Yesterday I had my yearly reevaluation with the MassHealth PCA program. Every year, the nurse has to make sure I’m receiving the services I need. At times, it gets frustrating having to explain my needs repeatedly.
She inquired about my health and whether there had been any significant changes since my last evaluation. Fortunately, I’ve been in good health for the last year. I haven’t had any injuries or falls in the last year either.
As a person with Cerebral Palsy, falling makes me nervous. I have had multiple concussions in my life due to falling. In the past, when I have fallen, it made me sad. I never liked when I would fall at school. It usually meant my peers would stare at me.
As an adult, falls have become more rare for me. Three years ago, I was grocery shopping and one of the arm supports on my walker fell off. Luckily, people were kind.
I described my daily routine and how my PCA assists me with activities of daily living. To be eligible for the PCA program, people must have a disability and require hands-on care with at least two ADLs, such as toileting, bathing, or eating.
In my case, my PCA assists primarily with bathing, dressing, transfers, and toileting. He also assists me with transportation and grocery shopping. I know my PCAs don’t have an easy job, but they care about me.
Living with Cerebral Palsy can be challenging at times. Needing help with activities of daily living isn’t easy, but it’s just a part of my life. I am forever grateful to every PCA I’ve worked with. PCAs help people with disabilities live their lives to the fullest.
Source:
Merrell, Janis. “How Lifepath’s Personal Care Attendant Program Makes a Difference.” LifePath, LifePath, 18 Apr. 2023, lifepathma.org/stories/how-lifepath-s-personal-care-attendant-program-makes-a-difference/.