Home Health Aide

Home health aides provide assistance and medical care routinely at the home of the patient. They change bandages, dress wounds, apply topical medications, groom, bathe, and dress, patients. They also monitor and report health changes. They  periodically check patients temperature, pulse, and blood pressure. They assist patients getting in and out of bed, wheelchairs, and baths. They assist in household chores and offer companionship.

Average Salary: $35,000

Education: There is no standardized educational requirement. In some states, not even a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Other states offer preparation classes at vocational school or community colleges. Skills are taught on the job. Each client has unique needs, so HHAs may have to train for a few hours or several days, depending on the complexity of the case. Some employers, such as government-certified home care agencies, provide training classes and require employees to pass a test before starting their first assignment. They do not hold licenses but many employers prefer them to be certified. The certification process requires passing an exam after 75 hours of training and skills testing.

Reflection: I would not like to be a health care aide because it is a lot of responsibility and is more than medicine but a commitment to companionship.