Below is a basic list of the duties of a Home Health Aide
Assist with personal care i.e. bathing, dressing, grooming and hygiene, companionship and medication reminders. No hands on care can be permitted with a caregiver. PCA’s and HHA’s Only
Linen Change and laundry including sheets, towels and clothing
Meal preparation including special diets followed by dishes and kitchen clean up.
Grocery shopping, pharmacy pick up and other errands Such as Transportation or accompaniment to the bank, salon, religious services, airport, medical and other appointments.
Maintenance of an already clean home including vacuuming, dusting, mopping, counter tops, sweeping house, patio, bathroom, kitchen care, and taking out the garbage.
Provides a supportive environment and ongoing reality orientation to confused patients using appropriate interpersonal behavioral techniques.
Feed pets and water plants.
Special projects at the client’s direction such as cleaning closets.
Maintain Calendar and organize mail.
Engage in activities such as board games and memory books and reading.
Record daily notes and report any change in patient’s mental and physical condition or situation to the nurse.
Preparing and serving normal diets. Assisting patient with eating monitors intake.
Assisting with care of teeth and mouth. (Standby)
Assistance with exercise programs and range of motion as directed by a medical professional.
Assisting patient with self-administered, oral medications that have been ordered by the Doctor.
Use of special equipment i.e. Hoyer lift
Assisting patient on and off bedpan, commode and toilet.
Assistance with exercises programs and range of motion as directed by a medical professional.
Administer special skin care as directed.
Collect stool, sputum and urine specimens using appropriate techniques.
Reinforce dressing and change simple non-sterile dressing.**
Assist with the use of devices geared to disability to aid in daily living.**
Assist patient with prescribed exercises which the Home Health Aide has been taught by the appropriate professional personnel. **
Apply prescribed ice cap or ice collar. **
Take and record Temperature, pulse and respiration as directed.
Measure and record intake and output.
Reinforce sterile dressing.
Empty Urinary or Ostomy Bag, and changes to a Colostomy bag.
Cleanse Catheter Insertion Site.
Assisting patient in transferring from bed to chair, to wheelchair and in walking with or without devices.
Benefits of hiring a Home Health Aide (HHA) through a
Senior Home Care Agency
- Professional and experienced caregivers: Home health care agencies hire professional and experienced caregivers who are trained to provide high-quality care to clients. HHAs are required to undergo background checks, training, and certification before they can work for a home health care agency, which provides families with peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are in good hands.
- Personalized care: Home health care agencies work with families to create customized care plans that meet the unique needs and preferences of each individual client. HHAs can provide a range of services, including medication management, assistance with activities of daily living, and companionship.
- Flexibility: Home health care agencies can provide care on a flexible schedule, allowing families to choose the amount of care that best meets their needs. HHAs can provide care on a part-time or full-time basis, depending on the needs of the client.
- Safety and security: Home health care agencies can provide safety and security for clients who are living alone or may have mobility or health issues. HHAs can assist with mobility, fall prevention, and can be there in case of an emergency.
- Peace of mind: Hiring a Home Health Aide through a home health care agency can provide peace of mind for families who want to ensure that their loved ones are receiving the best possible care in a safe and supportive environment.
- Professional supervision: Home health care agencies provide professional supervision for their HHAs. This ensures that the caregivers are providing high-quality care and can provide families with updates on the care being provided.
- Family support: Home health care agencies can provide support to families who are struggling to care for their loved ones. HHAs can provide respite care, allowing family members to take a break and recharge.
Overall, hiring a Home Health Aide through a home health care agency can provide many benefits and can help improve the quality of life for seniors and their families.
*Please Note: Light housekeeping, as part of a home care service, is offered and restricted to the client and those areas used by the client. Typically that means the kitchen, living room, bedroom and bathroom where the client occupies or has used. We should not be confused as a housekeeping service, only that light housekeeping is only one part of an overall care service provided to an elderly or disabled adult to make their lives safer and more pleasant. Additionally, New York state regulations require that caregivers spend 80% of their time in direct interaction with the person they are caring for, and 20% devoted to light housekeeping duties in those surrounding areas.