Monitor the health status of an individual with disabilities or illness, and address their health-related needs, such as changing bandages, dressing wounds, or administering medication. Work is performed under the direction of offsite or intermittent onsite licensed nursing staff. Provide assistance with routine healthcare tasks or activities of daily living, such as feeding, bathing, toileting, or ambulation. May also help with tasks such as preparing meals, doing light housekeeping, and doing laundry depending on the patient's abilities.
SOC: 31-1121.00
Common Job Titles
Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA)
Certified Nurses Aide (CNA)
Home Care Aide
Home Health Aide (HHA)
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Hands-onPerform activities of daily living assistance including feeding, bathing, toileting, and ambulation in home settings for individuals with disabilities or illness, under direction of offsite or intermittent onsite licensed nursing staff.
Proficient
Hands-onPerform basic health-related procedures such as changing bandages, dressing wounds, and administering medication following established healthcare protocols with intermittent supervision from licensed nursing staff.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess health status indicators and vital signs of patients using monitoring equipment such as blood pressure cuffs and glucometers in home care environments.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate patient conditions and compliance with care plans, documenting observations and reporting changes to nursing supervisors independently.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate assistive devices and patient mobility equipment including walkers, wheelchairs, patient lifters, and gait belts, ensuring patient safety during transfers and ambulation.
Proficient
MindsetEngage with patients and their families to provide compassionate, patient-centered care while building trust and establishing therapeutic relationships in home settings.
Developing
MindsetListen to patient concerns, needs, and preferences, demonstrating social perceptiveness and active listening to support patient well-being.
Developing
KnowledgeApply time management and organizational strategies to coordinate patient care activities, balancing multiple responsibilities including meal preparation, light housekeeping, and healthcare tasks.
Developing
KnowledgeInterpret care instructions and medication schedules from nursing staff, using reading comprehension and critical thinking to implement care plans accurately.
Developing
MindsetRespect patient dignity, privacy, and autonomy while providing personal care and maintaining professional boundaries in intimate home care situations.
Developing
KnowledgeApply knowledge of public safety, infection control, and emergency procedures when responding to patient health emergencies and maintaining safe home environments.
Developing
Hands-onOperate specialized medical equipment including oxygen equipment, home care ventilators, and TENS units, following manufacturer guidelines and care protocols under nursing supervision.
Developing
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
English Language3.5/5
Psychology2.6/5
Public Safety and Security2.6/5
Administration and Management2.5/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
