Are you looking to get into home health care, but are unsure where to begin? Do you want to learn the basics but don’t have time to read books? Do you want to start but don’t have the right documentation or license? Do you want to start but don’t know anyone who works in this field?
A home health aide is a great entry-level career option for anyone looking to improve their health and well-being. You don’t have to have anyone in your family already working in this field to consider a career in-home health care.
You only need to be ready to work and willing to put in the necessary effort. Keep reading to find out how you can get started as a home health aide.
What Is Home Health Care?
Home health care is a part-time job in which a family member or friend helps with routine health or social care tasks such as moving, eating, bathing, dressing, and cleaning. Home health aide programs usually operate under a family member’s or friend’s name, and the aide works directly for the client. Home health care is often referred to as “housekeeping.”
The type of home health care that is best for you will depend on your health and the health of the people you’re caring for. If you’re an older adult who is in excellent health and has no medical conditions that require special care, you may wish to consider a home health aide program.
If you’re a child who is sick or the parent of a child who is sick, you may want to consider a home health aide program. If you’re someone who works with older adults or children, you may also want to consider a home health aide program.
What You Need To Know Before Becoming An Employee
The first step to becoming a home health aide is to find a job. There are several ways to do that, including:
- Volunteering for a shift at a nursing home or assisted living facility
- Doing some research on local home health agencies
- Reading job postings in various newspapers and online services
- Attending job fairs and visiting various agencies
Finally, you’ll need to apply. You can apply online or in person at any one of the more than 100 locations that have begun accepting applications for employment in-home health aide programs.
Hiring Home Health Aides
Depending on your wage rate and location, you may be able to hire yourself out as a home health aide. However, to work for an agency, you’ll need to get a license as a home health aide. To get a license as a home health aide, you’ll need to pass a rigorous process that includes taking an accredited training course, paying a fee, and getting your Hha certificate. Typically, this process takes about a year to complete and results in a state-issued license.
It’s important to note that hiring an employee doesn’t mean you have to hire someone who will work for minimum wage. You can always negotiate a lower rate or find a contract or job-share program that lets you share the workload with others.
