JOB SUMMARY :
The home health aide provides personal care and related services in the home that are allowed to be performed under state law. She/he functions under the direction, instruction and supervision of the staff nurse and the Director of Patient Care Services and/or appropriate supervisor.
QUALIFICATIONS :
Prefer Completion of the 9th grade; prefer high school graduate or equivalent.
Ability to read and write in English, consistent with job requirements.
A reliable means of transportation to get to assigned patient visits.
Must have a criminal background check and current CPR certification.
Meets one of the following:
A home health aide training and competency evaluation program as specified by CMS in the CoP § 484.80 (b) and (c) respectively, OR
A competency evaluation program that meets CMS specifications, OR
A nurse aide training and competency evaluation program approved by the state as meeting the requirements of 42 CFR 483.151-154, OR
The requirements of a state licensure program that meets the provisions of CMS Home Health CoP § 484.80 (b) and (c).
RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :
Tasks to be performed by an HHA must be assigned by and performed under the supervision of an RN who will be responsible for the patient care provided by the HHA.
Duties of the HHA may include:
Assist with ADLS and iADLs as per the POC
Follow the POC for each patient and document the same
Help patients to maintain good personal hygiene
Assist in maintaining a healthful, safe environment
Plan/prepare nutritious meals. Markets when indicated on the POC
Assist patients with ambulation as per the POC
Assist with certain treatments as ordered by the physician/approved and supervised by the nurse
Assist the therapy personnel as needed with rehabilitative processes per the HHA POC
May cue for medications ordinarily self-administered as assigned
Taking and charting vital signs under the direction of a nurse or healthcare practitioner
Encourages patients to be as independent as possible according to the nursing care plan
Attempts to promote patient’s mental alertness through involvement in activities
Gives simple emotional support to patients and other members of the household
Establishes a relationship with patient and family which transmits trust and confidentiality
Prepares a report of visits on the day it is performed and incorporates same in the clinical record weekly or as directed
Reports any changes in the patient’s status or home situation immediately to the supervisor, staff nurse, or aide supervisor, including recognizing & reporting skin changes
Carries out assignments as instructed by the nurse/Therapist or and documents and reports when she is unable to do so
An active participant on the multidisciplinary team and QA Program
Works with personnel of other community agencies involved in the patient’s care as directed
Performs routine housekeeping tasks as related to a safe and comfortable environment for the patient, as instructed by the nurse
Attends in-service as required by state and federal regulation
Confirming on a weekly basis, the scheduling of visits with the Supervisor/Director, to coordinate necessary visits with other personnel
Notifying the Agency of absences due to illness, emergency leave, normal vacation periods, or special professional meetings, which will affect agreed service with the Agency
Wears the Agency’s name badge at all times when seeing Agency patients.
Other duties as assigned
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT TO BE OPERATED :
Vehicle to do routine patient visits, possible transfer/lifting devices, medical supplies
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Indoors, performing patient care/tasks in the patient’s residence
Travel to patient residences/meetings; will require transportation to get to various work sites
Possible exposure to communicable diseases
FUNCTIONAL ABILITIES
Able to access patient’s homes that may not be handicap accessible.
Able to hear, speak, understand and communicate effectively in English
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :
On a daily basis: walking, standing, sitting, reaching, use of telephone, use of computers & other office equipment, lifting/transferring 150 lbs or greater, bending, stooping, climbing stairs.
When duties/responsibilities change, the job description will be reviewed and
subject to changes of business necessity