Personal Care Aides

What They Do

Provide personalized assistance to individuals with disabilities or illness who require help with personal care and activities of daily living support (e.g., feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and ambulation). May also provide help with tasks such as preparing meals, doing light housekeeping, and doing laundry. Work is performed in various settings depending on the needs of the care recipient and may include locations such as their home, place of work, out in the community, or at a daytime nonresidential facility.

Typical Tasks

• Prepare and maintain records of client progress and services performed, reporting changes in client condition to manager or supervisor.
• Administer bedside or personal care, such as ambulation or personal hygiene assistance.
• Perform healthcare-related tasks, such as monitoring vital signs and medication, under the direction of registered nurses or physiotherapists.
• Participate in case reviews, consulting with the team caring for the client, to evaluate the client's needs and plan for continuing services.
• Instruct or advise clients on issues, such as household cleanliness, utilities, hygiene, nutrition, or infant care.

Key Skills

Work Activities

• Assisting and Caring for Others
• Getting Information
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
• Training and Teaching Others
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates