Direct care workers help disabled and chronically ill people.
Direct care workers are employed in a range of health settings, including hospitals, nursing homes and long-term care facilities. They usually tend to the needs of patients suffering from chronic illnesses, such as cancer or kidney disease, or those with permanent disabilities. The duties performed by a direct care worker -- and the skills they are required to have -- vary considerably, depending on the specific post he holds.
Home Health Aides
Home care aides are usually employed in the homes of patients who are unable to complete basic daily tasks due to chronic illness or severe disability. Duties of direct care workers in this area include helping patients wash, dress, eat and get from room to another. Home care aides also assist with managing issues such as grocery shopping, bill payments and changing bed linens. Home health aides usually work under the supervision of a therapist or qualified nurse.
Direct Support Professionals
Direct support professionals, or DSPs, work with people with mental disabilities or mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety. The role of DSPs is to train patients in the core skills required to independently run their daily lives. Typical tasks of a DSP include helping patients find a job and mentally preparing them for attending interviews, as well as helping them budget and manage household expenses.
Nursing Aides
Nursing aides, also known as certified nursing assistants or CNAs, are usually employed to care for elderly and chronically ill people in nursing homes. Some CNAs also work in assisted living facilities and in hospitals. CNAs assist patients with a range of daily tasks, including toileting, eating, grooming and bathing. Nursing aides are also permitted to carry out basic medical assessments, such as taking blood pressure levels and physical motion exercises.
Personal Care Aides
Personal care aides, also known as personal care attendants, are usually employed by private health care companies. They help patients with general activities in daily living, including general housekeeping, preparing meals and managing medication regimens. Personal care aides also help patients keep active in their communities by taking them on shopping trips or local excursions. Personal care aides usually work under the guidance of plans drawn up by a social worker or health practitioner.
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