Responsibilities of a Home Health Aid
Home health aids help those who are elderly, disabled or chronically ill. The home health aid allows these patients live in their own homes or in an assisted living facility for a much longer time. Aids can work with a number of clients in one day or focus on only one patient at a time. A chronically ill or elderly patient may require the assistance of a home health aid for extended periods.
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Housekeeping Duties
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A home health aid is responsible for cleaning and housekeeping duties in the home of the client. These duties can include cleaning, laundry, cooking, and shopping for clients who are unable to perform these duties on their own. Home health workers also run errands for clients and assist in the day-to-day tasks of running a household.
Assist Clients
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Clients may need help getting out of bed or caring for their hygiene. Home health aids assist clients getting dressed, bathing, and caring for basic needs. The aid also helps clients and families of patients deal with nutritional needs. Home health aids offer clients support in all aspects of their daily lives. A home health worker also provides emotional and psychological support for clients. Home health aids provide more than just housekeeping duties for patients. The worker also serves as a companion and helps keep the patient's spirits lifted during the illness or condition. The companionship and emotional support from the home health aid is an important part of recovery.
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Health Duties
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A home health worker also performs health-related duties when working with clients. These duties include administering medications, monitoring pulse rate and respiration, changing bandages and dressings, and assisting with medical equipment in the home. The home health worker provides assistance for physical therapy exercises and artificial limbs. Home health aids accompany patients to doctor's appointments and assist the patient in getting around outside the home. The worker is required to keep records of the patient's condition and treatment for the doctor and medical supervisor. The observations of the home health aid are a vital part of a patient's treatment plan.
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References
- Photo Credit Young doctor in a laboratory image by Andrejs Pidjass from Fotolia.com
