I also use Personal Care Attendants (PCAs). I live in NH and I am eligible
to receive 42 hours a week from our Independent Living Center and an
additional 68 hours a week from a Home Health Agency. I hire and train my
own PCAs. I live with my Mother, or as I like to say, she lives with me
(even though it's her house!). I chose to live at home because my Dad made
it completely accessible. We have a nice yard and it's located in a good
part of town. We share the expenses also.
It was a real Godsend when this state started providing PCA service in the
early '80s. Having PCAs gave me the freedom to run my own life. I have a van
so I can go wherever and whenever I want. I'm sure you know what it's like
having to rely on family members to do your personal care. No matter how
accommodating my parents were, I always felt I was imposing when I needed
assistance. Are you all familiar with the organization called ADAPT? They
are trying to establish a nation PCA program funded with Federal dollars.
They have a web site that has some great information. We should all be on
guard to ensure that PCA programs are not eliminated or cut back but they
should be expanded to every state and have uniform standards. Having PCAs
will keep many people out of nursing homes and lessen the burden on family
members.
Dan