Job Summary:

The Home Health Aid will provide routine individualized health care such as changing bandages and dressing wounds, and applying topical medications to the elderly, convalescents, or persons with disabilities at the patients home or in a care facility. The Home Health Aid will also monitor and report changes in health status and may also provide personal care such as bathing, dressing, and grooming of patients.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Cares for patients by changing bed linens, washing and ironing laundry, cleaning, bathing, or assisting with personal care. Provides patients with help moving into and out of beds, baths, wheelchairs, or automobiles and with dressing and grooming.
• Maintains records of patient care, conditions, progress, or problems to report and discusses observations with supervisor or case manager.
• Entertains, converses with, or reads aloud to patients to keep them mentally healthy and alert.
• Plans, purchases, prepares, or serves meals to patients or other family members according to prescribed diets.
• Checks patients pulse, temperature, and respiration. Administers prescribed oral medications as prescribed by physician or as directed by home care nurse or aide, and ensures patients take their medicines.
• Provides patients and families with emotional support and instruction in areas such as caring for infants, preparing healthy meals, living independently, or adapting to disability or illness.
• Massages patients or applies preparations or treatments such as liniment, alcohol rubs, or heat-lamp stimulation. Directs patients in simple prescribed exercises or in the use of braces or artificial limbs.
• Cares for children who are disabled or who have sick or disabled parents.
• Accompanies clients to doctors offices or on other trips outside the home, providing transportation, assistance, and companionship.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong customer service orientation.
• Comfortable in an environment in which patients/clients cannot perform basic life duties.
• Understanding of basic concepts of personal care, housekeeping and other care areas.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• One to two years of related experience required.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of standing, leaning, walking, bending, and lifting.
• Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds at times.