Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Program?
Eligible individuals direct their own care and learn how to select, train, manage and schedule their personal care attendants to provide personal care services, such as bathing, dressing, housekeeping, cooking, and mobility.
What is the Personal Care Services Provider (PCSP) Program?
Eligible individuals can direct their own care or they can authorize their care representative to oversee their care. Granite State Independent Living teaches them how to select, train, schedule and supervise those who provide personal care services. These services may include bathing, dressing, housekeeping, cooking, and mobility.
What are the differences between the PCA and PCSP programs?
While the programs are both self-directed and allow for the most control of your care, eligibility differs based on the requirements listed below:
What are the PCA Program requirements?
Participants must have a severe disability and require a wheelchair for mobility; must be able to self-direct care; must be Medicaid eligible; cannot use family members as PCA workers; and must use the services at home or at work;
What are the PCSP Program requirements?
Participants must be eligible for the Home and Community-Based Care for the Elderly and Chronically Ill (HCBC-ECI) Medicaid Waiver Program; can self-direct care or use an authorized peronal care representative; can use family members as PCSP workers as long as they are not a legally-responsible relative or spouse; and can be provided services at home or to access the community.
What are the benefits of the PCA and PCSP programs vs. similar programs?
These programs are entirely self-directing, giving you total flexibility in selecting, hiring and managing personal care attendants or providers. You determine who delivers your care as well as when and how they provide care, rather than following the set schedule set up by other agencies.
How can I access these programs?
If you are interested in learning more about PCA or PCSP services, contact Granite State Independent Living to speak with an Information and Referral coordinator.
How do I know if I am eligible for these services?
An Information and Referral coordinator will have a preliminary conversation with you and arrange for a service coordinator to conduct a full assessment and evaluation to determine your eligibility.
What happens after my eligibility is determined?
If you are eligible, the service coordinator will develop a Care Plan and train you (or your representative for the PCSP Program) in how to initiate and manage your personal care services.