While seniors continue to live longer, the role of the home health aide grows in importance. It is important the home health aide duties are clearly defined in order to avoid confusion for the worker and the patient.
Helping with Activities of Daily Living
The home health aide (HHA) helps with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as dressing oneself or cooking. Without this help, the patient may not be allowed to stay in his home.
Time Frame
Home health aide duties are usually different from the duties of a sitter, who does non-essential tasks like playing a card game with the patient. HHAs complete their duties in the patient home in 1 to 2 hours.
Features
Duties include light housekeeping like cleaning the patient's immediate living area. They can also bathe the patient and perform grooming.
Theories/Speculation
Home health aide training will grow in demand in the next two decades. Demand will be high for those willing to perform this vital service.
Geography
In some states like New York, home health aides have joined labor unions for health care workers in order to maintain a minimum living wage.
Tags: health aide, health aide duties, home health, home health, home health aide