Personal Support Services

Article submitted by Sharon Temple and B. J. Wilson owners and operators of Comfort Keepers in Franklin, Tennessee.
For more information, they can be reached at 615-771-9200.

There are approximately 36 million aging adults in America today. For those adults who may need assistance with Activities of Daily Living, or ADLs, many options are available. Of course, retirement communities, assisted living facilities and nursing homes are some options, but with seniors wanting to stay home as long as possible, non-medical in-home care is an affordable alternative. Services are generally available from a few hours each week to 24 hours 7 days per week.

One aspect of in-home care companies to help in decision-making is "Personal Support Services", or Personal Care. The State of Tennessee, recognizing the increasing need for these services, has implemented new licensure for Personal Support Services beginning in 2004; however, it is not mandatory. Personal Care services include bathing, feeding, toileting, incontinence care, transferring and positioning, oral hygiene, and medication reminders. In addition to these services, most in-home care agencies offer light housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry, errand services, incidental transportation, etc.

PSSA's, or Personal Support Services Agencies, are regulated by the State of Tennessee's Department of Mental Health. All PSSA's must closely monitor and evaluate their caregivers, both in and out of a client residence. Caregivers are required to undergo additional specialized training and must pass written exams. Caregivers are also subject to extensive background checks, including the National Abuse Registry. PSSA's are HIPAA compliant. At any given time, the State of Tennessee may do a survey, much like an audit, of a PSSA. They will be checking to make sure an agency is fully compliant with all rules and regulations, such as infection control, and will be checking files to make sure proper paperwork is recorded. The state will also visit, unannounced, a client's home and survey the caregiver.

What does this PSSA License mean to you? It means that the State of Tennessee is monitoring an agency on your behalf. It means you are getting the most enhanced care available for yourself or for a loved one. It means the agency cared enough to go the extra mile and provide extra benefits. Remember- the PSSA license is recommended, but not required. During your consultation, ask if the agency has a PSSA license and what additional services does this provide.