**Job Summary:**
A Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA/CNA) provides essential personal care and assistance to patients who are receiving home health services. Working under the supervision of a registered nurse or therapist, the CHHA/CNA helps patients with activities of daily living, provides companionship, and supports their overall well-being while promoting independence and dignity.
**Responsibilities:**
1. **Personal Care Assistance:**
- Assist patients with bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting as needed, respecting their privacy and maintaining their dignity.
- Provide assistance with mobility, transfers, and ambulation to ensure patient safety and comfort.
- Help patients with feeding, meal preparation, and nutritional support as directed by the care plan.
2. **Vital Signs Monitoring:**
- Take and record vital signs such as temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure under the direction of a registered nurse or healthcare provider.
- Notify the supervising nurse of any significant changes in the patient's condition or vital signs.
3. **Medication Reminders:**
- Assist patients with medication reminders and administration as directed by the supervising nurse or healthcare provider.
- Ensure that medications are taken according to the prescribed schedule and dosage.
4. **Companionship and Emotional Support:**
- Provide companionship, socialization, and emotional support to patients, engaging in conversation, recreational activities, and leisure pursuits as appropriate.
- Listen attentively to patients' concerns, providing empathy, reassurance, and encouragement as needed.
5. **Assistance with Therapy Exercises:**
- Assist patients with prescribed exercises and rehabilitation activities as directed by physical therapists, occupational therapists, or other healthcare professionals.
- Encourage and motivate patients to participate in therapy sessions to maximize functional independence and mobility.
6. **Household Assistance:**
- Perform light housekeeping tasks such as tidying up patient's living areas, doing laundry, and changing bed linens to maintain a clean and safe environment.
- Assist with meal preparation, grocery shopping, and running errands as needed.
7. **Documentation and Reporting:**
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all patient care activities, including vital signs, personal care tasks, and observations, in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
- Communicate effectively with the supervising nurse and healthcare team members to report changes in the patient's condition or needs.
**Qualifications:**
High school diploma or equivalent.- Successful completion of a state-approved Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA) training program.
- Current certification as a Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA) in the state of practice.
- CPR certification (may be required in some states).
- Compassionate and caring demeanor with a genuine desire to help others.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to follow instructions and work effectively as part of a team.
- Reliable transportation and valid driver's license (if required for home visits).
**Working Conditions:**
Variable hours based on patient needs and scheduling requirements, including weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays.- Work settings may include patient homes, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, or hospice facilities.
- May involve exposure to challenging physical and emotional situations, including patients with terminal illnesses or cognitive impairments.