understand that proof is not required Remain calm and professional Prioritize client safety.

[Audio] MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS If a client expresses thoughts of self-harm: Stay with the client Listen calmly Contact your supervisor immediately Do NOT leave the client alone.

[Audio] DEMENTIA & END-OF-LIFE CARE Consistent routines reduce anxiety Do not argue with clients experiencing dementia Hearing is often the last sense to diminish Hospice care is provided for terminal illness.

[Audio] PROFESSIONAL CAREGIVING PRINCIPLES Quality caregiving is guided by: Communication with supervisors Attention to safety Respect for client rights and dignity Accurate and timely documentation Following approved care practices.