Frequently Asked Questions

Home care supports older adults, people of all ages with disabilities, and people with behavioral and mental health needs. Home care professionals provide support with daily activities so people can live independently at home and in their communities.

Home care supports people at home and in the community with essential daily tasks that help them thrive and live as independently as possible. This may include assisting with eating and making meals, shopping, traveling to appointments or grocery stores, managing medication, using the toilet, walking, bathing and supporting individuals at their jobs.

Working in home care makes a real difference in people’s lives. You support people with daily tasks so they can live the lives they want to live. The work is rewarding but can also be physically and emotionally challenging. You may need to lift people or heavy objects. You may need to support someone when they are having a hard day. There are trainings to build your skills and help you get ready!

People with disabilities may need different types of support to live safely and independently. Here’s an overview:

Physical disabilities: Affect the body and movement.

• Examples: Difficulty walking, using hands, dementia, or conditions such as cerebral palsy that can affect balance.
• Workers can help with bathing, dressing, eating, and moving around.

Developmental disabilities: Affect how people grow and learn, often starting at a young age.

• Examples: Autism or Down syndrome.
• Workers can help with routines like morning hygiene, preparing meals, or managing appointments.

Intellectual disabilities: Affect how people think, learn, or solve problems.

• Example: Below average IQ.
• Workers can help with routines like planning the day, keeping mealtimes, safety and social skills, following task steps, shopping, and making decisions.

Mental/behavioral health conditions: Affect mental health and emotional well-being, impacting daily life.

• Examples: Depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Workers can help by encouraging routines, scheduling therapy appointments, and assisting with dressing, transportation, or housework.

Invisible disabilities: Affect daily life, often without visible symptoms.

• Examples: Examples: Chronic pain, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or epilepsy.
• Workers can help by managing medicine schedules, supporting health routines, or helping with tasks like cleaning, and transportation.

You can apply for four types of home care jobs. We encourage you to apply for one or more roles. You can work in more than one position at the same time. Each one supports a different group of people.

• Homecare Workers (HCW) support older adults and people with disabilities through the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Office of Aging and People with Disabilities.
• Personal Care Attendants (PCA) support people experiencing behavioral or mental health needs through the Oregon Health Authority Medicaid Division.
• Personal Support Workers (PSW) support children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the ODHS Office of Developmental Disabilities Services.
• Personal Support Worker Job Coaches (PSWJC) support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their workplaces.

Learn more about home care roles and find the best fit for you.