Home Health Aides enable individuals, who might otherwise be institutionalized, to remain in their own homes where they are happiest and most comfortable.  Home Health Aides provide in-home care for the terminally ill, those recovering from illnesses, the elderly and frail, and the physically and mentally disabled.

Home Health Aides provide much of the care provided by nurses in health care facilities.  They conduct routine check-ups of vital signs, administer medications, change dressings,  help with bathing and grooming, feed and clean, and transport patients to appointments.  They may also help with basic exercises, change bedding, do some simple housekeeping, and take patients for walks or to do errands.  Aides work under the supervision of nurses, doctors, or other medical professionals.  This is a position ideal for both males and females.

Home Health Aides work with people of all ages, from all walks of life.  Aides must be in good health, and strong enough to lift and transfer as required.  They must be hard-working, reliable, and able to work independently.  Home Health  Aides must be good listeners, cheerful, compassionate, non-judgmental, and able to follow exactly any instructions given by physicians or other medical personnel.  They must be able to pass a medical exam and be checked for tuberculosis.  The work done by Aides is demanding, and may be stressful, but it is also personally rewarding as through their efforts patients who might otherwise be condemned to life in an institution, can enjoy a life of relative comfort, and companionship.

Home Health aides usually work a forty hour week.  Some weekend, holiday, and evening or night work may be required.  Aides may work for the same individual for many years or may be involved with several different patients, even more than one per day.  Work is on an in-demand, ongoing basis.

In some areas, a High School Certificate may not be necessary to work as a Home Health Aide.  However, the more education you have, the easier it will be to find employment.  Some formal training is essential to be able to do all that is required of Home Health Aides.  If in High School, enroll in any courses available in first aide, health care, or science.  Some volunteer experience in a hospital, seniors home, or other health care facility will give valuable insight into the type of work done by Home Health Aides.

There are training courses available for Home Health Aides in Vocational Schools and some Colleges.  These courses cover such topics as nutrition, anatomy, and first aide.  Some agencies prefer to do their own training or provide additional specific training once you are hired.  Some states may require licensing or certification so investigate fully to understand what is required in the area where you choose to work.

The demand for skilled and qualified Home Health Aides is increasing due to an aging population and the realization that people remain healthiest where they are happiest, which means in their own homes.

To find out about employment opportunities and requirements for Home Health Aides in your area, contact your local Hospital, or any Health Care Facility.

This is an extremely demanding position, both mentally and physically.  It is also highly rewarding for those who are interested in assisting those in need.