The Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Program is a MassHealth program which provides support for in-home personal care assistance for the participating consumer.

About the PCA Program
Eligibility Requirements
Making a Referral

About the PCA Program   Top of Page

• The consumer directs his or her own care and performs employment related tasks such as hiring,  completing time sheets and supervising the PCA. 
• A consumer who cannot direct his or her own care has a surrogate.  The surrogate is someone who  assists with managing the PCAs and helping with the employment tasks.
• A consumer may employ a PCA to assist with personal care activities, household services, transportation   to medical appointments or other special needs such as wheelchair maintenance. 
• There is no minimum or maximum number of hours of care required.
• The program is open to people of all ages.

Eligibility Requirements     Top of Page
The participating consumer must:

• Be a MassHealth member. (MassHealth eligibility is expanded for elders who are eligible for the PCA   program.  An individual may have an income up to $1,201 per month and be eligible for MassHealth Benefits.) or HomeCare Frail Elder 300% Waiver Eligible with an income of less than $2,022 per month.
• Have a referral from his or her physician.
• Have a permanent or chronic disability.
• Require assistance with at least two activities of daily living (ADL).
  • Bathing and grooming
  • Dressing/undressing
  • Eating
  • Passive range of motion exercises
  • Mobility
  • Toileting
  • Assistance with medication or other health needs

Making a Referral     Top of Page

• Contact the Bristol Elder Services Community Resource Unit by calling (508) 675-2101, or e-mail us at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
• A Community Resource Specialist will determine if the person is eligible for the program and if he or she  requires assistance from a surrogate.  The Community Resource Specialist may also assist an elder in applying for MassHealth.
• A nurse and an occupational therapist will evaluate the person’s needs and determine the number of hours of PCA service to be provided.
• A Skills Trainer will provide orientation and training to enable the consumer to participate in the program  and complete necessary employment tasks.

For more information about the PCA program, contact us.