Personal Assistance that helps your loved one do more for themselves
Hands-on, non-medical support with daily living, at home and in the community, for children and adults with developmental disabilities across Orange County. Available to RCOC clients and CalOptima Health members.
Support built around your loved one's day
Personal assistance pairs your loved one with a trained caregiver who helps with the everyday tasks that are hard to manage alone, from getting ready in the morning to running errands in the afternoon.
The goal is more than getting things done. Our caregivers follow the goals in your loved one's plan and encourage them to build skills and confidence, so they can live as independently as possible.
Non-medical care
Personal assistance is hands-on, non-medical support. Our caregivers don't administer medication or perform medical or nursing tasks. Every caregiver is background-checked and CPR-certified.
How a personal assistant can help
Every plan is different. Here's what personal assistance commonly includes.
Personal care
Help with dressing, grooming, bathing, toileting and hygiene, always with dignity and respect for privacy.
Daily routines
Support with morning and bedtime routines, transitions between activities and following a predictable schedule.
Meals
Help planning and preparing simple meals and snacks, and support at mealtimes when needed.
Around the home
Light tidying, laundry and keeping personal spaces organized, focused on the person we support.
Out in the community
Errands, outings and community activities, with support to participate safely and confidently.
Building independence
Practicing everyday skills step by step, following the goals in your loved one's plan, so they can do more on their own.
Which one does your family need?
Both bring a caregiver into your home, but they serve different purposes. Many families use both.
| Topic | Respite care | Personal assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Gives the family caregiver a break | Supports the person's own daily living and independence |
| What it looks like | A caregiver keeps your loved one safe, engaged and cared for while you rest or run errands | A caregiver helps your loved one with personal care, routines and community activities, and works on everyday skills |
| Who it's centered on | The family and primary caregiver | The person receiving support |
| How to get it | Authorized by RCOC or CalOptima Health | Authorized by RCOC or CalOptima Health |
Who qualifies and how it's paid for
Personal assistance is authorized through the programs your loved one is already part of. We'll help you understand the next step.
RCOC clients
If your loved one is a client of the Regional Center of Orange County, personal assistance can be part of their Individual Program Plan (IPP) when the regional center determines it meets their needs.
Ask your service coordinator whether personal assistance is right for your family. Once it's authorized, you can choose Abbi Care as your provider.
CalOptima Health members
Abbi Care also serves CalOptima Health members. In-home support may be available through your health plan when you meet its eligibility requirements.
Ask your CalOptima Health care manager, or call us and we'll walk you through your options.
Eligibility, hours and any costs are set by RCOC or CalOptima Health, not by Abbi Care. Your service coordinator or care manager can explain what applies to your family.
How to get started
Talk to your coordinator
Ask your RCOC service coordinator or CalOptima Health care manager about personal assistance.
Send us a referral
You or your coordinator can submit a referral online or call us.
Meet your caregiver
We match your loved one with a caregiver who fits, or onboard someone you already trust.
Support begins
Your caregiver starts on a schedule that works for your family, and we stay in touch.
Questions families ask
Can my loved one have both respite care and personal assistance?
Does personal assistance happen only at home?
Can we bring a caregiver we already know?
Is personal assistance medical care?
Ready to talk about personal assistance?
Families and coordinators can send a referral in about two minutes.
Submit a Referral