Home Health Aide (HHA) Job Description
The hospice aide is a paraprofessional member of the interdisciplinary group who works under the supervision of a registered nurse and performs various services for a patient to meet the patient's personal needs and to promote comfort. The hospice aide is responsible for observing the patient, reporting these observations and documenting observations and care performed.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
1. Meets the training requirements of the State of California
2. Shows proof of registration on the Home Care Aide Registry through the Dept. of Social Services, Home Care Services Bureau, preferred
3. At least 18 years of age
4. Ability to ready and follow written instructions and document care given
5. Understands hospice philosophy, comfortable providing specialized care to terminally ill. Secure with issues of dying. Provides calm manner when in a patient's home. Has empathy for the needs of the ill, frail, injured, and impaired.
6. Is self-directing with ability to work with little direct supervision.
7. Possesses and maintains current CPR certification
8. Demonstrates tact, patience and good personal hygiene
9. Licensed driver with automobile that is insured in accordance with organization requirements and is in good working order
10. Possesses good organizational skills; demonstrates good oral and written communication skills
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities of the hospice aide include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Performing personal care needs after given a patient's assignment and attending to his/her requests promptly. If unable to perform a certain task, report to the Case Manager immediately.
2. Providing patient and family with positive communication techniques, within realm of ethical and respectful care, including confidentiality.
Meeting safety needs of patient and using equipment safely and properly (foot stools, side rails, O2 etc.)
3. Giving personal care including baths, back rubs, oral hygiene, shampoos and changing bed linen; Assisting in dressing and undressing patients; Planning and preparing nutritious meals, including shopping; Assisting in feeding the patient; Taking and recording oral, rectal and auxiliary temperatures, pulse, respiration and blood pressure when ordered with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency.
4. Providing proper care and observation of patient's skin to prevent breakdown of tissue over bony prominence.
5. Assessing and reporting on patient's condition and significant changes to the Case Manager. Also aware of the caregiver or other individuals living with the patient and interpersonal issues.
6. Assisting in ambulation and exercise as instructed by the hospice nurse or therapist. Provide normal range of motion and transfers/positioning as directed.
7. Assistance with self-administered medications as allowed by state regulations, such as “reminders.”
8. Offering and assisting with bedpans and urinals. Providing assistance as assigned with light laundry needs.
9. Providing respite for patient's/family/caregiver when on-site, as appropriate.
10. Keeping patient's living area clean and orderly, as assigned.
11. Adhering to the organization's documentation and care procedures and standards of personal and professional conduct.
12. Participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.
13. Respectful of patient and family/caregiver environment and patient's personal needs.