Certified Home Health Aides

Home Health Aide services may also be provided by a CNA, subject to the same supervision described below. If necessary, they may also be provided by an LPN or RN.

Provides personal care and related services in the home, under the direction, instruction, and supervision of the staff nurse and the Nurse Supervisor.

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.

Under no circumstances may an HHA be assigned to receive or reduce any intravenous procedures, or any other sterile or invasive procedures, other than rectal temperatures.

Follows the plan of care to provide safe, competent care to the client.

Helps the patient maintain good personal hygiene and assists in maintaining a healthful, safe environment.

Plans and prepares nutritious meals, markets, when instructed to do so by the nurse.

Assists the patient with ambulation, as ordered by the physician, and approved and supervised by the nurse.

Assists the therapy personnel, as needed, with rehabilitative processes.

Encourages the patient to become as independent as possible, according to the nursing care plan.

Attempts to promote the patient's mental alertness through involvement in activities of interest.

Gives simple emotional and psychological support to the patient and other members of the household, and establishes a relationship with the patient and family, which transmits trust and confidentiality.

Reports any change in the patient's mental or physical condition, or in the home situation, to the staff nurse or to the Aide supervisor.

Performs routine housekeeping tasks, as related to a safe and comfortable environment for the patient, as instructed by the professional nurse. 

Prepares a visit report promptly and incorporates the same in the clinical record weekly.

Confirms, on a weekly basis, the scheduling of visits so that other necessary visits by staff members can be coordinated.

Works with personnel of other community agencies involved in the patient's care, as directed by the nurse.

Attends in-service, as required by regulation.