CDPAP and HHA/PCA Caregivers – Understanding the Differences

1. Who Can Be a Caregiver?

• CDPAP Caregivers: CDPAP allows consumers to hire almost anyone as their caregiver, including family members (excluding spouses), friends, and neighbors. This flexibility ensures that the caregiver is someone the consumer knows and trusts, creating a more comfortable and supportive care environment.

• HHA/PCA Caregivers: HHAs and PCAs are trained and certified professionals hired through home care agencies. They cannot be family members or friends of the consumer but are assigned by the agency based on the consumer’s care needs.

2. Training and Certification

• CDPAP Caregivers: CDPAP caregivers do not need formal healthcare training or certification. The consumer or their representative is responsible for providing any necessary training to meet their specific care needs.

• HHA/PCA Caregivers: HHAs and PCAs must complete state-mandated training programs and obtain certification before they can provide care. HHAs typically receive more extensive training than PCAs, covering basic medical tasks in addition to personal care.

3. Scope of Services

• CDPAP Caregivers: CDPAP caregivers can provide a wide range of services, including personal care, household tasks, and even some medical tasks like administering medication. The scope of services is determined by the consumer, offering a highly personalized care experience.

• HHA/PCA Caregivers: The services provided by HHAs and PCAs are more standardized and regulated by the agency. HHAs can assist with personal care, household tasks, and basic health-related tasks, such as checking vital signs and helping with medication. PCAs generally focus on personal care and household tasks, with limited medical involvement.

4. Payment and Employment

• CDPAP Caregivers: CDPAP caregivers are paid through Medicaid via a Fiscal Intermediary, which handles payroll and administrative tasks. The consumer or their representative acts as the employer, giving them control over the caregiver’s work schedule and duties.

• HHA/PCA Caregivers: HHAs and PCAs are employed by a home care agency, which handles all aspects of employment, including training, scheduling, and payroll. The agency assigns caregivers to clients based on their needs and availability.

5. Consumer Control and Flexibility

• CDPAP Caregivers: CDPAP offers maximum flexibility and control to the consumer. The consumer decides who provides care, what type of care is given, and when it is provided. This makes CDPAP an ideal choice for those who prefer a more personalized and hands-on approach to home care.

• HHA/PCA Caregivers: While HHAs and PCAs provide essential and reliable care, the level of control and flexibility is more limited. The agency determines the caregiver assignment, and care routines may be more standardized.

Note: To ensure you get paid as a CDPAP caregiver, you must use a Fiscal Intermediary (FI) like Dada Home Care.
Call us now at 718-540-3232 and we will  guide you through the entire process.