Licensed Health Aide
(LHA) Program in Arizona

Making family-provided care more sustainable.

Arizona's Licensed Health Aide program allows parents and family members to become trained, paid caregivers for children under 21 with developmental disabilities. We manage the full process, from training through employment, so you can focus on care.

What Is the Licensed Health Aide Program?

What Is the Licensed Health Aide Program?

The Licensed Health Aide (LHA) is an Arizona-specific credential that allows a parent or qualifying family member to provide approved in-home care for a child enrolled in DDD services. Unlike a standard caregiver role, an LHA can perform certain health-related tasks that would otherwise require a certified professional.

Eligible clients are first qualified under Private Duty Nursing (PDN) services through DDD. Once qualified, parents can elect to serve as their child's licensed caregiver through our LHA training program rather than receiving care from an outside provider. The LHA credential is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing, and the full process is administered through DDD.

Little girl in a wheel chair.
A young girl in a brown dress and pink glasses uses a walker.

Who Is Eligible?

Who Is Eligible?

The LHA program is for families of children under 21 who are enrolled in DDD services and authorized to receive in-home care. Eligibility generally requires that:

  • Your child is a DDD member with an active service plan that includes in-home care hours

  • Your child's care needs include health-related tasks within the LHA scope of practice

  • The applying family member is an adult (parent, legal guardian, or qualifying relative) who can complete the required training

Not sure whether your child qualifies? Our team can help you review your situation and determine the right pathway. In some cases, children with significant medical needs may qualify under ALTCS rather than DDD. Visit our Little Heroes First page for an overview of both pathways.

What Can a Licensed Health Aide Do?

What Can a Licensed Health Aide Do?

Once credentialed, an LHA is authorized to provide a range of daily living and health-related support, including but not limited to:

Once credentialed, an LHA is authorized to provide a range of daily living and health-related support, including but not limited to:

Daily Living Support

Daily Living Support

Bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, incontinence care, and meal preparation.

Mobility and Physical Support

Mobility and Physical Support

Transfers, positioning, range of motion exercises, and application of orthotics such as AFOs.

Health-Related Care

Health-Related Care

G-tube feeding and care, tracheostomy care, oral care and feeding, medication preparation and administration, and other tasks as authorized in your child's care plan.

The specific tasks you are authorized to perform will be determined by your child's DDD service plan and supervising physician

The specific tasks you are authorized to perform will be determined by your child's DDD service plan and supervising physician

Training and Certification Process

Training and Certification Process

Total Care Connections provides all required LHA training at no cost to the family. The program includes a self-paced training course approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing, a combination of virtual coursework and in-person skills evaluation, a written exam and skills competency demonstration, and orientation and onboarding as a Total Care Connections employee upon completion.

The training is designed to be manageable for parents who are already providing daily care. Our team works with you to schedule around your family's needs and ensure you have the support to complete each step.

A woman and a boy sitting on the floor of a room with wood paneling, the woman holding a small blue object.

What the Program Provides

We cover all state-mandated credentialing requirements at no cost, including:

First Aid and CPR certification
Fingerprint Clearance Card
Background screening and drug screen
Direct Care Worker training
LHA-specific training and certification

How It Works

1

Initial Review

We learn about your child's DDD enrollment, authorized services, and care needs to confirm the LHA pathway is the right fit.

1

Initial Review

We learn about your child's DDD enrollment, authorized services, and care needs to confirm the LHA pathway is the right fit.

2

Training

You complete the approved LHA training program through Total Care Connections, working at your own pace with support from our team.

2

Training

You complete the approved LHA training program through Total Care Connections, working at your own pace with support from our team.

3

Certification and Credentialing

After passing the required exam and skills evaluation, we handle all remaining credentialing and onboarding steps.

3

Certification and Credentialing

After passing the required exam and skills evaluation, we handle all remaining credentialing and onboarding steps.

4

Employment Begins

We employ you as your child's Licensed Health Aide. You provide care based on your child's authorized plan, and we manage payroll, compliance, and documentation.

4

Employment Begins

We employ you as your child's Licensed Health Aide. You provide care based on your child's authorized plan, and we manage payroll, compliance, and documentation.

5

Ongoing Support

Our RN case management team provides direct supervision for every family in the program, including regular check-ins, in-home support, continuing education, and coordination with DDD and your child's care team to keep services stable over time.

5

Ongoing Support

Our RN case management team provides direct supervision for every family in the program, including regular check-ins, in-home support, continuing education, and coordination with DDD and your child's care team to keep services stable over time.

Woman and child on a bike path in a park. The woman stands beside a child on a bike, smiling and pointing. The child wears a green helmet and beige jacket.
Disable child in wheel chair being taken care of by his mother.

Why Families Choose This Program

Why Families Choose This Program

Parents of children with developmental disabilities are often already doing this work every day. The LHA program formalizes that care, compensates it, and makes sure it meets state standards.

Every family in the program is supervised by our RN case management team, with clinical oversight and hands-on support in the home. We handle training, credentialing, employment, and ongoing compliance. Our bilingual care managers are also available to guide Spanish-speaking families through the process.

For families caring for adults, visit our Family First page to learn about paid caregiver programs through ALTCS.

For families caring for adults, visit our Family First page to learn about paid caregiver programs through ALTCS.

For families caring for adults, visit our Family First page to learn about paid caregiver programs through ALTCS.

Let's talk about becoming your child's Licensed Health Aide

If your child is enrolled in DDD services or you believe they may qualify, our team can walk you through the program and help you determine the best next step.

Schedule a Free Assessment

Let's talk about becoming your child's Licensed Health Aide

If your child is enrolled in DDD services or you believe they may qualify, our team can walk you through the program and help you determine the best next step.

Schedule a Free Assessment

Let's talk about becoming your child's Licensed Health Aide

If your child is enrolled in DDD services or you believe they may qualify, our team can walk you through the program and help you determine the best next step.

Schedule a Free Assessment

Let's talk about becoming your child's Licensed Health Aide

If your child is enrolled in DDD services or you believe they may qualify, our team can walk you through the program and help you determine the best next step.

Schedule a Free Assessment

Let's talk about becoming your child's Licensed Health Aide

If your child is enrolled in DDD services or you believe they may qualify, our team can walk you through the program and help you determine the best next step.

Schedule a Free Assessment

Trusted by Families, Every Day

Care that puts
people first

"We could not carry out our family’s daily life without the support and confidence we have in the care our son receives."

Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care Connections

Tania Y., Mother of a Veteran |

Google

"After trying three other agencies with numerous problems, Total Care was the best decision we made"

Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care Connections

Leslie W., Family Member |

Google

"Her confidence in caregiving takes away my fears. Just her presence gives me strength."

Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care Connections

Donna L., Client |

Google

"The office staff is phenomenal, always flexible, and on top of my sister’s care."

Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care Connections

Laura G., Sister of Client |

Google

"We could not carry out our family’s daily life without the support and confidence we have in the care our son receives."

Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care Connections

Tania Y., Mother of a Veteran |

Google

"After trying three other agencies with numerous problems, Total Care was the best decision we made"

Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care Connections

Leslie W., Family Member |

Google

"Her confidence in caregiving takes away my fears. Just her presence gives me strength."

Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care Connections

Donna L., Client |

Google

"The office staff is phenomenal, always flexible, and on top of my sister’s care."

Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care Connections

Laura G., Sister of Client |

Google

"We could not carry out our family’s daily life without the support and confidence we have in the care our son receives."

Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care Connections

Tania Y., Mother of a Veteran |

Google

"After trying three other agencies with numerous problems, Total Care was the best decision we made"

Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care Connections

Leslie W., Family Member |

Google

"Her confidence in caregiving takes away my fears. Just her presence gives me strength."

Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care Connections

Donna L., Client |

Google

"The office staff is phenomenal, always flexible, and on top of my sister’s care."

Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care Connections

Laura G., Sister of Client |

Google

"We could not carry out our family’s daily life without the support and confidence we have in the care our son receives."

Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care Connections

Tania Y., Mother of a Veteran |

Google

"After trying three other agencies with numerous problems, Total Care was the best decision we made"

Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care Connections

Leslie W., Family Member |

Google

"Her confidence in caregiving takes away my fears. Just her presence gives me strength."

Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care Connections

Donna L., Client |

Google

"The office staff is phenomenal, always flexible, and on top of my sister’s care."

Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care Connections

Laura G., Sister of Client |

Google

"We could not carry out our family’s daily life without the support and confidence we have in the care our son receives."

Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care Connections

Tania Y., Mother of a Veteran |

Google

"After trying three other agencies with numerous problems, Total Care was the best decision we made"

Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care Connections

Leslie W., Family Member |

Google

"Her confidence in caregiving takes away my fears. Just her presence gives me strength."

Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care Connections

Donna L., Client |

Google

"The office staff is phenomenal, always flexible, and on top of my sister’s care."

Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care Connections

Laura G., Sister of Client |

Google

"We could not carry out our family’s daily life without the support and confidence we have in the care our son receives."

Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care Connections

Tania Y., Mother of a Veteran |

Google

"After trying three other agencies with numerous problems, Total Care was the best decision we made"

Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care Connections

Leslie W., Family Member |

Google

"Her confidence in caregiving takes away my fears. Just her presence gives me strength."

Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care Connections

Donna L., Client |

Google

"The office staff is phenomenal, always flexible, and on top of my sister’s care."

Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care ConnectionsLicensed Health Aide (LHA) Program in Arizona | Total Care Connections

Laura G., Sister of Client |

Google

The kinds of support we provide

From daily routines to specialized needs, care is shaped around what’s required at home.

Bathing
Toileting
Mobility
Nutrition
Exercise
Sundowning
Laundry
Meal Prep
Errands
Organizing
24-Hour Care
Evening Routine
Mail Help
G-Tube Care
Wound Care
Insulin
Adult Nursing
Training Provided
Bathing
Toileting
Mobility
Nutrition
Exercise
Sundowning
Laundry
Meal Prep
Errands
Organizing
24-Hour Care
Evening Routine
Mail Help
G-Tube Care
Wound Care
Insulin
Adult Nursing
Training Provided
Bathing
Toileting
Mobility
Nutrition
Exercise
Sundowning
Laundry
Meal Prep
Errands
Organizing
24-Hour Care
Evening Routine
Mail Help
G-Tube Care
Wound Care
Insulin
Adult Nursing
Training Provided
Bathing
Toileting
Mobility
Nutrition
Exercise
Sundowning
Laundry
Meal Prep
Errands
Organizing
24-Hour Care
Evening Routine
Mail Help
G-Tube Care
Wound Care
Insulin
Adult Nursing
Training Provided
Dressing
Incontinence
Transfers
Hydration
Fall Safety
UTI Prevention
Housekeeping
Grocery Runs
Companionship
Respite Care
Bedside Care
Calendar Help
Bill Reminders
Tracheostomy
Ostomy Care
Skilled Nursing
Care Planning
Case Manager Support
Dressing
Incontinence
Transfers
Hydration
Fall Safety
UTI Prevention
Housekeeping
Grocery Runs
Companionship
Respite Care
Bedside Care
Calendar Help
Bill Reminders
Tracheostomy
Ostomy Care
Skilled Nursing
Care Planning
Case Manager Support
Dressing
Incontinence
Transfers
Hydration
Fall Safety
UTI Prevention
Housekeeping
Grocery Runs
Companionship
Respite Care
Bedside Care
Calendar Help
Bill Reminders
Tracheostomy
Ostomy Care
Skilled Nursing
Care Planning
Case Manager Support
Dressing
Incontinence
Transfers
Hydration
Fall Safety
UTI Prevention
Housekeeping
Grocery Runs
Companionship
Respite Care
Bedside Care
Calendar Help
Bill Reminders
Tracheostomy
Ostomy Care
Skilled Nursing
Care Planning
Case Manager Support
Grooming
Hygiene
Feeding
Medication
Dementia
Independence
Cooking
Transportation
Hobbies
Live-In Care
Morning Routine
Therapy Reminders
Vital Signs
Ventilator
Catheter Care
Pediatric Care
RN Oversight
Grooming
Hygiene
Feeding
Medication
Dementia
Independence
Cooking
Transportation
Hobbies
Live-In Care
Morning Routine
Therapy Reminders
Vital Signs
Ventilator
Catheter Care
Pediatric Care
RN Oversight
Grooming
Hygiene
Feeding
Medication
Dementia
Independence
Cooking
Transportation
Hobbies
Live-In Care
Morning Routine
Therapy Reminders
Vital Signs
Ventilator
Catheter Care
Pediatric Care
RN Oversight
Grooming
Hygiene
Feeding
Medication
Dementia
Independence
Cooking
Transportation
Hobbies
Live-In Care
Morning Routine
Therapy Reminders
Vital Signs
Ventilator
Catheter Care
Pediatric Care
RN Oversight
Bathing
Toileting
Mobility
Nutrition
Exercise
Sundowning
Laundry
Meal Prep
Errands
Organizing
24-Hour Care
Evening Routine
Mail Help
G-Tube Care
Wound Care
Insulin
Adult Nursing
Training Provided
Bathing
Toileting
Mobility
Nutrition
Exercise
Sundowning
Laundry
Meal Prep
Errands
Organizing
24-Hour Care
Evening Routine
Mail Help
G-Tube Care
Wound Care
Insulin
Adult Nursing
Training Provided
Bathing
Toileting
Mobility
Nutrition
Exercise
Sundowning
Laundry
Meal Prep
Errands
Organizing
24-Hour Care
Evening Routine
Mail Help
G-Tube Care
Wound Care
Insulin
Adult Nursing
Training Provided
Bathing
Toileting
Mobility
Nutrition
Exercise
Sundowning
Laundry
Meal Prep
Errands
Organizing
24-Hour Care
Evening Routine
Mail Help
G-Tube Care
Wound Care
Insulin
Adult Nursing
Training Provided
Dressing
Incontinence
Transfers
Hydration
Fall Safety
UTI Prevention
Housekeeping
Grocery Runs
Companionship
Respite Care
Bedside Care
Calendar Help
Bill Reminders
Tracheostomy
Ostomy Care
Skilled Nursing
Care Planning
Case Manager Support
Dressing
Incontinence
Transfers
Hydration
Fall Safety
UTI Prevention
Housekeeping
Grocery Runs
Companionship
Respite Care
Bedside Care
Calendar Help
Bill Reminders
Tracheostomy
Ostomy Care
Skilled Nursing
Care Planning
Case Manager Support
Dressing
Incontinence
Transfers
Hydration
Fall Safety
UTI Prevention
Housekeeping
Grocery Runs
Companionship
Respite Care
Bedside Care
Calendar Help
Bill Reminders
Tracheostomy
Ostomy Care
Skilled Nursing
Care Planning
Case Manager Support
Dressing
Incontinence
Transfers
Hydration
Fall Safety
UTI Prevention
Housekeeping
Grocery Runs
Companionship
Respite Care
Bedside Care
Calendar Help
Bill Reminders
Tracheostomy
Ostomy Care
Skilled Nursing
Care Planning
Case Manager Support
Grooming
Hygiene
Feeding
Medication
Dementia
Independence
Cooking
Transportation
Hobbies
Live-In Care
Morning Routine
Therapy Reminders
Vital Signs
Ventilator
Catheter Care
Pediatric Care
RN Oversight
Grooming
Hygiene
Feeding
Medication
Dementia
Independence
Cooking
Transportation
Hobbies
Live-In Care
Morning Routine
Therapy Reminders
Vital Signs
Ventilator
Catheter Care
Pediatric Care
RN Oversight
Grooming
Hygiene
Feeding
Medication
Dementia
Independence
Cooking
Transportation
Hobbies
Live-In Care
Morning Routine
Therapy Reminders
Vital Signs
Ventilator
Catheter Care
Pediatric Care
RN Oversight
Grooming
Hygiene
Feeding
Medication
Dementia
Independence
Cooking
Transportation
Hobbies
Live-In Care
Morning Routine
Therapy Reminders
Vital Signs
Ventilator
Catheter Care
Pediatric Care
RN Oversight