Hiring and Navigating Life with a Personal Care Assistant (PCA)

Hi everyone – welcome back. It’s Dawn here.This episode is especially close to my heart because today, I’m talking about something that has played a huge role in my daily life: Personal Care Assistants (PCAs). These are the amazing people who come into our homes and help us live with dignity, safety, and independence. But as important as they are, navigating this relationship can be complicated.In this episode, I walk you through the full journey of finding and hiring a PCA—starting with how to write a job description that really reflects your needs. We’ll talk about important questions to ask during interviews, the value of soft skills (like being able to hold a conversation!), and how to be clear and transparent about your expectations.I also open up about the difference between hiring independently versus working through an agency—what’s worked for me, what hasn’t, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. We’ll also get real about some of the emotional stuff: setting healthy boundaries, navigating friendship versus professionalism, and recognising PCA burnout before it affects your care.If you’re receiving care, providing it, or supporting someone who is, I hope this episode makes you feel seen. These relationships are never simple—but they’re incredibly important.In this episode, I talk about:How I would write a PCA job description and why every detail mattersThe pros and cons of hiring independently vs going through an agencySetting boundaries when lines between care and friendship start to blurWhat it’s like dealing with high turnover and having to retrain new carersSpotting signs of burnout in your PCA and having those tough conversationsWhether you're just starting to look for a PCA or you’ve had one for years, I hope my story helps you feel a little more prepared—and a little less alone.If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who might need to hear it. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations like this.Until next time, take care.