What Courses and Training Are Required to Be a Home Health Aide?
Though not necessarily required to work in the field, a home health aide training program can qualify professionals for certification on the state and federal level and provide the instruction necessary for gaining vital skills. This article lists some of the required classes in a home health aide program and discusses the job responsibilities one will encounter upon entering the field.
Career Overview
Home health aides care for elderly, disabled, or recuperative patients, either in individual homes or in extended care facilities, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, www.bls.gov). Some home health aides work independently, while others are employed by home health agencies. Certification requirements vary by state, though individuals working for patients who receive Medicare reimbursement must meet certain federal guidelines.
Home health aides who work for agencies are typically supervised by registered nurses and must keep a record of tasks performed, as well as the condition of patients. Some examples of jobs typically assigned to home health aides include helping patients get in and out of bed, bathing, and performing basic physical therapy exercises. In addition to assisting patients with day-to-day activities and personal care routines, home health aides provide moral and emotional support. Other possible duties include the following:
- Administering medication
- Recording patients' vital signs
- Giving massages
- Changing dressings
- Assisting patients with braces