Home Health Aide


Home Health Aide

Alt Names:  HHA, Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA), Personal Care Aide, Direct Support Professional

Career Description

Home Health Aides assist people who have disabilities that require constant care and assistance. Ailments mostly associated with the need of having HHS’s are: those with mobile disabilities, those with mental disabilities, and those who are cognitively impaired.

Job Responsibilities

  • Provide transportation assistance to patients (moving in and out of bed, going places outside of the home)

  • Administer prescribed medication

  • Care for adults or children who are disabled or ill

  • Plan, purchase, and prepare meals for patients as directed by their healthcare practitioner

  • Apply preparation and treatments prior to massaging joints

  • Record patients information

  • Light housekeeping

Education & Training

Entry Level: High school or equivalent

Important Courses & Info: 

On-The-Job training provided by employees agency

License and/or Certification

  • HHA Certification certified by the National Association for Home Care & Hospice **This certification is not always needed and requirement varies by state**

Salary

Median: $20,668 [Source: Payscale.com] 

Valuable Skills and Qualities

This occupation is good for people who are

  • Empathetic

  • Self motivated

  • Quick learners

  • Interested in starting a career in the nursing field but only have a high school/GED certificate

  • Vocational learners

Work Environment/ Setting

Clients home, large care communities, small group homes, residential mental health facilities, Nursing Care facilities

Similar Careers

  • Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA)

  • Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants

  • Childcare Workers

  • Social and Human Service Assistants