Health Career: Home Health Aide
Who are home health aides and what do they do?
Home health aides provide personal care in the home to people who are elderly, handicapped or recovering from an illness or injury. They help their patients with everyday activities like getting out of bed, bathing, dressing, exercising and grooming. They may also give some medications, help with housekeeping and prepare meals. They also provide emotional support to their patients. They work with social workers, nurses, physicians, patients' family members and the patient in determining the appropriate care for the patient.
How do home health aides typically spend their workday?
As a home health aide, you will visit patients' homes to provide them with the care they need. You may only work with one patient and visit his or her home on a daily basis, or you may work with many different clients, each job lasting a few hours, days or weeks. On an average day, you may perform such duties as helping a patient out of bed; leading him or her through an exercise routine, administering medicine, providing support to the patient's family members; and accompanying the patient outside of the home. You will also keep regular records of your patients' health status and progress.
What does it take to be a good home health aide?
If you are a sympathetic, caring person who likes to help all kinds of people and you believe in the value of personal treatment, you should consider being a home health aide. You should be physically strong, a good listener and communicator and someone who can easily take orders from a supervisor.
What are some health-related jobs that are similar to that of a home health aide?
Licensed practical nurse, occupational therapy aide, physical therapy aide.
Related links and helpful information:
- U.S. Department of Labor – Home Health Aide Job Outlook
- DOL – Training Requirements
- National Association for Home Care and Hospice
