Are you interested in becoming a home health aide? Looking for home care for a loved one? Or just curious about this increasingly prominent profession?
If you’re wondering what home health aides are and what they do, here are some of the basics.
Home health aides are trained caregivers that employ a number of skills to provide care to those in need of assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs) through the guidance of a care plan.
Activities of Daily Living
ADLs are tasks and activities that many people can execute on their own. However, certain ailments, like chronic conditions, disabilities, or aging, may prevent adults from being able to perform some or all of these tasks independently. Those who cannot perform these crucial functions alone may need help, often from a family member or caregiver.
The six basic ADLs are: eating, bathing, dressing, transferring, toileting, and continence. Home health aides are specially educated to assist with ADLs, as well as administering care for minor cuts and scrapes, accompanying clients to doctor’s appointments, offering companionship, and a number of other invaluable services.
Care Plan
Since every person is unique, so too are their care needs. It takes a personal understanding of the client to determine what sort of care will best suit their way of life. Thus, home health aides are trained to understand and follow a care plan, a detailed outline designed to cater to the client’s individual needs.
A home health aide must also be able to accurately report all completed tasks. Diligence in reporting allows family members, guardians, and care teams to track the client’s condition and make any applicable updates to the care plan.
Skills
A home health aide utilizes a number of skills to excel in their position. Aside from the technical and hands-on training, they must also possess soft skills like interpersonal communication and time management, physical stamina, and attention to detail. Much like any other profession, longevity and success are dependent on passion. This often requires a natural sense of empathy and a genuine desire to help others.
To Learn More
According to U.S. News, Home Health Aide ranks as #1 of the best jobs that do not require a college degree. To read more about top jobs in U.S. News, click here.
Start here to learn more about becoming a home health aide, personal care aide, or certified nursing assistant with Family Resource Home Care.
