Valuable Services Are Provided By A Qualified Certified Home Health Aide

By Audrey McGuire


A certified home health aide is an individual who offers medical care to injured or ill patients in their home environment. They provide basic care that is not intended to be a substitute for medical evaluation from a physician or other licensed practitioner. Over the past decade, the demand for such positions has increased substantially, which is a trend experts anticipate will continue until 2016.

The objective of the type of care mentioned above is to assist individuals to remain in their homes. This scenario is typically preferred by most patients when compared with relocating to a long-term care facility. This allows patients to maintain their independence, as the home health aides can help them to perform their daily living activities.

Certified aides are trained to perform a broad range of services. Some examples include taking the client's vital signs, administering oral medications, helping him or her with dressing and bathing, and assisting the person to ambulate or exercise. Depending on the state regulations in the area where the care is being given, some aides are also allowed to perform massages, change dressings, or operate ventilators.

The aforementioned individuals must perform their duties under the direct supervision of a doctor or licensed or registered nurse. They are not allowed to offer medical advice, or diagnose or treat diseases or conditions. However, if they notice anything unusual concerning the patient, they must report it to a doctor or nurse.

Due to the fact that many patients pay for such care with insurance, it is important for the aide to keep detailed records of the care provided. The agency then uses these records to bill the appropriate party. However, records are still kept on patients who pay for their care with their own money, as each individual must have a file with the health agency. These records are kept private for each patient and the latter are given copies of the care that was provided after each visit.

A written exam and 75 hours of field training is typically necessary in order for a person to become certified in this line of work. The skills learned include lifting techniques, a thorough understanding of every facet of personal care, and good communication skills so that one can work effectively with a network.

When looking for personal care for a homebound individual, whether the latter is ill or disabled, one must carefully select a health agency. Most establishments of this type are legitimate; however, anyone who will be coming into a person's dwelling should be carefully screened in advance. This can be accomplished by asking for licensing information on the company, and checking the background of each agency one is considering.

After a certified home health aide is chosen, the person and his or her loved ones should evaluate the employee's performance for 2 to 3 weeks after the regular visits have started. If the aide is performing his or her duties to the family and patient's satisfaction, long-term arrangements can be agreed upon. If not, it may be necessary for the client or his or her family to ask for a different individual. When the aforementioned steps are followed, finding the most suitable professional for the task should not be difficult.




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