Home Health Aide

Position Overview

The home health aide is a paraprofessional member of the home care team who works under the supervision of a registered nurse or therapist and performs various personal care services as necessary to meet the patient’s needs. The home health aide is responsible for observing patients, reporting these observations and documenting observations and care performed.

Essential Job Functions

• Baths
• Back rubs
• Oral hygiene
• Shampoos
• Changing bed linen
• Aiding patients with dressing and undressing
• Skin care to prevent breakdown
• Aiding patients with toileting activities
• Keeping patient’s living area clean and orderly, as appropriate
• Planning and preparing nutritious meals
• Aiding in feeding the patient, if necessary
• Taking and recording oral, rectal and axillary temperatures, pulse, respiration and blood pressure when ordered (with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency)
• Ambulating and exercising the patient according to the plan of care
• Performing range of motion and other simple procedures as an extensional therapy service as ordered (with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency)
• Aiding patient in the self-administration of medication
• Doing patient’s laundry, as appropriate
• Meting safety needs of patients and using equipment safely and properly (foot stools, side rails, etc.)
• Reporting on patient’s condition and significant changes to the assigned nurse
• Adhering to the Organization's documentation and care procedures and standards of personal and professional conduct

Basic Qualifications

• Mets the training requirements in accordance with State and Federal laws
• At least 18 years of age
• Ability to read and follow written instructions and document care given
• Self-directing with the ability to work with little direct supervision
• Empathy for the needs of the ill, injured, frail and the impaired
• Current CPR certification
• Demonstrates tact, patience, and good personal hygiene
• Licensed driver with automobile that is insured in accordance with Organization requirements and is in good working order

Physical Requirements

• Standing, sitting and walking a majority of the time
• Occasions when kneeling, stooping, bending or reaching may be necessary
• The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 10 lbs on a regular basis
• There may be occasions in which the employee must be able to lift or move up to 40 lbs
• Closing vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus