Everything you need to know about hiring a family member as your
professional caregiver
Unlike traditional home care agencies that send strangers into your
home, Avello Home Care specializes in hiring and training YOUR chosen
family member or friend as a professional caregiver. We handle all the
legal, compliance, and training requirements so you can receive care
from someone you already know and trust.
Absolutely! That's the core of our model. You tell us who you want as
your caregiver—whether it's an adult child, sibling, other relative,
or trusted friend. We then handle all the requirements to hire them
legally as a professional PCA through our agency.
That's perfectly fine! We provide comprehensive PCA certification
training that covers all essential caregiving skills, safety
protocols, documentation, and best practices. Your family member will
be fully prepared to provide professional-quality care.
Your family caregiver becomes an official employee of Avello Home Care
and is paid through our agency using Medicaid-funded PCA services. We
handle all payroll, taxes, and employment paperwork—your caregiver
simply receives regular paychecks.
Our family caregiver program is designed for individuals who qualify
for Medicaid-funded PCA services in Maine. During your initial
consultation, we'll help you understand eligibility requirements and
determine if you qualify for this program.
We conduct comprehensive background checks including criminal history
checks, state registry verification, and reference checks. This
ensures your family caregiver meets all state requirements to work as
a professional PCA. Most background checks are completed within 1-2
weeks.
From initial application to your family caregiver beginning work, the
process typically takes 3-6 weeks. This includes background checks, HR
enrollment, PCA training, and all required documentation. We work as
quickly as possible while ensuring all requirements are properly met.
We provide continuous support including regular check-ins, care plan
updates, caregiver coaching, problem-solving assistance, additional
training as needed, and a 24/7 support line. You're never alone in
this journey—our team is here to help whenever you need us.
Your chosen caregiver must be at least 18 years old, able to pass a
criminal background check, willing to complete PCA certification
training, and committed to providing consistent care. No prior
caregiving experience is necessary—we provide all the training they
need.
We serve Portland and surrounding communities throughout Maine. If
you're unsure whether we cover your area, please contact us directly
and we'll be happy to confirm service availability in your location.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help! Contact us today and we'll be happy to answer any
questions about our family caregiver program.