Home Health Aide Job Description

A home health aide helps people who cannot do things for themselves to live in their own homes.

A home health aide is someone who helps people with disabilities or the elderly live independently in their own homes. Some work under the supervision of a physician and are provided by hospitals, nursing homes, home healthcare agencies, or state vocational rehabilitation programs to help people recover from surgery or illness. Other home health aides provide companionship for those living alone.

Home health aides usually work part-time, and make sure their clients are healthy and safe. Home health aides help with basic tasks such as bathing, grooming, dressing, cooking and administering medication. They also provide companionship activities like reading or games to stimulate brain activity. A home health aide reports any changes in the client's condition to a physician, psychiatrist or registered nurse.

Home health aides work with the client on promoting healthy activities that promote independence and improved well-being such as walking programs to improve circulation, diet program including grocery shopping, meal preparation and exercise for people who are recovering from surgery or illness. Other tasks may include restocking supplies, cleaning home of debris and other environmental hazards.

Home health aides can work alone with a client or in a team situation.

Home health aides can travel to their clients homes and care for them there. They may also make visits to the home of the client's physician, physical therapist, dentist or psychiatric services provider as needed. In some cases a home health aide may provide care at the client's home and then transport the client to a medical facility for visits.

Home health aides work in different settings such as assisted living facilities, nursing homes, private homes and even hospitals. They are often supervised by nurses or physical therapists who make sure that their clients are doing well and eating properly. Home health aides must follow a treatment plan provided by a physician or health care provider.

Statistics on Home Health Aides

People turning 65 today have an almost 70 percent chance of needing some type of elder care services or support in their remaining years, according to the federal Department of Health and Human Services. (aarp.org)
The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of home health aides (HHAs) and personal care aides will rise from about 3.3 million in 2018 to 4.4 million in 2028 a 36 percent increase, much faster than the average across all occupations. (aarp.org)
The median wage for a home health aide in 2018 was $11.57 an hour, or about $24,060 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. (aarp.org)
Overall employment of home health and personal care aides is projected to grow 34 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. (bls.gov)
The largest employers of home health and personal care aides were as follows: Individual and family services 44% Home healthcare services 25% (bls.gov)
The lowest 10 percent earned less than $20,130, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $36,990. (bls.gov)

Articles On Home Health Aides

Home Health Aides: Professional Caregiving Help at Home

Does your loved one need in-home personal care? Learn what skils and traits to look for in a home health aide and tips for finding the right one. (aarp.org)

Home Health and Personal Care Aides: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Home health and personal care aides monitor the condition of people with disabilities or chronic illnesses and help them with daily living activities. (bls.gov)

Home Health Aides (onetonline.org)

Home Health Aide (hosa.org)

Home Health Aide Job Description: Salary, Skills, & More

Home health aides provide services to clients who want to stay in their own home. Learn about job duties, training, earnings, and job outlook. (thebalancecareers.com)

Patients need them. But there’s a shortage of low-paid home health aides in N.J.

One cancer survivor says if it weren't for her aides, she'd have to give up her daughter. But a combination of low wages and coronavirus-related risks has led to a shortage of aides. (nj.com)

1,249 Home Health Aide Jobs with great benefits near Philadelphia, PA

1,249 Home Health Aide jobs available in Philadelphia, PA on Indeed.com. Apply to Home Health Aide, Personal Care Assistant, Nursing Assistant and more!1,249 Home Health Aide jobs available in Philadelphia, PA on Indeed.com. Apply to Home Health Aide, Personal Care Assistant, Nursing Assistant and m... (indeed.com)

Understanding Medicare Coverage for Home Health Aides

Medicare may cover some services provided by home health aides but only under specific circumstances. We explore home health services and Medicare. (healthline.com)

Resources for Home Care Aides (cdss.ca.gov)

Home Care Aide

Information on licenses, renewals, scope of practice, fees, rules and regulations for home care aides. (doh.wa.gov)

Home Care Assistant/Aide

Home care aides help care for physically or mentally ill, injured, disabled or infirm people confined to home or living in residential care facilities. (explorehealthcareers.org)