Personal Care Services (PCS)
Personal Care Services (PCS)
Personal Care Services (PCS) is a non-waiver Medicaid benefit program designed to provide attendant care services to individuals under 21 years of age. This service supports children and young adults with physical, cognitive, or behavioral limitations related to disabilities or chronic health conditions. At Holistic Care Home Health Agency, Inc., we provide these essential care services to help young individuals lead a more independent life at home.
What is PCS?
Personal Care Services (PCS) helps children and young adults under 21 who require assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) due to their disability or chronic health condition. These services ensure that individuals receive the necessary support to perform daily tasks that may be challenging due to their limitations.
This Medicaid benefit is managed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), and assessments are conducted by case managers from the Department of State Health Services (DSHS). They evaluate the individual's needs and determine eligibility for attendant care services, ensuring that families receive the support their children need.
Who is Eligible for PCS?
Children and young adults under the age of 21 with disabilities or chronic health conditions that require assistance with daily living tasks may qualify for PCS. Eligibility is determined through a comprehensive assessment conducted by HHSC or DSHS case managers.
PCS Covered Services
Our Personal Care Services (PCS) provide a wide range of support for daily living activities. These services help ensure the health, safety, and well-being of children and young adults, allowing them to live independently while receiving the care they need.
Covered Services Include:
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Bed Mobility & Positioning: Assistance with moving and adjusting positions in bed for comfort and health.
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Eating & Feeding Assistance: Helping patients with eating and maintaining a balanced diet.
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Transfers: Assistance with moving from one place to another (e.g., from bed to wheelchair).
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Locomotion: Support with walking or moving within the home.
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Toilet Use & Hygiene: Helping with using the bathroom, maintaining personal hygiene, and managing incontinence needs.
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Dressing: Assistance with putting on and taking off clothing, as well as choosing appropriate attire.
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Personal Hygiene & Grooming: Support with daily grooming tasks such as brushing teeth, combing hair, and washing.
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Bathing: Assistance with bathing, ensuring safety and comfort.
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Meal Preparation: Preparing nutritious meals to meet the dietary needs of the individual.
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Medication Assistance: Helping patients take prescribed medications as directed.
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Telephone Use: Assisting patients with using the phone to communicate with family or healthcare providers.
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Arranging Transportation & Medical Escort: Organizing transportation and accompanying patients to medical appointments.
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Laundry & Light Housekeeping: Maintaining a clean environment with assistance for laundry and light cleaning tasks.
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Grocery & Household Shopping: Helping patients with purchasing groceries and other household items.
These services are designed to improve the quality of life for children and young adults with disabilities, allowing them to live safely and comfortably in their own homes.
Habilitation Services vs. PCS
While Personal Care Services (PCS) provide assistance with essential daily tasks, habilitation services are available through waiver programs and focus on helping individuals acquire, retain, or improve skills related to daily living and social interactions.
Habilitation services include:
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Assistance with learning or improving skills necessary for independent living.
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Developing social and adaptive skills for non-institutional living.
However, habilitation services do not cover routine care or supervision that is typically expected from family members, nor do they include services covered by other sources outside of the Medicaid waiver program.
