Then you just might make a great home health care aide. As the baby boomer generation ages and the elderly population continues to grow, demand for home health care aides is on the rise!
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this area is expected to grow by as much as 33% between 2020 and 2030, which is much faster than most occupations.
Today, many elderly clients and people with disabilities are looking for alternatives to nursing or hospital care.
Often, employing a home health aide can help people remain in their homes, providing care in a more comfortable environment. The need is growing and the demand for home health aides will likely continue to increase well into the next decade.
What Do Home Health Care Aides Do?
Home health care aides provide care to ill, injured, disabled, and impaired individuals who are often older adults.
They typically assist clients with a variety of common daily tasks, including:
- Personal care – bathing, grooming, and dressing
- Housekeeping – washing dishes, vacuuming, and laundry
- Grocery shopping and meal preparation tailored to specific client dietary needs
- Ensuring clients are engaged in their social networks and communities, planning schedules and transportation to activities and medical appointments.
Home health care aides may provide additional services as needed.
Where Do Home Health Care Aides Work?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that home health care aides held 3,470,700 jobs in 2020.
While most home health aides work in the client’s home, employment is also available in a variety of other settings. Small group homes, larger care centers, hospice, and day service programs use these types of aides.
How Much Money Do Home Health Care Aides Make?
Jobs can be full-time or part-time, and aides may work with one or many clients throughout the day depending on their employer.
Evening and weekend hours are sometimes required, based on the needs of the client. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median income for home health care aides was just over $27,000 per year in 2020.
How Do You Become a Home Health Care Aide?
Although not always required, home health care aides often hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
Employer-provided on-the-job training is common. The training can teach aides about cooking for special dietary needs, housekeeping, and basic safety and emergency response techniques among other things.
Formal training is also available for those wishing to work under the supervision of a medical professional.
Home Health Aide Qualifications & Schooling
Depending on the type of work you wish to perform or the place you want to work, there may be different qualifications or training that is required.
Some home health aide jobs simply require a high school diploma and on-the-job training, while others may require more advanced training such as a college degree or other licensing or certifications.
Currently, each state has its own requirements regarding certification. The requirements can vary widely by state, so it is important to check with the state in which you wish to work for the most up-to-date information.
To learn more about any licensing and certification requirements in your state, be sure to contact your Board of Nursing.
They’ll have more detailed information about whether you need certification and what state-approved programs are available.
As previously mentioned, many home health aide jobs do not require an advanced degree, but having one can boost your chances of landing your ideal position. Getting a degree could also open up opportunities for management roles within home health agencies.
While getting a degree is a good option, it’s also important to keep in mind that these programs are more expensive than others. Before choosing any program, be sure to consider your goals for your career.
If you want to focus on one-to-one care, you may not need a high-level degree. However, if you want to be an executive health care professional managing a home care agency, a degree is likely necessary.
Start Your Career as a Home Health Care Aide Today
If you’re unsure of what type of schooling and work might be your best fit in the home health area of work, a fundamental health care aide training course like the one with Stratford Career Institute may be a great place to start.
The course includes everything from medical terminology to all the facets of home health work as well as employment strategies and more.
Enroll today!
This educational program is an introductory course designed to help students gain the knowledge necessary for the vocational application of this subject. Completion of this program does not fulfill the legal requirements of particular state licenses or certifications, which may require additional training or apprenticeships.
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Start your career by learning about being a home health care aide. Enroll in our online course today!