Personal Care Assistance (PCA) Assessments and ICBC: Getting the Support You Need after a Motor-Vehicle Accident
Car accident injuries can make even simple, daily activities difficult. You may need help with housekeeping, meal preparation or personal tasks like bathing or getting dressed. Under ICBC’s Enhanced Care you may be eligible for a personal care assistance (PCA) benefit. A Personal Care Assistance (PCA) assessment helps ICBC determine your needs and eligibility for personal care assistance. The PCA assessment and report helps you get the right level of support for recovery and independence.
What is a PCA Assessment?
A Personal Care Assistance (PCA) assessment is conducted by a qualified Occupational Therapist to looks at a person’s functional abilities and identifies any limitations with daily tasks due to accident-related injuries. The results of the assessment help ICBC decide if they will fund personal care services.
Importance of a PCA
For individuals recovering from injuries, a PCA assessment is often the only way to access the support they need. Without it, many people struggle with essential daily activities, slowing their recovery and impacting their quality of life. The assessment helps you get the right level of additional support, whether from professional caregiver assistants or from compensated family members.
Occupational Therapists Conduct PCAs
Occupational therapists (OTs) have the needed experience and training to assess a person’s ability to perform daily activities. Through a PCA assessment, an OT looks at accident-related limitations and makes recommendations for the level and type of care required. The OT gathers information through an in-home visit, documenting the results in the PCA Assessment Report and Scoring Sheet, which are then submitted to ICBC for review and benefit determination.
The PCA Assessment Process with an OT
What Happens During the Assessment?
The OT will do the PCA assessment in the client’s home to assess their ability to manage daily tasks. The occupational therapist will:
- Review medical history and current challenges.
- Observe how the injury affects self-care, mobility, and household activities.
- Identify specific areas where you need help.
- Discuss potential solutions and support options.
The PCA Report
Following the assessment, the OT provides a detailed report to ICBC outlining:
- The extent of the individual’s functional limitations.
- The recommended type and duration of personal care assistance.
- Suggestions for professional caregiving services or compensation for family caregivers.
ICBC uses this report to determine what level of support they will approve for funding.
How to Get a PCA Assessment
ICBC May Fund This Assessment
If you require assistance with daily tasks due to accident-related injuries, ICBC may cover the cost of a PCA assessment. However, ICBC must approve funding before you start working with an OT and make a determination of benefit before authorizing any personal care assistance.
Steps to Get Approval
- Contact Your ICBC Adjuster – Explain your difficulties with daily tasks and request a PCA assessment by an occupational therapist.
- Get a Referral – Your doctor, physiotherapist, or other healthcare provider may recommend an PCA assessment to support your request.
- Complete a PCA Assessment with an Occupational Therapist – Once approved, an OT will conduct the assessment and submit their findings to ICBC.
Get Started Today
If you or a loved one are struggling with daily activities after a car accident, a PCA assessment can help secure the support you need. At OT Works! our experienced occupational therapists provide thorough evaluations to help you receive the right level of care and support for your recovery.
Contact us today to start your recovery journey.
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Vancouver: 604.696.1066
Victoria: 250.999.8896