A home health aide (HHA) provides caregiving services that allow patients to remain at home as opposed to being cared for in a medical facility. HHAs deliver basic caregiving services such as monitoring a patients' vital signs and medication schedule, preparing meals, personal grooming, light housekeeping, and companionship.
It can be a demanding job, and for that reason the turnover tends to be high. So why would you want to pursue such a career? Here are seven reasons this career may be right for you.
1. Job Growth
As baby boomers age, it is expected that more and more elderly will opt to "age in place," staying in their own homes, for as long as possible. This is driving demand for caregivers to deliver services in residential settings, assisted living environments, and adult day care programs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics rates the job outlook for home health aides as "excellent." In fact, it's the second-fastest growing occupation in the U.S. (following that of registered nurses).
2. Job Benefits
The job often comes with benefits such as paid vacation and sick time, medical insurance, disability insurance, and retirement programs. Benefits do vary by employer, however. Some employers offer only some of these benefits, others may offer no additional paid benefits but may provide access to employee-paid benefit programs.
3. Flexible Schedule
Home health aides perform duties that are required on a variety of schedules. This means you are frequently allowed the option for a flexible or non-traditional work schedule. For example, you may visit a client in their home daily, weekly, or on some other schedule. You could also choose to work overnight shifts for patients who require overnight monitoring. Home health aides can easily work part-time or full-time. This comes in handy if you are looking for work that allows you to accommodate childcare duties, continuing education, or if you have other commitments.
4. Employer Variety
Being a home health aide means you have different employment routes available to you based on your work preferences. HHAs are hired by home health agencies, assisted living facilities, adult day programs, nonprofit organizations, and private parties (families). You'll see a different level of benefits, support, and work environment based on the type of employer. Some caregivers prefer to be self-employed and do private-duty work so they have more control over their schedule and clients.
5. Gateway to Other Medical Professions
If you are considering a medical career, training to be a home health aide is a good entry point. This allows you to gain experience in the field, and even to continue working, while you pursue becoming a licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, or another profession in the medical field.
6. Local Opportunities
Typically there is sufficient demand in the local community that home health aides do not need to travel far for work, unless they so desire. If you would like to be able to easily relocate, the demand is such that you shouldn't have a problem doing so. However, training and certification requirements do vary from state to state so you will need to confirm you have the necessary training to meet local requirements.
7. Make a Difference
And, finally, but most importantly, this career allows you to do work that makes a supreme difference in the lives of the people you serve. If you are a caring person who values the opportunity to help people live their lives with dignity -- this is perhaps the greatest reason to become a home health aide.
As you can see there are some strong reasons to consider becoming a home health aide. Clearly, it will not be right for everyone, but if these seven reasons strike a chord with you, be sure to learn more about this growing health care occupation.
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