A home health aide (HHA) is a professional caregiver that cares for patients in their homes. They typically work under the supervision or a nurse or other healthcare provider. HHA job duties are diverse and can include:
- shopping for groceries and making meals.
- helping patients bathe and dress.
- doing chores like laundry, washing dishes, or vacuuming.
- scheduling doctor’s visits.
- providing transportation to appointments and outings.
Because home health aides often work with people who are disabled, recovering from surgery, or chronically ill, they may also give patients medication, check vital signs, or perform other basic medical tasks.
If this sounds like a good fit for you, check out these 5 benefits of being a home health aide:
1. Experience
If you’re just starting out in the healthcare field, this can be a great way to gain entry-level experience. Many higher-level healthcare programs – like nursing school or nurse practitioner school – favor applicants who’ve already worked in healthcare. If you’re planning on pursuing a career in medicine, starting as a home health aide is a smart move.
2. Job stability
Home health aides are in high demand, and it’s only getting better. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of home health aides is expected to grow 33 percent from 2020 to 2030 – which is far higher than the average across all occupations. If you decide to become an HHA, you can be certain you’ll never be out of work.
3. Flexibility
A major perk for HHAs is the ability to choose your own schedule. Different patients have different care requirements, so whether you’re looking for a daytime gig, an overnight shift, or something in-between, you’ll likely be able to find a job that fits your schedule.
4. Professional development
While home health aides are usually supervised by a nurse, it’s not unusual for them to work alone. Working independently can help you grow professionally since you’ll have to get confident managing patients on your own. (Keep in mind, you’re never actually alone – if an emergency happens or you need help, your employer is always just a phone call away.)
5. Patient relationships
Many HHAs report developing close, long-lasting relationships with their patients. And it makes sense; caring for someone in the privacy of their home requires trust and vulnerability. For many healthcare employees, forming these connections with patients is the best part of their job.
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