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What Are the Qualifications for a Home Health Care Aide?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
The qualifications for a home health care aide include a high school diploma or GED, along with on-the-job training in the necessary care skills. Some states require a license or certification for home health aides, which often mandates a background check, knowledge test or completion of a formal education program.
What Does a Home Health Care Aide Do?
A home health care aide does various tasks depending on the senior’s needs. They assist clients with activities of daily living such as dressing and bathing and provide opportunities for social interaction. Home health aides go grocery shopping and prepare meals based on the senior’s dietary needs.
Home health aides also coordinate medical appointments and sometimes accompany the client to the visit or provide transportation. Many aides help with household tasks such as laundry and cleaning.
Does Medicare Cover Home Health Aide Services?
Medicare covers part-time home health aide services if you need this type of assistance and can’t leave your home because of an illness, injury or health issue. The agency defines part-time care as up to eight hours a day and no more than 28 hours a week. It can’t include household assistance such as cleaning and shopping unless ordered by your doctor.
To qualify for home health aide services, a physician must certify that you need this type of care. You must hire an aide from a Medicare-approved home health agency, and you can only receive this type of care if you also qualify for home skilled nursing care.