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Pathway: Information & Support Services
Job: Home Health Aide
Job Description
Home health aides help elderly, convalescent, or disabled persons who need more extensive care than family or friends can provide and who live in their own homes instead of in a health facility. Under the direction of nursing or medical staff, they may provide a variety of health-related services.
Necessary Education
No formal education is required.
Helpful High School Courses
Health, English, Mathematics
Working Conditions
- May work a standard 40-hour week, although some may work nights, weekends and holidays
- Generally work alone with detailed instructions
- Work has high physical and emotional demands
Salary Range
- 2003, Delaware average annual salary,
$20,430
- 2003, Delaware average hourly wage,
$9.82
Career Ladder Information
- Modest entry requirements
- Typically receive slight pay increases with experience and responsibility
- A physical examination, including state regulated tests such as tuberculosis, may be required
- The National Association for Home Care offers a voluntary national certification demonstrating that the home health aide has met industry standards
- Opportunities for advancement are limited and generally require additional formal training
Personal Qualities and Interests
You:
- Are tactful, patient, dependable and healthy
- Have a desire to help people
- Are able to work as part of a team
- Have good communication skills
- Are willing to perform repetitive, routine tasks
Did you know?
- The Federal Government has enacted guidelines for home health aides, whose employers receive reimbursement from Medicare, to pass a competency test covering 12 areas. A home health aide may take training (which may be offered by the employing agency) before taking the competency test.
Additional Information
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