Being a home health aide (HHA) requires a lot of responsibility and dedication. As an HHA, you will be directly responsible for the well-being of your patients. Thus, it is essential to practice great care and caution while working in this field.
If you are considering becoming a home health aide, you must clearly understand what you should and shouldn’t be doing to provide the best possible care to your patients. This is because even a single error can cost you dearly.
So, to ensure you are ready for this job, we have created a list of five dos and don’ts that will help you become a successful home health aide.
Table of Contents
List of 5 dos for home health aides
In this section, we will have a closer look at the 5 most important things you should do while looking after your patients as their HHA.
1. Always ask if you have a question
When you start working with the patient, you will receive a detailed brief about their condition, medications, meal requirements, recommended recreational activities, and more.
However, as you continue working with them, you will naturally have more questions. In such a case, never hesitate to ask questions to the relevant person – be it the patient’s nurses or doctors or their family members.
Asking the right questions and clarifying your doubts will help you improve your work and deliver top-notch care to your patient.
2. Always stay professional
Being a responsible home health aide means knowing to maintain a professional demeanor at all times. This includes showing up on time, dressing according to your agency’s dress code, and communicating clearly with your clients and their families.
3. Always maintain accurate records
Having accurate records of all your patients is necessary for both legal and practical reasons. So, make sure to document each of your activities, including the medicines you administered, the meals you cooked, changes in your patient’s health, and more.
4. Stay up-to-date with your training and certifications
To continue excelling in your field, completing all the relevant training and certifications is essential. The home healthcare industry is constantly evolving. So staying up-to-date on the latest training and certifications will help you offer the best care to your patients and improve your job opportunities in the long run.
5. Take care of your finances as well
Most home health aides get paid on an hourly basis. This means you will have to plan your finances accordingly and save enough money for your necessities and financial emergencies.
Another excellent way to manage your finances and plan for future emergencies is by getting home health aide insurance. To find out more tips for starting a new job as a home health care, click here.
List of 5 don’ts for home health aides
Now that we have discussed the top 5 dos of being a home health aide, let’s have a look at the things you should avoid doing as an HHA.
1. Don’t overstep your professional boundaries
While it is important to maintain a friendly rapport with your patient, always ensure that you do not cross your professional boundaries. Avoid becoming too emotionally involved with your clients or their families as it can complicate matters.
Similarly, remember that you are not a doctor or a certified nurse. So, never perform any medical procedures or give advice beyond your professional training.
2. Never ignore the family caregivers
As a home health aide, you will often have to work closely with the family caregivers. So, make sure that you never ignore their concerns and suggestions. Be patient with them, listen to their questions, and communicate with them effectively.
3. Make sure to never smoke in your patient’s home
This is one of the most important things you should remember. Many of your patients can have lung disease or similar issues. So, smoking inside their house can cause shortness of breath or other difficulties for them.
4. Don’t ignore your personal hygiene
As a home health aide, it is critical for you to always maintain excellent personal hygiene. Trim your nails, always wear clean clothes, and avoid wearing perfume while working with your patients. Your patient can be sensitive to any strong smell and may feel uneasy when you are in close proximity to them.
5. Never ignore the necessary safety guidelines
Finally, if you are working with patients with mobility issues or cognitive impairments, following all the safety guidelines is important. It will help you minimize the risk of injury or other accidents.
Conclusion
These were our top 5 dos and don’ts for becoming a successful and responsible home health aide. By following this list, you will be able to offer excellent care to your patients and keep them safe and comfortable.
Plus, when it comes to home care Myrtle Beach SC, it’s essential to remember these dos and don’ts so as to become a successful home health aide.