Paraprofessional Health Institute

On-the-job Training

• Role of the Home Health Aide
  • Can explain the role and scope of work of the HHA when working as a member of the health care team
  • Can explain the role of the HHA in relation to the consumer/client receiving services
  • Dress appropriately, punctual, and observe agency policy regarding emergency absence from work
• Client Rights and Confidentiality
  • Respect the rights and observe the preference of the consumer/client in their own home
  • Demonstrate ways of protecting client’s privacy and promoting independence
  • Respect the confidentiality of client information and adheres to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and agency confidentiality guidelines
• Communication and Problem Solving Skills
  • Can explain the term “communication” including the difference between verbal and non-verbal communication
  • Demonstrate effective communication, including active listening
  • Demonstrate ability to resolve conflict
  • Demonstrate the use of effective problem-solving skills
  • Promptly notify supervisor related to clients needs, concerns and/or problems encountered
  • Serve as an advocate for the client and treats the client and his/her significant other with courtesy and respect
  • Provide report to designated staff according to procedure
• Personal Care Skills
  • Assist clients with bathing according to client preference and plan of care
  • Provide clients with bed baths according to proper procedure when indicated
  • Shampoo clients hair in bed when indicated
  • Assist clients with oral hygiene and care according to individual needs and plan of care
  • Assist clients with fingernail and toenail care
  • Shave clients using proper procedure
  • Turn clients in bed according to proper procedure
  • Provide clients with back rubs according to proper procedure
  • Assist clients with eating
  • Assist clients with dressing
  • Assist clients with the use of elastic support stockings
  • Make an occupied bed and/or unoccupied bed
  • Assist clients with toileting needs including demonstrating proper use of bedpan, urinals and/or commode
  • Provide pericare as indicated in plan of care
  • Assist clients with use of condom catheters and daily catheter care
  • Demonstrate proper lifting technique and use of lift equipment
  • Clean and ensure appropriate function and care of appliances such as glasses, hearing aides, prostheses and assists with application as indicated by plan of care
• Health Related Tasks
  • Accurately measure and record temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure
  • Collect routine urine, stool and sputum specimens according to proper procedures
  • Prepare and assist clients with complex modified diets
  • Assist clients with prescribed exercise programs, including walking, standing, etc.
  • Transfer and passive range of motion exercises
  • Assist clients with lung disease with postural drainage
  • Assist with the use of prescribed medical equipment, supplies and devices
  • Assist with special skin care to prevent decubitus ulcers; observes, records and reports skin conditions
  • Assist clients with ileostomy, colostomy, gastrostomy and tracheotomy care and observes, records and reports as appropriate
• In-Home and Nutritional Support
  • Assist with meal planning, food preparation and serving, food shopping, storage, and handling
  • Assist with the preparation of simple modified diets
  • Assist clients with family spending and budgeting
  • Assist clients with care of the home and personal belongings
  • Assist client with fluid intake, measures and records when indicated on plan of care
  • Assist and encourages clients to consume nutritional supplements/snacks as indicated on plan of care
• Infection Control
  • Demonstrate proper hand washing procedures
  • Apply the principles of infection control in all activities
  • Implement standard precautions as indicated
• Safety
  • Use proper body mechanics at all times and incorporate safe transfer and lifting techniques
  • Is knowledgeable about procedures in case of emergencies in the home
  • Check equipment before use and notifies supervisor of any problems identified
• Understanding the needs of various groups of clients
  • Can describe the special needs of physically disabled clients, and how to address those needs
  • Can describe the special needs of the aging clients and how to address those needs
  • Can describe the special needs of patients who are dying, assist their families, and address their needs
  • Can describe the special needs of patients who are cognitively impaired or mentally ill, and how to address those needs
  • Use knowledge of disease processes in understanding clients’ needs