Home health aide

Home health aide is a type of healthcare professional who provides basic personal care and healthcare services to patients at their homes. This profession is a part of the broader field of home healthcare, which includes a wide range of healthcare services provided in the home setting. Home health aides work under the supervision of a registered nurse or a medical doctor.

Duties and Responsibilities

Home health aides are responsible for providing basic care to patients, including bathing, dressing, and grooming. They also assist with tasks such as meal preparation, medication reminders, and light housekeeping. In addition, home health aides may provide companionship to patients, helping to alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Training and Certification

In the United States, training requirements for home health aides vary by state. However, most states require home health aides to complete a formal training program and pass a competency exam. Upon successful completion of these requirements, individuals can become certified home health aides (CHHA).

Employment and Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for home health aides was $25,280 in May 2019. Employment of home health aides is projected to grow 34 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

See Also

• Personal care assistant
• Nursing assistant
• Home care