HHA = Home Health Aide. They generally have 80-120 hours of training from a state approved program. This varies by state. Some states require a minimum amount of additional training annually. They work for home health agencies (HHA), must be supervised by an RN, and have limited things they are allowed in do. This does not include "skilled care". In most states they are NOT allowed to do bowel care, catheterization, administer meds, or do any other invasive or sterile procedures (such as suctioning, tube feeding or changing sterile dressings).
CNA = Certified Nursing Assistant. They generally have 80-120 hours of training from a state approved program. This varies by state. Some states require a minimum amount of additional training annually. Most work in nursing homes or hospitals, must be supervised by an RN, and have limited things they are allowed to do. This does not include "skilled care". In most states they are NOT allowed to do bowel care, catheterization, administer meds, or do any other invasive or sterile procedures (such as suctioning, tube feeding or changing sterile dressings).
PCA = personal care attendant. No training is required, there is no state certification or legal designation. There are few if any training programs. You usually find and train your own, so you can have them do any care you require (bowel care, catheterization, suctioning, ADLs, transfers, etc. etc. etc.). In some states they are funded through Medicaid/Medicare waiver programs. Some states allow them to be friends or family. Many are private pay since insurance rarely will pay for PCA care.
(KLD)
CNA = Certified Nursing Assistant. They generally have 80-120 hours of training from a state approved program. This varies by state. Some states require a minimum amount of additional training annually. Most work in nursing homes or hospitals, must be supervised by an RN, and have limited things they are allowed to do. This does not include "skilled care". In most states they are NOT allowed to do bowel care, catheterization, administer meds, or do any other invasive or sterile procedures (such as suctioning, tube feeding or changing sterile dressings).
PCA = personal care attendant. No training is required, there is no state certification or legal designation. There are few if any training programs. You usually find and train your own, so you can have them do any care you require (bowel care, catheterization, suctioning, ADLs, transfers, etc. etc. etc.). In some states they are funded through Medicaid/Medicare waiver programs. Some states allow them to be friends or family. Many are private pay since insurance rarely will pay for PCA care.
(KLD)
David 
)
Comment