Job Summary
The Home Health Aide (HHA) provides compassionate, high-quality personal care and supportive services to clients in their homes. Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or designated supervisor, the Home Health Aide assists clients with activities of daily living (ADLs), promotes independence, ensures client safety, and contributes to maintaining a clean, healthy, and comfortable home environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Personal Care
- Assist clients with bathing, showering, grooming, and personal hygiene.
- Assist with dressing and undressing.
- Provide oral hygiene and denture care.
- Assist with toileting, continence care, and incontinence management.
- Assist with transfers, ambulation, positioning, and mobility.
- Help clients with eating and feeding when necessary.
- Assist with range-of-motion exercises as directed.
Health Monitoring
- Observe and report changes in the client's physical, emotional, or mental condition.
- Measure and document vital signs when permitted by state regulations and agency policy.
- Prompt or remind clients to take prescribed medications (when authorized).
- Immediately report emergencies, accidents, or unusual incidents to the supervising nurse or agency.
Homemaking Support
- Perform light housekeeping, including:
- Laundry
- Changing bed linens
- Vacuuming
- Sweeping and mopping
- Dusting
- Dishwashing
- Bathroom and kitchen cleaning
- Prepare nutritious meals according to dietary requirements.
- Assist with grocery shopping and essential errands.
Client Support
- Provide companionship and emotional support.
- Encourage independence while ensuring client safety.
- Accompany clients to medical appointments or community activities when authorized.
- Maintain respectful communication with clients and family members.
Documentation
- Complete accurate daily visit notes and required agency documentation.
- Record services provided according to agency policy.
- Maintain confidentiality of all client information in compliance with HIPAA and applicable privacy laws.
Safety Responsibilities
- Follow infection control procedures.
- Utilize proper body mechanics during lifting and transfers.
- Maintain a safe environment by identifying and reporting hazards.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
Qualifications
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Certification
- Current Home Health Aide (HHA) Certification meeting state requirements.
- CPR and First Aid certification preferred.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation (if travel is required).
Experience
- Previous home care, nursing assistant, or caregiving experience preferred.
- Experience working with elderly, disabled, or chronically ill individuals is an asset.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Compassionate, patient, and dependable.
- Ability to maintain client confidentiality.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Strong observation and reporting skills.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
- Basic documentation and computer/mobile app skills.
- Ability to safely lift, transfer, and assist clients according to agency policy.
Compliance Requirements
The Home Health Aide must comply with:
- Federal, state, and local regulations governing home care services.
- Agency policies and procedures.
- HIPAA privacy and confidentiality requirements.
- Infection prevention and control standards.
- OSHA workplace safety regulations.
Performance Expectations
- Provide safe, compassionate, and person-centered care.
- Arrive on time and maintain reliable attendance.
- Maintain professional appearance and conduct.
- Complete documentation accurately and promptly.
- Demonstrate respect for client rights, dignity, privacy, and cultural diversity.
- Communicate effectively with clients, families, and the interdisciplinary care team.