What does a Certified Home Health Aide do?
Published 3 min read
A certified home health aide is a trained professional who provides in-home care services to individuals who are unable to care for themselves. Home health aides help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They also provide light housekeeping and transportation services.
Certified Home Health Aide job duties include:
- Administering medications as prescribed by the physician
- Assisting with ambulation and exercise
- Assisting with personal care such as bathing, dressing, grooming, etc.
- Checking vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, respiration, etc.
- Providing emotional support and companionship
- Helping with light housekeeping tasks and errands
- Preparing meals and assisting with feeding
- Providing transportation to doctor’s appointments and other outings
- Monitoring the patient’s condition and reporting changes to the supervisor
Certified Home Health Aide Job Requirements
A certified home health aide (HHA) is a person who has completed a training program and has been certified by the state in which they practice. HHAs typically provide personal care and light housekeeping services to people who are unable to care for themselves. Most states require HHAs to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some states also require HHAs to complete a criminal background check.
Certified Home Health Aide Skills
- Providing personal care
- Grooming
- Toileting
- Light housekeeping
- Laundry
- Meal preparation
- Feeding
- Medication reminders
- Transferring and ambulation
- Exercises
- Vital signs
- Documentation
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How to become a Certified Home Health Aide
There are a few steps you must take to become a certified home health aide. The first is to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Next, you must complete an accredited home health aide training program. Once you have completed the training program, you must pass a competency exam. After passing the exam, you will be placed on the state registry and will be able to work as a certified home health aide.
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