Personal Care Assistant Programs in Kentucky are designed to provide crucial support for adults with severe physical disabilities. These programs enable individuals to hire personal care attendants who can assist with daily living activities, fostering independence and improving quality of life. If you or someone you know in Kentucky could benefit from personal care assistance, understanding the details of these programs is the first step towards accessing this valuable support.
Eligibility for Personal Care Assistant Program
To qualify for the Personal Care Assistant Program in Kentucky, certain criteria must be met. Eligibility is structured to ensure that support reaches those with significant needs who can effectively manage their care. The key eligibility requirements are:
- Age Requirement: Participants must be 18 years of age or older. This program is specifically for adults needing personal care assistance.
- Nature of Disability: Applicants must have a severe physical disability. This disability must be recurring or permanent and result in functional loss in at least two limbs. This ensures the program supports those with substantial physical limitations.
- Attendant Care Needs: A critical aspect of eligibility is the level of care required. Participants must need a minimum of 14 hours of attendant care per week, but not exceeding 40 hours weekly. This range defines the scope of support provided by the program.
- Mental Capacity: Individuals must be mentally capable of directing and supervising their attendants. This requirement ensures participants can manage their care plan and communicate their needs effectively.
- Employer Responsibilities: Participants must be able to handle payroll responsibilities and prepare necessary employer tax statements. This aspect of eligibility underscores the participant’s role as the employer of their personal care assistant.
Meeting these eligibility criteria is essential for accessing the benefits of the Personal Care Assistant Program in Kentucky, ensuring that support is directed to those who need it most and can manage their care effectively.
Services Offered by Personal Care Assistants
A Personal Care Assistant (PCA) hired through this program provides a range of essential services aimed at supporting individuals with physical disabilities in their daily lives. These services are designed to promote independence and enhance the participant’s ability to live at home and in their community. The services a PCA can provide include:
- Personal Care: Assistance with personal hygiene tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming is a core service.
- Housekeeping: Light housekeeping tasks to maintain a clean and safe living environment are included. This can cover laundry, dishwashing, and general tidying.
- Shopping: Support with grocery shopping and other essential errands ensures participants can access necessary supplies.
- Travel: Assistance with travel and transportation enables participants to engage in community activities and attend appointments.
- Self-Care Procedures: PCAs can assist with various self-care procedures as needed, tailored to the individual’s specific requirements.
- Meal Preparation: Help with meal planning and preparation ensures participants have access to nutritious meals.
- Day-to-Day Activities: Support with other day-to-day activities that the participant may find challenging due to their physical disability, facilitating a more independent lifestyle.
These services are personalized and directed by the individual receiving care, ensuring that the support is tailored to their specific needs and preferences. The goal is to empower individuals with disabilities to live more independently and participate fully in their communities.
Contacting the Personal Care Attendant Program
For those interested in learning more about the Personal Care Assistant Program or starting the application process, reaching out to the program coordinators is a crucial step. Kentucky’s program is structured with regional coordinators to provide localized support and guidance.
For general inquiries, you can contact the program via email at [email protected].
To connect with a Regional Personal Care Attendant Program Coordinator directly, please refer to the contact information below based on your county of residence:
Regional Personal Care Attendant Program Coordinators
Region 1
Valerie Leathers
[email protected]
Phone: (502) 229-2979
P.O. Box 570
Benton, KY 42025
Counties Served: Adair, Allen, Ballard, Barren, Breckenridge, Bullitt, Butler, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Clinton, Crittenden, Cumberland, Daviess, Edmonson, Fulton, Graves, Grayson, Green, Hancock, Hardin, Hart, Henderson, Hickman, Hopkins, Larue, Livingston, Logan, Lyon, Marshall, McClean, McCracken, Meade, Metcalfe, Monroe, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Russell, Simpson, Taylor, Todd, Trigg, Union, Warren, Wayne, and Webster.
Region 2
Ben Parsley
[email protected]
Phone: (502) 229-2327
P.O. Box 23938
Lexington, KY 40517
Counties Served: Anderson, Boone, Carroll, Franklin, Gallatin, Henry, Jefferson, Kenton, Marion, Nelson, Oldham, Owen, Shelby, Spencer, Trimble, and Washington.
Region 3
Keagan Wilson
[email protected]
Phone: (502) 330-0409
P.O. Box 570
Nicholasville, KY 40340
Counties Served: Bath, Bell, Bourbon, Boyd, Boyle, Bracken, Breathitt, Campbell, Carter, Casey, Clark, Clay, Elliot, Estill, Fayette, Fleming, Floyd, Garrard, Grant, Greenup, Harlan, Harrison, Jackson, Jessamine, Johnson, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lewis, Lincoln, Madison, Menifee, Magoffin, Martin, Mason, McCreary, Menifee, Mercer, Montgomery, Morgan, Nicholas, Owsley, Pendleton, Perry, Pike, Powell, Pulaski, Robertson, Rockcastle, Rowan, Scott, Whitley, Wolfe, and Woodford.
By reaching out to the appropriate regional coordinator, individuals can receive detailed information, application assistance, and personalized guidance through the Personal Care Assistant Program process. This direct support ensures that those who need assistance can access it efficiently and effectively.
