Council on Aging (COA) is the Area Agency on Aging serving Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton and Warren counties in southwestern Ohio. In this role, COA administers publicly-funded programs that provide in-home and community-based services to more than 26,000 individuals in our region.
Due to staffing shortages at home care agencies across the nation and in our area, many COA clients experience delays and inconsistencies with their in-home care services (including help with housekeeping, personal care, errands, cooking and more). These services play an essential role in helping COA clients remain safe and independent in their homes.
Caring, compassionate individuals are needed to help meet the in-home care needs of COA clients. If you’re looking for a rewarding, flexible, high-demand career, or if you’re aiming to kickstart a career in healthcare, consider becoming a paid, in-home caregiver for COA clients.
We can help you get certified as a paid, in-home care provider and connect you with COA clients age 60 and older. Keep reading to learn more.
Become a Participant Directed Care provider
Participant Directed Care (PDC) also known as consumer (CDC) or self-directed care (SDC) allows COA clients enrolled in eligible programs and hire their own home care workers (instead of using a home health agency). This option gives clients more flexibility and control over their care.
In PDC, enrolled clients (or their authorized representative) act as an employer. The individual they hire to provide their care is known as their PDC provider. PDC providers are paid (at an allowable rate for authorized services) through the program their employer is enrolled in. A Financial Management Service (FMS) provider manages payroll, taxes, and maintains records for both the client and their care provider.
PDC care providers can also provide care for their own family members enrolled in eligible programs, with the exception of the provider’s spouse or parent and the provider is not serving as the family member’s power of attorney or authorized representative (unless extraordinary care requirements are met).
Participant Direction Care Service Options
If you are interested in becoming a PDC provider, you can choose from two options:
- Choices Home Care Attendant Service (C-HCAS) – most common option
- Consumer-Directed Personal Care Service (CD-PCS)
The following table provides information about the tasks each type of PDC provider may be expected to perform. The tasks – and pay rate – vary depending on which service option you choose to become certified in.
Requirements to become a Participant Directed Care provider
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Complete and pass a criminal background check
- Complete the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) provider application (online)
- Complete ODA and Council on Aging (COA) review process
- Maintain certification by completing 8 hours of continuing education annually and an annual review with COA
COA’s Provider Engagement Coach can guide you through the enrollment and certification process.
If you are interested in becoming a PDC provider, click here to complete an interest form. Council on Aging’s Provider Engagement Coach will follow up with you with more information.