A creative solution during COVID-19

When COVID-19 hit the United States, health care providers across the country found themselves with a shortage of healthcare workers. A new program was implemented that allows nursing homes to hire Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) to provide basic care services to their elder residents, freeing up more highly trained nursing professionals to provide more skilled care amid the COVID-19 crisis. Of course, there was a required training program for the PCAs. The program was originally set to expire at the end of May 2020, but because of its success, has been extended twice, now expiring September 5, 2020.

The Health and Rehabilitation Centre at Dolphins View in Pasadena, Florida thought the program sounded like a great idea, and they implemented it right away. Under the program, PCAs went through an eight-hour training program that prepared them to perform some of the CNA tasks. For instance, the PCA students learned how to make patient beds, both with a patient in them and without a patient in the bed.

One of the obvious benefits of the program is that the PCAs were able to provide additional support and assistance to the CNAs from some of their tasks. But, according to Cathy Wrigley, the human resources coordinator at Dolphins View, the biggest benefit was “the emotional support and customer care provided by the PCAs.” The PCAs were able to slow down a bit and socialize with the patients, which is especially needed at a time when loved ones are unable to visit the care center.

The program allowed at least one PCA at Dolphins View to find her calling. Kenyatta, who can be described as a ball of energy, a sponge for learning, delightful, smiley, positive, and great with the residents, is one such example. Kenyatta was inspired to go to CNA school, which was online during COVID-19. She went on to pass her test and become a CNA. The other staff at Dolphins View were her cheerleaders throughout the process, and they look forward to working with her as she embarks on her new career path.